Depressed economy leads to depression-era tactics
Women from the Cabrini-Green neighborhood gather to listen to the plans of the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign.
Go into many neighborhoods in Chicago, and you’ll have trouble convincing anyone that this economic downturn is a recession. With some neighborhoods facing 20 percent and higher unemployment, depression is the word. And some communities are turning to tactics used in the depression to fight back against rising joblessness, evictions, crime and disorder.
Think the eviction blockades proposed by Chicago’s new Anti-Eviction campaign are something new? Not so, said Joe Perry, a longtime Cabrini organizer, who gave a little history lesson to the residents gathered last week to plan a campaign in their community. Take a listen:
In the spirit of fighting back, the Kimbark Tenants Association, supported by renters and housing activists from across the city, will be protesting Thursday at City Hall on the horrible conditions they say they live in. The protesters are targeting Leon Finney Jr., head of the Woodlawn Organization in Chicago, calling for changes to be made in their buildings. They will meet 12:30 p.m at 121 N. LaSalle Street on the 2nd floor.
Do you think these depression-era tactics can work in our modern world?
I’ll admit, I’m skeptical. But then I was reminded by the residents themselves of that famous Margaret Mead quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
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I think any group that gets together with a well thought out plan can make a change. It however truly goes back to a prior article of yours about the preconceived notions about public housing. The Gentleman in the video is using scare tactics and showing an amazing lack of sense as well as ignorance of the law. He would better serve these folks by informing these folks of their rights, instructing them to keep on top of their rent, (rent I believe is as little as 30 percent of income in some cases 75 bucks a month) and directing them to agencies that can be of help to them should they need it. Protesting and exposing the plight of public housing is an excellent start. It has to be backed up with education of basic rights and more importantly tenant responsibilities. This Gentleman is directing these folks to break the law after eviction, when he should be teaching how to avoid eviction.
I’m going to stop by more often Megan. Your work gives me little snapshots of Chicago and the state of America
I was in a WPA-made post office yesterday in New Mexico. If I have to listen to Obama drone on one more time about how he’s going to create jobs — how? when? — I’ll throw a chair.
It’s time for the revival of the WPA and CCC. How come it’s not happening and no one’s demanding it? Are we all now so focused on the coporate savior?
[...] the action, Megan Cottrell expressed skepticism about its impact. She has been rooting for the right side of the tenants’ rights actions [...]