Irony at Occupy Wall Street

[digidigido]

I went to the rally today, and was blown away by the energy inside the park. I saw Matt Taibi there and I haven't felt like that since the 60's.
The thing that got me the most though, was directly across from Zuccotti Park where the protestors are is a huge plaque paying tribute
to Harry Helmsley. For those that don't know him, Harry was a real estate developer and hotel owner who did indeed do a lot of building
in NYC. However, he was also indicted for tax evasion and married to Leona Helmsley. For those who don't get the reference, Leona was famous
for a quote after she was convicted of tax evasion. "We don't pay taxes, the little people pay taxes". Harry would probably have been convicted too,
but he had had a stroke and was determined unfit to stand trial.

[dkf]

1. I'm surprised her accountants and lawyers were that sloppy.

God knows there are enough legal exemptions to drive a truck through

[calimary]

2. Ah yes. "Only the little people pay taxes."

Oh man, I remember that. People were PISSED! The public found that one awfully hard to swallow. She was a MOST unsympathetic character.

[digidigido]

3. And of course the wonderful quote of FDR in a letter to Col. House

The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element in the larger centers has owned the Government ever since the days of Andrew Jackson . . . . The country is going through a repetition of Jackson's fight with the Bank of the United States -- only on a far bigger and broader basis. . . .

Take care of yourself and do write me soon."

Always sincerely, Franklin D Roosevelt."

[stellanoir]

4. If memory serves. . .

didn't Leona bequeathe a pile of her money to her dog. . .?

I love animals but yikes.

She must of been so loved.

[krispos42]

5. Wasn't it ONLY her dog? n/t

[alittlelark]

6. The dog 'Trouble' died Dec. 2010 (12 yrs old)

I understand providing for pets upon death (I've done so)... but her story is kinda crazy.




http://abcnews.go.com/US/leona-helmsleys-dog-trouble-richest-world-dies-12/story?id=13810168

The richest lapdog in the world -- a little white Maltese named Trouble -- died at the age of 12 in her final days in luxury, every need tended to around the clock, in Sarasota, Fla.

But she did leave millions for her brother, Alvin Rosenthal. He was initially responsible for caring for Trouble. The other two grandchildren were spared her final wrath and left $5 million each, provided they visit their father's grave at least once a year.

But when her brother refused to care for the dog after Helmsley's death, Trouble was flown by private jet to Florida.

The will also stipulated that when the Maltese went to the big kennel in the sky, she would lie beside her in the 12,000-square-foot Helmsley family mausoleum in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Westchester County, N.Y.

The dirt-hating Helmsley ordered that the mausoleum be "washed or steam-cleaned at least once a year," for which she left $3 million.

:crazy: :silly: :crazy: