I was one of 11 people who held a vigil in front of The Bank of America, Point Dume branch on May 9, in solidarity with thousands of people across the country at over 200 branches of Bank of America and the banks shareholders meeting in Charlotte, South Carolina. Although our event was peaceful and mostly educational (fact sheets were handed out) the manager locked the doors and did not admit customers until 3:30 in the afternoon. Certainly not business as usual!
As the economy declined, Bank of America made millions in profits by not paying any Federal Taxes and even though bailed out ($45 billion) with taxpayers funds, Bank of America was the number one bank in foreclosing on homes.
Bank of America is the #1 funder of the United States coal industry which is a danger to the environment and our health. B of A’s leadership needs to transition away from dirty and outdated energy towards renewable energy.
Bank of America is one of the largest financiers of Nuclear Weapons, investing hundreds of millions of dollars every year in weapons of mass destruction. Obviously, I can think of more life affirming projects that could use funding that would enhance our lives and the lives of our children.
Bank of America’s CEO Brian Moynihan had salary/bonus of over $8,000,000 last year while over 35,000 employees were laid off.
I have watched Malibu have wonderful “cash mob” events supporting our local small and independent businesses. I would love to see us have a “cash mob” event at Bank of America but withdraw our money in opposition of a company that finances businesses in order to make a profit without regard for the impacts on people and the planet.
Valerie Sklarevsky