One Bad Apple

Hey, US Uncut brothers and sisters!

iHate tax cheats, don’t you?

As America discovered this past Saturday, it only takes one bad Apple to spur fun, creative actions in cities across the USA against tax cheats.

We also learned that while Apple refused to comment directly to our protest or respond to numerous inquiries from the press, they did manage to have plenty of barrel-chested, muscle-bound security guards at their stores waiting for us to show up. But that certainly didn’t deter US Uncut from getting our point across! Here are some highlights from our most recent national day of action, from coast to coast-

-The Apple action in Madison, Wisconsin was 50+ strong and got some local media coverage, to boot. This is what Democracy looks like!

-US Uncut DC rocked out with an awesome dance-in protest at their Apple store, to the tune of a parody song called “When Are You Gonna Outlaw Tax Dodging,” (composed by Jaime and Erin of US Uncut NYC) which sounds a lot like a song Apple used to promote the iPod. The incredulous reactions in the video linked above, of both Apple employees and customers alike, are absolutely priceless. Here are some choice lyrics from Jaime’s Apple protest song:

“1, 2, 3,

take my hand and come with me

’cause i’ve got a li’l plan

save us billions in the end

yeah, i’ve got a little plan

fill our pockets to the brim

4, 5, 6,

go on, call accountants

cause they don’t need our money

when we’re bailed out with theirs, do ya honey…”

…And according to Uncutter Brian, a restaurant owner from across the street saw the whole thing go down, and offered all of the protesters a free meal and a beer, saying it was the least he could do for anyone willing to stand up to these corporations not paying their fair share. Props to you, restuarant owner! More DC pics and video to come.

-In Boston, Uncutters Chris, Chuck and the rest of their ragtag crew, clad in blue Apple shirts no less, caused some ruckus at their local Apple store before getting thrown out by police. Then they continued their action outside and let their fellow Bostonians know about Apple’s plan to rook them out of $4 billion. Love the iPhone, hate the tax cheat!

-It was a rainy day in California, but US Uncut Monterey was After getting their message across to passers by on the street, Uncutters went with signs, yelling “I pay, you pay, why doesn’t Apple pay?”

-Rain didn’t deter in San Francisco, who showed up with several complete with alternative Apple slogans. Even managed to come out on a rainy Summer day and dance against tax cheats, to the tune of “ABC” by the Jackson Five! The lyrics were a little different, though-

“ABC… 123… Apple’s cheatin’ you and me, now!”

-In Chicago, Uncutter Dorothy, a few friends, and a banner that proclaimed “iTax Cheat” were seen by thousands of people at Apple’s flagship store in the Windy City. The Apple employees reportedly moved all of their customers to another side of the store when they faced the banner toward the store windows. iPay. uPay. Why doesn’t Apple pay?

US Uncut is a grassroots movement taking direct action against corporate tax cheats and unnecessary and unfair public service cuts across the U.S. Washington’s proposed budget for the coming year sends a clear message: The wrath of budget cuts will fall upon the shoulders of hard-working Americans. That’s unacceptable.

Read more at U.S. Uncut