Sent to you by jcase via Google Reader: Protesters demand GE pay its
taxes via Articles » peoplesworld by April Smith on 4/25/12

DETROIT - Chanting "GE, pay your taxes," several thousand rallied in
downtown Detroit this morning, the site of the GE annual shareholders
meeting.

Participants arrived in buses from around Michigan and as far away as
Chicago, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

People expressed disgust at the fact that GE not only hasn't paid
taxes, but got a reimbursement from the federal government. Retired
teacher Nancy Grady of Troy, Mich., said GE should pay their share so
workers aren't continually squeezed to try to balance the federal
deficit.

Mark Mittelback came on a bus from Kalamazoo, Mich., with a contingent
from Michigan Organizing Project (MOP), a faith-based social justice
organization. "Social programs are being cut because there's not enough
money. GE's not paying its fair share," he said.

In a "Citizens for Tax Justice" report, GE was referred to as "a
long-time champion tax avoider."

Linda Ewing of the United Auto Workers said, "We're outraged that
corporations aren't paying taxes while 99% are dealing with falling
income and cuts."

Bay City, Mich., SEIU member Sandy Westfall is a home health care
worker. She said she was there because "we always have to fight for
workers' rights. It's not fair. They should pay their taxes."

With Occupy members and a broad section from many unions, the crowd was
lively and disciplined. There were chants on this beautiful sunny
morning next to the Detroit River, as the marchers converged on the
Marriott Hotel, where the meeting was taking place: "How do we fix the
deficit? Tax, tax, tax the rich!"

Peace activists note that GE is a major defense contractor as well, and
needs to put more investment in renewable energy.

Photo: Jackie Dick/PW

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