Business

Occupy Wall Street Protesters Target Obama ‘Jobs Czar’ and GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt

Occupy Wall Street Protesters Target Obama Jobs Czar and GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt

Protesters bring their Occupy Wall Street message to General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt's Connecticut home Saturday. (Photo credit: The Connecticut Post)

Occupy Wall Street protesters vented their frustrations in front of General Electric CEO and White House “jobs czar” Jeffrey Immelt’s tony Connecticut home Saturday, the Connecticut Post reported.

Nearly 80 protesters gathered in front of Immelt’s front lawn to chant anti-corporate slogans, having been bussed in from Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park. They were joined by local labor unions and protesters from other nearby Occupy demonstrations.

“In the land of the free they tax me but not G.E.!” an invitation to the “field trip” read. “General Electric made billions last year; they paid no taxes, outsourced thousands of jobs, and got over $3 billion in tax refunds! Join us on a FREE bus-trip to G.E’s CEO’s front lawn to see how our friends in the 1% live.”

Earlier this week, The Blaze reported that Immelt said he sympathized with the Occupy protesters.

“Unemployment is 9.1 percent. Underemployment is much higher than that, particularly among young people that don’t have a college degree,” Immelt said. “It is natural to assume that people are angry, and I think we have to be empathetic and understand that people are not feeling great.”

Occupy Wall Street Protesters Target Obama Jobs Czar and GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt

Connecticut Working Families Party

The New Canaan Patch reported protesters chanted, “No jobs, no peace! No jobs, no peace!” in front of Immelt’s $5.25 million home.

“It’s time that corporate titans like Jeff Immelt know how tough it is for those of us without multi-million dollar bonuses,” said Jon Green, executive director of the Connecticut Working Families Party, which helped organize the protest. “Immelt needs to understand how eliminating thousands of jobs and not paying taxes is hurting ordinary Americans.”

Protesters said they didn’t even know whether Immelt was home, but said they wanted to make their voices heard.

“It’s not the kind of home where you can just look in the window and see if the TV is on,” Green said.

GE spokesman Andrew Williams hit back at the protesters’ claims about eliminating jobs.

“The protesters certainly have a right to share their opinion, but they don’t have a right to their own set of facts,” he told Forbes. “The fact is that GE is investing in America. Since 2009 alone, GE has announced more than 10,000 new U.S. manufacturing jobs and this week, GE announced that it will build its 16th new factory in the U.S. since 2009.”

Comments (164)

  • TRILO
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:54pm

    These protestors are nothing more than useful idiots who are being used as pawns. As a member of the 53% who pay more than their fair share in taxes I personally protest GE and do not buy any of their products.

    Report Post » TRILO  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:07pm

      I think this was all staged to take the heat off Iment and the Czars. It will go away quickly and the OWS crowd can always say that they opposed the administration.

      Either that or we are finally seeing an awakening that will end in a OWS civil war…All I can say to that is YEA!!!! A house divide against itself cannot stand…i read that somewhere I think LOL

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:12pm

      IT’s about time! You can be left and not totally stupid I guess ?

      Report Post »  
    • RLTW
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:19pm

      I for one don’t like or trust dirty hippies, in the case of this protest it looks more like there just getting around to covering there hypocrisy.

      Report Post »  
    • designbyinspiration
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 7:06pm

      Ya know, I just watched the old ‘Conan the barbarian’ with Aaaahnold. The Thulsa Doom’s useless i d i o t s did yoga, wove flowers around their necks, chanted and beat drums.. All the senseless words said were equivalent to that coming from the fleabaggers.. Snake worshippers in our plane of reality?? Just sayin’.

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:39pm

      TRILO, if you are protesting GE and boycotting their products then because they aren’t paying any taxes then you agree with the OWS movement. They are on your side and have your back.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • The10thAmendment
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:59pm

      I finally figured out what exactly the 99% represents! 99% no brains.

      Report Post » The10thAmendment  
    • mr molotov cocktail
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:02pm

      the 53 percent take more money then they put in ding-bat thats why we are in debt…
      roads police nice neighborhoods cost more then the middle-class or rich put in…. you just want your entitlements…
      f-everyone else….. thats why occupy wallstreet will come put a anti style gadaffi-revolution on both the rich and middle-class war on the streets is coming!
      Dollar for dollar the middle-class get more in services then they put in…..
      Fact~!

