Rebuild America March Though Downtown Detroit Tour

[Lowell]

On the Anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech a coalition of union and progressive groups sponsored a memorial march. Follow along with the estimated 8000 marchers as they wind their way from the staging point at the Veteran's Memorial Building, past Cobo Hall and up Washington Boulevard to Grand Circus Park.



The march also somewhat doubled as an unofficial kick-off of the fall election campaign season.


Martin Luther King HS Band

The diversity of the march was striking. Here members of ACCESS form up. Co-founder and current Director of the Michigan Department of Human Service Ishmael Ahmed stands at the right.






Streaming past the abandoned Free Press Building.



St. Aloysius.












The restored Cadillac Hotel.





The Stage at Grand Circus Park. In the background are the abandoned Broderick and Whitney buildings.


New UAW President Bob King rallies the audience with his son by his side.




Jesse Jackson asks if anyone has a friend or family member in search of a job.




Democratic Gubernatorial candidates Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence. To the left can be seen US Congressman John Dingell, Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Jocelyn Benson, candidate for Michigan Secretary of State. Notable absentees were current Democrat Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Carl Levin and Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, who lost to Bernero in the primary.


Sometimes simple hand-made signs have more power than microphones and giant printed banners.


Why didn't the large event receive wide coverage? The explosion of new media and current state of upheaval of media in old media, symbolized by this sad sight that can be seen through the front windows of the abandoned Detroit Free Press Building, might offer a hint.

[DetroitDad]

What do you guys think about that poster that reads "live simply, so others can simply live"?

[gnome]

Why didn't the large event receive wide coverage?

Because news should be new. Not tired old same meaninglessness. Union and progressive types marching? You know what else didn't make the news? Pigeons pooping, fish swimming and air airing.

You want to be covered by the news, do something new. This group could have gone to Riverside park and dismantled Matty Maroun's fences, but that might have embarrassed his buddy Virg. It could have gone to Catherine Ferguson Academy and help clean the surrounding neighborhood, but that might have offended Jesse's baby momma.

I'm at a loss. Maybe someone else can think of something new for the union and progressives to do. Beside create a job for someone else of course.

[sumas]

Seems to me there is a song, "whats old is new again".

Sorry I did not know about this event. The message remains important.

[ja!mz]

It will make news, check the World Socialist website in the next few days, it will be on page 1.

[ja!mz]

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Thousands line up for food, school supplies in Detroit

By a WSWS reporting team
13 September 2010


A section of the queue outside the church on the west side of Detroit
Several thousand people lined up at a church on the west side of Detroit Saturday to get free bags of groceries and school supplies. Parents with small children, retirees and hundreds of low-income workers from the city and surrounding suburbs started lining up at 8 a.m. for the event that started at 11 a.m. The queue circled around the city block.

In scenes reminiscent of the food lines of the 1930s, small children and their parents carried away boxes with potatoes, canned goods and other items.

Little boy with surplus potatoes
Detroit, which has been devastated by decades of factory closings and layoffs, has a real unemployment rate of 50 percent. Officially, one out of every three residents lives below the poverty level, with the real level of social misery far higher.

Pastor Spencer Ellis, whose church has been sponsoring this event since 2007, said it was disheartening to see the Brightmoor section of Detroit, once a stable working class area, so distressed. The church has been running a monthly food bank for the last 18 months and has seen the need grow from 60 to 200 families.
Erica works, who with the church, told the WSWS that social need has increased dramatically over the past few years. “When we held the first distribution three years ago, we served about 700 people,” she said. “Last year 1,000 turned out. This year we served at least 1,500,” she said.
“It is a sign of the times,” Erica said. “People are in real need. Some of your average or median income families are also out here today. It’s not just homeless or unemployed residents.”
At the food distribution line, Gleaners Community Food Bank was providing families with one jar of peanut butter, a bag of carrots, and a bag of ham hocks.
In addition, the drastic cuts in federal and state funding for education have forced parents to buy basic school supplies that schools should be providing.
Carmen Adams, an events planner and volunteer, said 1,000 children would receive a backpack filled with paper, pencils, glue and other supplies. She said, “The number of people here is definitely higher than last year with unemployment higher. All these people are lined up and it’s only noon.”

Chanira Roundtree and children Aniya, Lemar and Shemar
Chanira Roundtree was on line with her small children. She said, “Obama isn’t doing anything to help people out of work. He’s for the rich. I was on line at a store the other day and someone asked why I was using food coupons. I told them because the rich are on coupons and they get everything from us.”

