Attended a gathering with some of the 1% last night at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts

louslobbs

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Wed Nov-09-11 04:00 PM
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Attended a gathering with some of the 1% last night at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts

and Sciences Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. This reception was in honor of a man named Vin Scully, who is better known as "The Voice Of The Dodgers," and was hosted by Russell Goldsmith, Chairman and CEO of City National Bank.

I only attended this gathering because Russell's dad, Bram, asked me to and I happen to love the old guy a lot. I'm not a big sports fan, but I do like tennis, and not being a big sports fan, I didn't know who Vin Scully was and had to google his name to find out.

Anyway, the reason for the thread is this, while mingling at the reception before the program, I was able to hear and partake in, several conversations about our 99% movement and I was pretty happy to find out that many of those attending were not only talking about it, but seem to be getting it.

I heard comments like, "you can only push people so far" and "the system has been rigged against the majority and it needs to change." One wealthy sports figure, matter of fact-ly stated, "I have enough for 50 life times, I don't need anymore tax cuts and the big corporations don't need them either, anymore than they need government welfare subsidies." Wow, and he said it so everyone in ear shot could hear it too.

Several people were discussing how to get the corporate influence and their lobbyists out of our government, and on more than 5 occasions, I heard the name Koch brothers used in very unflattering terms. Two well known actors shared their disgust with the Republicans and Democrats taking money from wall street and other corporations, and a super star singer, who I happen to love love love, said that her son had attended several occupy protests and she was very proud of that.

During a brief one on one with the host, I asked Russell Goldsmith right out, "how do you feel about the Occupy movement?" and he replied, "It's about time." He went on to say, "I'm on the side of the people, without them, no one could have the kind of successes that I have been able to attain....I couldn't have gotten where I am today all by myself, without the support of the people, no one can." He added, "put me in the, tax me more, Warren Buffet category." I laughed, he patted me on the back and I jokingly said, "can I quote you on that?" and he replied, "you know how I feel about being quoted, if you fear it being quoted, don't say it." Yep, I feel the same way.

Russell is a really nice guy, he's a Democrat and he never gives the impression that he thinks he is better than others. He treats people like he wants to be treated and is very approachable, I have always liked and respected the man, he is CEO of an organization that is solid because of the people it employs.

My partner and I do all of our banking and have all of our investments with their wealth management people because of how they treat their employees, and obviously, how they treat their clients. I think we're in good company, as many producers, directors, entertainment executives and big named talent trust their money and investments with City National as well.

It's nice to feel as important as any other person banking with City National Bank and it's nice to know the CEO is a decent and fair man who is on the side of the people. We like a smaller bank where they don't nickle and dime their customers, and their people treat you like they care, because they do, and I am one of those who firmly believes, that comes from the top down.

Just before the reception was about to end, I was introduced to Vin Scully, a very sweet man who was busy making his rounds taking pictures with those at the gathering, I'm not big on having my picture taken, so I casually moved to the side and mingled a while longer until the program began.

I guess what occurred for me at this gathering was, that some of those at the "top," have always gotten it, some are just starting to get it, and as we know, some will never get it...... but, I was cautiously encouraged.

Of course, it's always nice to know, that at many of the functions I attend, the majority of the people there are Democrats or Independents. But, as you know, in any group of 600 people, you are going to have your spoilers. Thankfully, I didn't meet or hear any of those windbags last night.

I guess I just wanted to let you all know, that many at this function were 1%ers talking about Occupy and the 99% movement, it seems to be happening everywhere I go lately, and I believe that's a really good thing for the future of our country, where I have always wished for a less politically motivated, and more people oriented America.

Lou