      Report Post » mr molotov cocktail  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:47pm

      Hey JZS,

      Truthfully, I would prefer that those filthy, marxist occupiers stay a safe distance from my “back”

      And in case you were not aware, corporations do not actually pay taxes. They just collect them from you and I by way of more costly goods and services, and forward them on to their ultimate destination, where they promptly vanish. They are just glorified, unpaid tax collectors that in turn, get demonized by politicians and the ignorant sheeple for being greedy, evil, capitalistic entities.

      But of course we both know that you are aware of this.

      How you coming with my list?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 12:15am

      I wonder if anyone bothered to tell the protesters how tight Obama and Immelt are?

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 12:41am

      It sounds like someone or I should say some people are there with the purpose of educating and redirecting some of these folks in OWS.Are the big wigs supporting this getting a taste of their own medicine? Lol…!

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • Salamander
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 12:54am

      Just wait until you cannot buy light bulbs on January 1, unless they are made by GE!

      Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 2:41am

      Why has it taken them THIS long to find out about G.E.?? And who can they look directly to on this one? Obama. But why is it Obama is shielded completely from this movement? SOROS.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • ccfonten
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 12:26pm

      Neither do I.

      Report Post » ccfonten  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 7:23pm

      @JZS

      The OWS movement has a lot of support and muscle to cover their backs. I guess buy “having you back” you meant support from Iran, Hamas, the Nazi Party, and Hugo Chavez? You are aware that they all support OWS right?

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
  • mickie4
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:53pm

    Definately staged……provided bus and signs.

    Report Post »  
  • cemerius
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:51pm

    WOW! Finally some direction of anger that is on target!!

    Report Post » cemerius  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:42pm

      Maybe they will get around to setting up tents on the white house lawn. Would there be a change in the odor of the place?

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
    • eaglenva
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 12:24am

      @Welcome

      Nope it won’t.

      III

      Report Post » eaglenva  
  • GulfPeg
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:39pm

    Ha, ha, Obama! You have protected the CEO of GE, letting GE pay NO taxes. What comes round, goes around! This is boomeranging!

    Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:35pm

    Who cares who they target? They don’t even care who they target! Most of the protesters are just too lazy to work. Offer one of them a job and they would scatter
    Ike fruit flies out of a garbage can!

    Report Post » ares338  
    • RLTW
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:37pm

      They don’t get the fact that once they get all the 1% wealth it will only last about a year, by then the 53% will be required to pay 100% of the tax burden. Of course by that time socialism will have made everyone poor.

      Report Post »  
    • randy57
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:50pm

      You people realize that socialism is a political term with definable characteristics, not just a synonym for stuff you don’t like?

      Report Post » randy57  
    • lovemynation
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 12:55pm

      Many quit jobs to go protest, they are being paid more @$11.44 hr. to protest than work, just like those collecting their “free” checks in the mail at no cost, sweat or effort from them. Me, I find it disingenuous to see the protesters eating Dunkin’ Donuts, sipping on a Starbucks and playing their iPods, iPads and laptops. It seems the only part of capitalism they dislike is the part not in their pockets. Kinda like Osama Bama not liking the fact that all of our money isn’t sitting in his personal slush fund to spend on what he chooses to be worst for the nation. And like alot of the protesters, as long as it’s someone else who loses, and not them, it’s fine. But we all saw how they reacted when they started losing stuff as the theives targeted them, didn’t we?

      Report Post »  
  • tbarr4
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:34pm

    They need to go the White House and Protest the real crook! Then to the homes of Barney Frank, Pelosi, and Reed!!

    Report Post »  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:32pm

    About time realistic , educated people who know what is going on came to show up, crony capitalism is the problem…and Obama heades up the board on this issue.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:54pm

      There are some things that we do agree on, it is just not handeled in the same way.

