Plutocrats and Paupers: Showdown in Chicago

By aaroncynic in News on Oct 23, 2009 6:20PM

On Sunday, The American Bankers Association begins a four day long convention that hopes to “rebuild our future, community by community.” The conference features a who’s who of financial celebrities including FDIC Chair Sheila C Blair along with conservative political columnist George Will and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. With plenty of power breakfasts, optional tours and fancy receptions, this year’s $1600+ convention is a must attend for anyone interested in hobnobbing with bailout beneficiaries.

In case you’ve missed out on the past year of financial news, bankers and Wall Street fat cats aren’t exactly in the public’s good books. A group called Showdown In Chicago, whose vast alliance includes the AFL-CIO, SEIU Illinois, Michael Moore and a litany of other community groups nationwide will converge at the Hyatt for a counter-conference from the 25th to the 27th. The Showdown will culminate in a march and rally at the Sheraton Hotel on Tuesday at 11:00am.

So, if you’re one of the millions of unemployed or underemployed Americans who want to ask a financial wizard how exactly to put food on the table in a “jobless economic recovery” or if you’re a financial wizard looking to capitalize on our fiscal meltdown, show up for the Showdown. The Huffington Post promises it to be a “which side are you on moment” while CEO of Levick Strategic Communications Richard S. Levick, Esq will help to “rebuild your bank’s image.” Next week, if you've got beef with banks, the Showdown in Chicago is the place to be.