Residents also spoke about the fires that swept through city neighborhoods last week. More than 85 structures were destroyed or severely damaged, throwing dozens of working class families into the streets. The fires were chiefly the responsibility of DTE Energy, which has failed to maintain its power infrastructure and ignored repeated calls about dangerous transformers and power lines, prior to the outbreak of the blazes.
Commenting on the recent fires in Detroit, Chanira said, “So many houses were lost because DTE doesn’t care.
“People are losing their jobs and the economy is bad, but DTE still cuts people off of their lights and gas. People died last winter because they were trying to do anything to keep their kids warm after DTE cut them off. You know what DTE stands for? ‘Death To Everyone.’ They know people are struggling and what they are doing is murder.”
A home health care provider and her unemployed husband were also on line. He said, “Years ago people moved up from the South to work in the auto industry and get a better life. Now they’re moving back. I was working at a temporary agency and they laid me off. There are no jobs. I went down South looking for work and people are hurting there too. They’re laying off and the wages are very low. I figured I would come back to Detroit because I know people here and maybe I could hustle up some work.”

Shannon Drouillard, her brother Roger, and children Cody, Alex and Mary Jo
A single mother, Shannon Drouillard, was on line with her brother Roger and her small children. The family is from Livonia, a nearby suburb. She said, “I was put off work because I needed surgery. But the kids need food and supplies for school. I’m a single mom and I go to college. I’m lucky my family gave us money for school clothes. But we have to get other supplies.”

Her brother added, “I just spent $500 on textbooks for my college courses.”
Commenting on the recent fires, Shannon said, “It’s terrible all those families losing their homes. It’s BS that DTE cuts families off of gas and heat in the winter, even families with small children. It’s hard to pay those high bills. If my children need food I’m going to pay for them to eat before I pay utility bills. That’s why they shut me off.”
Felicia, a city Department of Transportation employee, was waiting in line for school supplies for her grandchildren. She told the WSWS that she had been under considerable financial hardship due to utility bills. “I had a $2,000 bill over the winter, partly because my daughter and her children were living with me. But I paid on it consistently. Last month I had paid it down to $500, and then they sent me a shutoff notice.” She said, “I received the bill this week, dated for September 1. They said I had until September 9.”
Felicia went to DTE, where she was sent to their case management division. “I asked, ‘why are you trying to shut me off? I am paying my bill.’ They said, ‘It doesn’t matter if you are trying to pay—you have to pay your whole bill.’” Felicia told the WSWS she was told to seek money from social services if she wanted any help.
Felicia also commented on the lack of upkeep of power lines and tree limbs on the part of DTE, which led to last week’s fires. “I live over by Redford High School, which was closed down three years ago,” she said. “There are trees along that street that fall down all the time; large limbs come down with every storm. There was a limb that fell into my yard that was too large for me to budge. I called everywhere, but it was treated as my own problem. It sat there for six weeks, until I had some help to move it to an old lot. They treat fallen trees as none of their concern.”

[ja!mz]

Detroit is 50% of WSWS news every week, the are several stories on the recent fires as well

[bartock]

What do you guys think about that poster that reads "live simply, so others can simply live"?

I think Ghandi was a living saint, if you believe in that sort of thing.

[oldredfordette]

Because news should be new. Not tired old same meaninglessness. Union and progressive types marching? You know what else didn't make the news? Pigeons pooping, fish swimming and air airing.

You want to be covered by the news, do something new. This group could have gone to Riverside park and dismantled Matty Maroun's fences, but that might have embarrassed his buddy Virg. It could have gone to Catherine Ferguson Academy and help clean the surrounding neighborhood, but that might have offended Jesse's baby momma.

I'm at a loss. Maybe someone else can think of something new for the union and progressives to do. Beside create a job for someone else of course.

I'd be offended except you are so ignorant, and you sing the same song all the time, over and over. Union members are in their communities doing work all the time, doing those things you ask, but like the march, unless you are there, nobody knows.

I know how much fun it must be for you to pontificate on a forum all day. We're happy to give you fodder for your disdain. Too bad none of your hot air lifts a single truth.

[noggin]

Yep - a bunch of union people marching around. That will attract investment and new jobs!

[gazhekwe]

I guess people would rather read about a nutcake preacher with a tiny congregation in Florida.

Too bad about the lack of coverage. I am certain there were many stories in that crowd. It would be great if we could focus our attention on forward motion instead of sensational idiocies. I loved the pictures.

[Left_For_Texas]

Let the mass hirings begin!

[maxx]

What do you guys think about that poster that reads "live simply, so others can simply live"?

It sounds like a connection to the global warming issue.

[GOAT]

It would have had more impact had it not been run by union shills. Shouldn't this have been about people and NOT unions? Too bad as a good idea and a nice turn-out was washed away by those who love the limelight.

[ja!mz]

Its been done before: communist unemployment march 1920 downtown..

[maxx]

gnome: This group could have gone to Riverside park and dismantled Matty Maroun's fences, but that might have embarrassed his buddy Virg.

http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arb...rbs-at-debate/
"..Dillon was the only candidate to support a new bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Canada, that would be built by the public and private sectors, a move Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra said he also could consider. Most of the others back letting the owners of the Ambassador Bridge build a second span linking the two cities, a move Canada opposes..."

Of course, Snyder can afford to be selective about the contributions he takes after the millions he made cashing out from Gateway.