      Report Post » pamela kay  
  • barber2
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:29pm

    Gosh another branch of The Working Families Party arises ! We heard from the New York branch just the other day at OWS. The WFP organization was founded in 1998 with strong ties to ” labor unions, ACORN, and other community organizations.” And with funds donated t by SEIU. Just part of the Far Left organizations which are strangling American capitalism. Surprised ? Oh, and the WFP endorsed Obama in 2008. Surprised ? 1998. Know what was going on then ?

    Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:48pm

      1998 ? Oh, yes the impeachment of President Clinton and the formation of MoveOn ! Far Left revenge ! Surprised ? That’s when the Far Left wealthy, like Soros, formed all of those Far Left groups – like the WFP – who have been twisting our political system , ruining our economy, and strangling our capitalist system ever since ! Taken them a while to accomplish the mess we are in today…

      Report Post »  
    • smokinghot75
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 1:17am

      1998: Also Clinton singing a bill to allow banks and investment firms to merge and loosen lending practices to allow the forcing of the lending to low income people into homes. Also, the law firm that BO belonged (including BO himself) was suing on behalf of ACORN to force banks to give home mortgage loans to people who could not afford them was settled in 1998. Can anyone say orchestrated housing and economic crash to gain power?

      Report Post »  
  • cassandra
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:24pm

    no jobs for kids that didn’t go to college because of no constrution , manufacturing and skill trades available thanks to EPA , unions, and taxes driving cost of doing business in this country, the democrates have ruin our economy How saul alinski of them hillary clintons hero

    Report Post »  
  • A Conservatarian
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:21pm

    Wait wait, more sparks of insight, ohhhhh momma! It‘s time for Occupy the Fed my fellow ’Mericans.

    Report Post » A Conservatarian  
    • A Conservatarian
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:29pm

      I mean the Reserve, not the guvmnt. Yes the more I think about this idea the more I’m certain each reserve branch and heck the Treasury Dept too, needs it’s own little tea party occupy movement hanging out on its doorsteps. My mind is drooling at this idea and it should be spread, once it catches on I do think it’ll turn into a wildfire far surpassing the OWS.

      Report Post » A Conservatarian  
    • A Conservatarian
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:36pm

      And it shall be named O F R lol, anyone else liking this idea? It has me giddy :)

      Report Post » A Conservatarian  
    • republitarian
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:48pm

      What up, bro? I tried to use “conservatarian” too, but it was taken by someone who never posts. So I ended up with “republitarian”. Fitting since I’m a registered Republican not a Conservative.

      How could we possibly disagree? Well, I don’t think we should model our tactics after theirs.

      Report Post » republitarian  
    • A Conservatarian
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:54pm

      Welcome fellow ‘Tarian. I would’ve picked Classical Liberal but someone beat me to that punch, plain old Individual was taken and Anti-Federalist is too esoteric as most people think the Federalists are long gone, au-contraire mon ami, they’re still around and much more powerful today on both sides of the aisle. My own views are more libertarian than republican (rep now encompasses liberal, centrist, statist and conservative) with an old school, hard core, constitutional bend. The only thing between conservatives and libertarians is the religious side which gets into censorship (no bueno, ever, as saying censorship is necessary is equivocal to the dems argument that guns kill people – knowledge is not evil just as guns aren’t)/abortion(should be legal entirely in rape and incest cases and it’s not a federal affair, it has nothing to do with interstate commerce)/drug law differences (there should be no law that legislates morality, we inform gov’t of what is moral, not the other way around). Both LibT‘s and ConsT’s want small gov and laws freeing up international trade. Most other ideas are agreed upon, cept most conservatives and reps think libT’s are pie in the sky, hoping for the best types. Well, success is grounded in rational freedom not restrictions placed on freedom: don’t clip the wings of liberty. Anyhow, I‘m sure I’ll see you around bud!

      Report Post » A Conservatarian  
    • republitarian
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 1:19am

      Yeah, we’re on the same ideological page. Twenty years ago I was a starry eyed young Libertarian until I realized that by their very nature, they could not organize a picnic. Maybe that’s changing now. I‘m hoping that a coalition of Constitutionalists can dominate the Republican party and actually bring this country back to it’s roots.

