May 11 2012
Homeowners, Activists Protest Outside Clooney’s Obama Fundraiser
While deep-pocketed Hollywood big-wigs rubbed elbows with President Obama yesterday inside actor George Clooney’s Studio City mansion, a group of protestors outside demanded more protection for the average homeowner. The Campaign for a Fair Settlement called on the President to prevent homeowners at risk of foreclosure from being evicted by increasing pressure on mortgage lenders to reduce their principle amounts owed and to modify mortgages. The Campaign for a Fair Settlement, which organized the protest, called California “Ground Zero” in the political fight over foreclosure. This time last year California was the state with the second highest foreclosure rate, second only to Nevada. Foreclosures have slowed some, but advocates warn tens of thousands of homeowners remain underwater and at risk. In February of this year 160,000 homes were being foreclosed on.
The President has officially begun his reelection campaign, triggering an outpouring of support and opposition. His announcement on Wednesday that his position on same sex marriage has evolved, and he now openly supports it, was widely viewed as a calculated campaign tactic. It may have boosted support in left-leaning California. Yesterday’s fundraiser raised $12 million dollars through a combination of tens-of-thousands of small contributions made as part of a sweepstakes to win a seat at the star-studded event, while Hollywood industry big shots paid $40,000 a plate each. Meanwhile, grassroots groups that may ultimately support Democrats will be protesting at campaign events throughout election season. Occupy Wall Street groups and other grassroots organizations are planning on turning-out crowds at next weekend’s NATO summit, and at the Democratic National Convention in September. The Campaign for a Fair Settlement has vowed to dog the President until they see a change in his housing policy.
Uprising correspondent Kevin Walker was on the scene of yesterday’s protest near the Clooney home in Studio City. He filed this report.
One Response to “Homeowners, Activists Protest Outside Clooney’s Obama Fundraiser”
Gee, where is the Occupy Movment about the one percent who are paid enormous sums of stupid money to recite lines. They are invited to the White House at tax payers expense and make jokes about the rest of us. (Billy Crystal at the Oscars laughing about the economy and” how it must hurt us to see millionaires give one another statues” )
Why not close down Rodeo Drive and Studio City?