Two Good Articles About Detroit's EM Protesters on the Metro Times

[313WX]

http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.ph...ts-em-day-one/

...For some of those standing in the cold outside city hall, the question of the day — this first day of a history-making change in the governance of Detroit — is this: Will bridges be built and alliances formed, creating a true mass movement united in its opposition to what’s happening in Detroit and elsewhere; or will the main thrust of opposition remain what appears to be [[on the surface anyway), a protest led mainly by African-Americans who, judging from the speeches so far, see this primarily as a voting rights issue?

http://metrotimes.com/news/news-hits...nger-1.1463720

...Here’s the thing that we think is important: This isn’t just a question of black people being denied the vote. It is also about the imposition of the economics of austerity on a city that has suffered tremendous hardship at the hands of the big banks and Wall Street, both in terms of the predatory lending schemes that led to a devastating foreclosure crisis in Detroit, and in terms of equally predatory schemes used to jack up the rates on bond payments.

The emergency manager law helps protect those interests while allowing for legally negotiated contracts with unions to be torn up, and public assets to be sold off. It is about letting the corporate right have its way with us....

...The point, we gathered, was that a seeming liability could be turned into an asset.

That might be true. But even a one-handed person needs to be able to form a fist if they are going to have any real chance in a fight. And for all the attempts to recast this struggle in the shadow of Selma, it is difficult to imagine it succeeding if more fingers don’t come together.

And at this moment, Detroit seems as good a place as any in America for all this to happen.

But one thing is for sure: Having 100 people listen to preachers shout into a bullhorn in front of the Spirit of Detroit isn’t going to stop anything.

[Eber Brock Ward]

But one thing is for sure: Having 100 people listen to preachers shout into a bullhorn in front of the Spirit of Detroit isn’t going to stop anything.

And thank God for that.

[michimoby]

http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.ph...ts-em-day-one/



http://metrotimes.com/news/news-hits...nger-1.1463720

What frustrates me about these articles is that these protests are taken in isolation, assuming that these movements are nascent and recently formed.

What isn't discussed is that, over the past several years, the leaders of these protests have been spotted elsewhere, effectively taking parts in activities that seem to foment regression rather than progression. Some have been part of the shuttling-in of school kids to Ann Arbor to protest Gratz v. Bollinger alongside BAMN; others have been spotted waxing nonsense at Council meetings; and others [[like Sam Riddle) have been spending time behind bars.

Let's face it: the reason why their voice is being rejected or, at worst, ignored is because they've been digging a hole of dubious credibility and victimization for a long time coming. Many Detroiters are simply looking for solutions, and this "resistance" has provided none as Detroit took the long road toward decline.

[Hermod]

Many Detroiters are simply looking for solutions, and this "resistance" has provided none as Detroit took the long road toward decline.

They have a "solution". Just have Obama and Snyder dump copious amounts of money on the city with no strings attached.

[Detroitnerd]

They have a "solution". Just have Obama and Snyder dump copious amounts of money on the city with no strings attached.

Hey, works for the Pentagon ...

[Pickford-Bentler]

Hey, works for the Pentagon ...

No shit, they "lost" billions in Iraq that was intended to rebuild their schools and infrastructure.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/feb/08/usa.iraq1

[Smirnoff]

And thank God for that.

Amen - have blessed day to all.....enough bullhorn/bulls**t!

[Wesley Mouch]

What frustrates me about these articles is that these protests are taken in isolation, assuming that these movements are nascent and recently formed.

What isn't discussed is that, over the past several years, the leaders of these protests have been spotted elsewhere, effectively taking parts in activities that seem to foment regression rather than progression. Some have been part of the shuttling-in of school kids to Ann Arbor to protest Gratz v. Bollinger alongside BAMN; others have been spotted waxing nonsense at Council meetings; and others [[like Sam Riddle) have been spending time behind bars.

Let's face it: the reason why their voice is being rejected or, at worst, ignored is because they've been digging a hole of dubious credibility and victimization for a long time coming. Many Detroiters are simply looking for solutions, and this "resistance" has provided none as Detroit took the long road toward decline.

Well said.

I also find the media's obsession with reporting protests misguided. Otherwise we are giving disproportionate weight to those who scream.

There's certainly honor in screaming -- but it means nothing unless if represents some responsible opposition with a responsible plan.

[corktownyuppie]

Well said.

I also find the media's obsession with reporting protests misguided. Otherwise we are giving disproportionate weight to those who scream.

There's certainly honor in screaming -- but it means nothing unless if represents some responsible opposition with a responsible plan.

Would love to see a USA Today-style bar graph with the following:

- # of people protesting EFM
- # of people who turned out to vote last election
- # of people who reside in the city
- # of people who turned out for the Nain Rouge
- # of people who turned out for St Patrick's Day Parade
- # of people who turned out to protest Right to Work law

[michimoby]

Would love to see a USA Today-style bar graph with the following:

- # of people protesting EFM
- # of people who turned out to vote last election
- # of people who reside in the city
- # of people who turned out for the Nain Rouge
- # of people who turned out for St Patrick's Day Parade
- # of people who turned out to protest Right to Work law

Also include # of people downtown for Tigers opening day last year.