Mérida Declaration in Support of Occupied Wall Street (OWS)
Adopted by the Board of Mesoamérica Foundation
The Board of Mesoamérica Foundation,
Reaffirming the dignity of the human being, Reaffirming its strong commitment to the rights of every human being,
Recognizing the legitimate complaints of protestors throughout the world,
Recognizing that a result of the economic policies of the past few decades has been the emergence of inequitable income distribution throughout the world,
Recognizing also that the protections implemented during the Great Depression of 1929-1939 have been removed improperly,
Expressing concern over the economic situation that threatens the stability of the human family,
Urging the appropriate authorities that, as a first step, they acknowledge the challenges faced by the middle classes of various countries,
Commending the wide range of activities of protestors in New York, and throughout the world,
Welcoming the commitment of protestors to the international community to carry out reforms peacefully,
Acting in solidarity with the rights of human beings affirmed by Governments throughout the world and by international bodies and with the purpose of renewing the social contract:
1. Recognizes the primordial responsibility of Governments regarding the stabilization of national economies, welcomes the recognition that economic inequalities threaten the well-being of the middle classes throughout the world,
2. Demands that the protections afforded by the Banking Act of 1933 in the US, known as “Glass-Steagall Act” be restored
3. Requests the repeal of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-203 §627) in order to defend the integrity of the Glass-Steagall Act
4. Strongly condemns the foreclosures of homes, demanding a moratorium on all foreclosures of homes for a period starting December 15, 2011 to May 14, 2012
5. Requests a suspension of all payments for student loans for a period starting December 15, 2011 until December 14, 2012
6. Requests the implementation of a progressive consumption tax on individuals whose income exceed one million US dollars annually in order to implement a just income redistribution program
7. Appeals to all Governments to decriminalize the possession of drugs based on the model implemented in Portugal
8. Appeals to all Governments and international and non-governmental organizations to support an embargo on the export of weapons by private individuals from the U.S. to Latin America and Africa
9. Appeals to all Governments to support the legalization of migration and immigration of any person seeking employment
10. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
18 November 2011
Mérida, Yucatán
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