15 Minutes of Fact With Jerry Ashton

I spent the last two days with Jerry Ashton in lower Manhattan at OWS. He's been spending a lot of time there, and has gotten to know a number of amazing protesters. He interviewed me a week before I headed to DC to discuss my work on OWS and its relationship to student loan debt. Check out that interview here.

Jerry was generous enough to treat me to two wonderful lunches in lower Manhattan, and also patiently waited for me this morning while I was interviewed by a TV station. Stay tuned for my next interview with Jerry as well as my TV interview with Cablevision of Long Island.

It has been a productive, busy, and emotionally moving trip to both D.C. and New York City. I was amazed by what I saw in lower Manhattan. I can't say I was surprised by what I saw, but I was definitely in awe of what these young people have already accomplished and what they plan to accomplish. They aren't just there. They are occupying across this entire nation and outside of the U.S., and that gives me so much hope. (They are showing the hypocrisy of our leaders, and that's what we need to see; it's a good dose of reality medicine that reveals just how ridiculous things have gotten here). I salute all of the protesters. As I told a young man today, named Jake, "you are great patriots. Keep up the good work. You all make me very proud." He smiled, thanked me for my work, and gave me a hug. A few minutes later, I was headed back to the West side to pick up my belongings at my friend's apartment and leave town. How's that for a lovely send off from lower Manhattan?

Support an organization that lobbies Congress on behalf of the indentured educated class. Donate today.

I am writing this from a bus that is taking me back to D.C., and I already can't wait to get back to lower Manhattan. I have been invited to give a talk in February in NYC, and I will definitely be heading back down to Zuccotti Park then.

On a closing note, here's some hypocrisy for you (this is a MUST watch):




Appreciate well-researched, cutting edge analysis about the student lending crisis? Donate today and support All Education Matters and its efforts to help student loan debtors.