      Report Post » republitarian  
  • FreeCanada
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:19pm

    Crony capitalism as the Tea Party pointed out is definitely the problem. It is a form of tyranny in itself. It has in recent years deligitimized what true “Free Market Laisse Faire Capitalism” is all about. If more of the OWS protestors would direct their cause in the right places such as this perhaps their could be a coming together.

    The methods of the OWS to acheive that end is where I find fault. They are destructive anarchists where as the Tea Party protests were constructive and peaceful.

    Report Post » FreeCanada  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:11pm

      It is not crony capitalism…It is crony SOCIALISM. Nothing wrong with capitalism, plenty wrong with socialism. If a company gets help through government intervention it voids the right to call itself capitalistic and instead slides down the s@ithole of socialism…

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Burns
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:50pm

      FREE I agree
      The Tea Party stands for smaller government and less spending.
      And maybe soon, a Balanced Budget Amendment.

      Report Post » Bill Burns  
  • mazakman
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:18pm

    This is the first time I have heard of anything that makes any sense from these protests.

    Report Post » mazakman  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:25pm

      Ditto

      Report Post »  
    • Consentiondum
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 7:35pm

      Allow me to play devil’s advocate. Media bias goes both ways… I’m sure some of them have been making some sense the whole time.

      Report Post »  
    • Salamander
      Posted on October 24, 2011 at 12:56am

      Yes, if they protest enough different things, they will eventually protest something that we agree with–and therein lies the danger! Even a stopped clock is right, twice a day!

      Report Post »  
  • quicker
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:17pm

    They ought to realize that most every company they are protesting give more to dems than repubs.Wallstreet is filled with libs and GE big Obama suporters.

    Report Post » quicker  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:14pm

    Look at what the article clearly states:

    A. Targeting the ‘job czar’ of Mr Obama.
    B. The people were BUSSED IN for the protest.

    Most likely scenario:

    A. The ‘incident’ is a staged event, designed to draw pressure away from the socialist progressive masters and Congress/Admin support of the protesters.

    B. Obama can declare “See we are being targeted as well.”

    C. Stage is being set for Van Jones to be portrayed as a ‘peacemaker” who will come in and we shall see all become ‘calm and orderly’ while the message is made loud via the media “we are all the same dont’ you understand…”

    Wild Card:

    A. Someone does something stupid and violence erupts.

    Either way, the administration will use the matter to their advantages; and with the blackout ‘test’ of the Nov 9, 2011 for the radio/tv/cable EAS, it would be the ideal time for the system to automatically have a ‘defect’ that shuts everything down and Mr Obama makes his move.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • quicker
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:20pm

      You do make a good point Snow.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • steveh931
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:22pm

      To many posters in the picture that I don’t agree with that would make me think this was staged.

      Report Post » steveh931  
    • Joshua7
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:41pm

      You do have a good point. If this was about crony capitalism, and these people belived in actual capitalism, they never would’ve protested at his home, anyway. They would’ve protested at congress or the white house and maybe a government office-but no, they the class warfare rout.

      I do not trust these people.

      Report Post » Joshua7  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:53pm

      Good post. Watching the other hand.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • jens63
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:59pm

      That was my first thought when reading the headline, I am so untrusting…..

      Report Post »  
  • War_Vet
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:13pm

    Well .. now they did it! Being critical of King O’s preferred corporation? Wonder how long before Bloomberg has his goons @ Zucotti Park give em a beat down? lol

    Report Post » War_Vet  
    • barber2
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:33pm

      Good point . When the Useful Idiots are no longer useful to the White House, you will see a change in tactics. Hidden, as usual, behind some other non-transparent moves.

      Report Post »  
  • phillipwgirard
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:09pm

    they are censoring all my posts, i’ve not said anything profane or wrong. whats going on blaze

    Report Post » phillipwgirard  
    • quicker
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:13pm

      Sometimes it takes a while to post.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • steveh931
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:19pm

      PHILLIPWGARARD,

      Keep trying, I’ve had trouble getting some of mine through today, you’re not alone.

      Report Post » steveh931  
  • britlynz
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:08pm

    Sow to the wind, reap the whirl wind. This administration and it’s cronies have cashed in on and amplified the discontent in this country. Like fools they have put ammunition in the gun that will ultimately be pointed back at them.

