Occupy Bank of America

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The Occupy LA movement staged protests at banks throughout Los Angeles today.
Over 200 men, women and children protested outside of Bank of America in Downtown Los Angeles.

After being removed from City Hall last November, the Occupy LA movement has launched a series of protests to stay in the spotlight. Today featured what occupiers called a "flash protest" targeting Bank of America branches all across the Los Angeles area before gathering downtown.

A diverse group of Angelinos displayed picket signs in both English and Spanish to fight unemployment. One occupier, who would only identify himself as Homer, says he protests on a regular basis.

"How does being here help you find a job? a reporter asked. ”"Well…it’s not helping me," Homer laughed.

Bank of America has become a popular target for the occupy movement because according to today's Occupy LA media release, Bank of America received $230 million in federal bailouts. But instead of investing in local communities to fight unemployment, protesters say the bank overpays its executives and failed to pay federal taxes in 2009 and 2010.

"I heard all these banks are getting bailed out but they’re not paying their fair share of taxes," said Kelly Ellis, a protester.

Another protester wearing a 99% bandanna said "people built this country not the banks."
Occupiers are confident that these protests will change the bank's behavior.

"They see if more people are caring about these issues, they might say 'You know what? Let’s do something about it.'You know, just be fair and pay what they have to pay," said Jacqueline Peralta, an employee of Good Jobs LA

As to the accusations of federal tax evasion, B of A said in the past it did not owe taxes because it suffered a loss in 2010.