[GOAT]

Come on now Oldredfordette. Gnome hasn't said anything wrong. You can't seem to argue his point about the same old "rallys" but instead fire off insults. So how about I say you did a typical union response. Yell, scream and piss and moan when people don't see it YOUR way. Because that has worked so well in the past.

I do agree that union member workers do a lot for their communities. But the message from the rally above was lost in the union's shrill voice.

[bartock]

Is Jesse Jackson taking Michigan Film Tax Incentives for all of the appearances he's made lately?

[gnome]

Go easy Goat, don't blame ORD for her failing reading comprehension 101. My point, again, is that - if we are responding to Lowell's question as to why the march didn't garner more media attention - is that news should be NEW.

Same-old-same-old doesn't translate into media coverage. Do something different instead of bringing a thousand people to commemorate a previous march of 150,000. That just brings ridicule. It invites comparision, and as such, it is unflattering.

Do something new. Don't invite the obvious conclusion that the modern labor movement is a toothless cur.

Oh, Maxx, you might want to do a little better research.

http://buildthedricnow.com/2010/07/2...n-politicians/

http://www.freep.com/article/2010072...rnor%5C-s-race

http://www.freep.com/article/2010061...es-to-the-test

[sumas]

Thank you for the photos and additional stories. Personally I have zero problems with unions. They did and still do so much for the community of workers and the community in general.

The stories regarding the fires really bother me. We would like to help but really have not seen any support lines to contact. Lots of news though about those poor emaciated horses. Horses vs people? I love animals but will dig into my pocket to help people in need first!

[fryar]

Why didn't the large event receive wide coverage? The explosion of new media and current state of upheaval of media in old media, symbolized by this sad sight that can be seen through the front windows of the abandoned Detroit Free Press Building, might offer a hint.

That's just incredible. I can't believe that's still there. Is there still other stuff inside? They must have left in a hurry after DTE turned off the lights on the landlord or something. Seriously, that's shameful, FP.

[Ravine]

Greed has played a large role in driving the U.S., face first, into the ground.
I don't like being owned by China, and it upsets me, that damn near everything sold in the U.S. was not produced in the U.S.
I have more than one reason for enjoying Michigan-grown potatoes.
But, back to greed. Greed is culpable for much of the ills that are killing the U.S. economy, and greed bugs me, simple guy, with simple wants, that I am.
And so it is with considerable intolerance and unforgivingness that I say I see greed at work in labor/management negotiations, with no virtuousness, no nobility, on either side.
The unions, generally speaking, have played a prominent role in driving the price of everything right through the fuckin' roof, and corporations-- plus many smaller businesses-- have responded by taking their manufacturing & production overseas.
I cheerlessly invite both sides of that disgusting relationship to go to hell, directly to hell, and take their phony-ass poses with them.
The labor unions care as much about poor, hungry people as does management & ownership: not one fucking bit.

I don't even mind, so much, when folks are out for themselves only; it's pretty much one of those unfortunate, unsightly "human nature" things. It's the lame, transparent poses, and the nakedly dis-honest claims of Higher Purpose that piss me off, and I see that shit on both sides, every day.
I think Socialists should reconsider their implied, and sometimes actual, alignment with labor unions.

[ja!mz]

Well said ravine, socialists/communists have always been with the unions, ever since to '20s. Look and their history with the Nazis Party before Hitler was jailed in I think in '28, Hitler thought they were seperate and lost his intial attempt to take power because of it. He didnt make the same mistake twice. I'm in no way condoning anything that nut jub did, but he actually wrote about it, and it continues to this day. I am just pointing out historical facts however inconvient that are today.

[jt1]

Greed has played a large role in driving the U.S., face first, into the ground.
I don't like being owned by China, and it upsets me, that damn near everything sold in the U.S. was not produced in the U.S.
I have more than one reason for enjoying Michigan-grown potatoes.
But, back to greed. Greed is culpable for much of the ills that are killing the U.S. economy, and greed bugs me, simple guy, with simple wants, that I am.
And so it is with considerable intolerance and unforgivingness that I say I see greed at work in labor/management negotiations, with no virtuousness, no nobility, on either side.
The unions, generally speaking, have played a prominent role in driving the price of everything right through the fuckin' roof, and corporations-- plus many smaller businesses-- have responded by taking their manufacturing & production overseas.
I cheerlessly invite both sides of that disgusting relationship to go to hell, directly to hell, and take their phony-ass poses with them.
The labor unions care as much about poor, hungry people as does management & ownership: not one fucking bit.

I don't even mind, so much, when folks are out for themselves only; it's pretty much one of those unfortunate, unsightly "human nature" things. It's the lame, transparent poses, and the nakedly dis-honest claims of Higher Purpose that piss me off, and I see that shit on both sides, every day.
I think Socialists should reconsider their implied, and sometimes actual, alignment with labor unions.

Well stated. I agree 100%.

[JBMcB]

Greed has played a large role in driving the U.S., face first, into the ground....

+1.

Listen to this to hear how broken the union/management relationship can be:

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radi...sode/403/nummi