    God have mercy on us all.

    Report Post »  
  • steveh931
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:07pm

    Did I just see an element of light flicker before my very eyes, don’t forget C.F.L.’s are imported from China and are harmful to the environment due to mercury in every lamp.

    Report Post » steveh931  
  • majorsco
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:06pm

    The protesters are starting to get the right targets. They’re still missing the four main targets, Obama, Geithner, Dodd, and Frank as the ones who damaged and continue to damage the economy the most as well as actively preventing the recovery from happening. Obama wants the crisis to continue because it makes more people dependant on government handouts which makes them democratic party beneficiaries.

    Report Post »  
    • A Conservatarian
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:15pm

      Don’t forget Bernanke :) And yes, seeing this article too made me think there may just be some protesters down there that are finally rising out of the primordial ooze.

      Report Post » A Conservatarian  
    • Drakkhanlord
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:23pm

      Pelosi and Reid …

      Pelosi wass the one who help change Hawaii’s Candidate Eligibility form from Constitutionally Qualified , to Legally Qualified…

      Search and see…

      Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
  • staggerlee32
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:06pm

    What they need to do is protest in D.C.

    Report Post » staggerlee32  
    • tron824
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 7:56pm

      They should, but thats the hand that feeds them. They cling to that Obama money, aka actual tax payer money not his own, with a kung-fu grip.

      Report Post »  
  • staggerlee32
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:05pm

    They are trying to pull in more TEA party people. Not that they aren’t 100% correct.

    Report Post » staggerlee32  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:27pm

      We can hold own protests. Protests without racism like theirs.

      Report Post »  
  • Berbel73
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:04pm

    HA, the liberal progressive thought that they could use and control these people. They are finding out now that they were WRONG! Now Reap what you sow!

    Report Post »  
  • capitalismrocks
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:04pm

    Obama, Pelosi and the whole left is going to regret empowering these people and encouraging them…

    The monster you create will grow to resent you, grow stronger then you and in the end, it will turn on you….

    This is EXACTLY what the Occupiers will now do, they will go after Obama, Pelosi, the Hollywood Elite, the Sports Elite… anyone and everyone… no one will be immune from them…

    In a sense, I’m very happy to see these people finally going after the REAL culprits, but at the same time, their whole “movement” has more to do with bowels then common sense…

    Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • staggerlee32
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:09pm

      Yeah but that’s what brings on marshal law and by then they will have tested their shut down of all media and communications and they will know how well it works.

      Report Post » staggerlee32  
    • A Conservatarian
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:18pm

      You know what I’m thinking, OWS should be coopted (again) but by the tea party/conservatives/libertarians. Mmmmmhm, just say you’re part of OWS and start protesting in front of any liberal institution, Soros’ company office (if he has any in the states or his house? Ooooo damn I like this idea!!) or any where else you’d like!

      Report Post » A Conservatarian  
    • Unix
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:42pm

      Hey Cap – you took my label – OWS Bowel Movement. I demand royalties – that is capitalism yes, haha! But seriously, your dead on!

      Report Post » Unix  
    • RLTW
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:51pm

      A CON
      Yea, but where do you go to but dirty clothes and ignorance so we can blend in?

      Report Post »  
    • A Conservatarian
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 7:36pm

      I’m thinkin old painting clothes… roll around in the dirt for a while and don’t take a shower for a week; that should be a good start to catch up to ‘em.

      Report Post » A Conservatarian  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:04pm

    They want the booty of the rich.
    The professors must not know the age in which they live. The word of the Lord to Zephaniah.
    The Book of Zephaniah 1:12, 1:13
    And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil.
    13 Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them: and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.

    Now if I’m not mistaken, there are thousands upon thousands of new houses across the nation which can not be lived in. And if I’m not mistaken, there are entire cities in China which are not inhabited.

    Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:11pm

      Just so you understand these things in this modern age, that because of world currency, these things will affect the entire world.

      Report Post »  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 4:56pm

    Looks like somebody plugged in their GE coffemaker and finally started to smell the coffee…
    Now when are they going wake up and smell the scent of an obama,,,,

    Report Post »  

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