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‘Sharknado 4’: Needlessly Confusing Protest?

Protesters think Wasserman Schultz has a career in the Sharknadoverse. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters think Wasserman Schultz has a career in the Sharknadoverse. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Protesters outside the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday brought out shark costumes and movie posters for a fake “Sharknado” sequel to heckle DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz  

About 50 protestors for Debt Trap, a campaign of National People’s Action, the Alliance for a Just Society and U.S. Action, rallied to criticize the Florida Democrat for not supporting legislation by Rep. Dennis A. Ross, R-Fla., that alters parts of the Truth in Lending Act.  

Left unclear was why the protesters thought Wasserman Schultz, a member of the minority party in the House who has little say in how legislation moves, was so important to their efforts.  “Debt trap Debbie, time to go, we don’t want your toxic loans,” they chanted. People wore shark-head hats, as well as held “Sharknado 4” posters with the congresswoman’s image and the tagline: “Prepare to be Payday Loan Shark Prey;” big, inflatable sharks, and giant cut-out posters of a shark holding hands with Wasserman Schultz.  

The group also had a 12,000-signature letter they hoped to give to Wasserman Schultz’s office, according to Candice Byrd of National People’s Action.  

“This is actually a personal fight for me. I have been a victim of the debt-trap cycle and to my knowledge, there has been some activity that keeps predatory problems going for a lot longer than anticipated,” Byrd told HOH.  

Ross’ bill would amend the Truth in Lending Act, which requires lenders to provide loan cost information, and hamper the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s efforts to police predatory lending.  

HOH reached out to “Sharknado” auteur Anthony C. Ferrante about how he felt about his film being used for actual political purposes. He didn’t get back to us. Perhaps any upcoming “Sharknado” installments will have stars Ian Ziering and Tara Reid tackling the bankruptcy code!


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