Who are the 99 percent?

To the Editor:

Why is it that most people when they speak of the 99% refer to Them and They? Why is it that so many of us don’t see ourselves as having any connection to what the Occupy groups are describing as problems?

The literal definition of the 1% is those people who have an annual income of $340,000, and the rest of us are “the 99%.” If so many of us are in this group, why do so few of us identify as such?

Do you make $340,000 a year?

Do you or anyone in your family have educational debts? Do you work hard, follow the rules, and still not make ends meet? Do you have a job but still struggle to buy food? Earn too little to afford health insurance but too much to qualify for medical assistance?

Have you put off going to the doctor even though you have insurance because you can’t afford the deductible and coinsurance? Are you able to find treatment for mental health issues or substance abuse problems? Did your 401K or pension fund lose money in 2008 and is just now getting back to the level it was?

Did you have to postpone retirement or go back to work because your pension was no longer there or was not enough for you to live on? Have you had to walk away from your mortgage or is the value of your house worth less than what you owe?

Are you being asked to work more hours and do more so your boss or company won’t have to hire more people? Did you get a raise for doing that? Can you afford your medicine? Are you going hungry - are your children?

But it isn’t “just the way things are.” It isn’t that “you can’t fight City Hall.” It isn’t that “my vote doesn’t count.” It isn’t “what can one person do.”

If any of Us answered yes, then We are or have been victims of the greed of the 1%. I am, You are, We are the 99%. They may have the money and seem to have the power, but we have numbers.

We have the power of the masses. Think about it, talk about it, share with others. We can make a difference...We are the 99%.

Karen Turino

Otisfield

Member of Occupy Oxford Hills