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191
Joined
2 yr. ago

  • It surely is a big deal. You're ignoring the "having to find another place to live" part. When you have no place to go and no plan or agreement in place to be somewhere else, it can feel very isolating and hopeless because you lack stability. If you're low income, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or disabled, good luck finding a place easily. The article itself even mentions that there was higher competition for rentals nearby after a severe weather catastrophe.

    Sure, as a homeowner you have to eat the cost of repairs, and often times you're required to carry insurance on a property, so there's some coverage and help there, but you can literally pitch a tent on the land and not be bothered or kicked out because you literally own it. Not so easy for a renter.

  • 100%. I had to find news about this young boy being killed by Utica Police on social media - I heard nothing about the follow up before this, and nothing in any common media source. Much appreciated to see this and know that the people of Utica are standing up for justice!

  • Lots of corp-friendly entities are making big moves in the courts lately, and it feels like previous efforts by Republicans to install conservative judges everywhere are showing. The time needed to undo this damage could take years.

  • The fact that so many international companies have decided to side with a major aggressor during this terrible event in history is one of the most awful things I didn't expect to witness. We all know that big business and money shapes world politics, but damn... This is straight up horrible. It could be any of us for any reason moving forward.

  • There is a procedure in place for granting permits to industry like this in every state. In New York, for example, when a potential site is selected, the business must apply for the permit to build and goes through a process of reviewing environmental and human harms in the area based on their operations. They are also required to notify residents and hold public participation events to ensure residents can ask questions about the development. "Good neighbor laws" are sorely needed in Texas, but the state would never allow that cause there's no money to be made in protecting the people and the planet.

  • Agreed that we need to talk about this more. Say you get a ticket you can't pay because your car broke down or you couldn't miss work at your minimum wage job. You could be doing everything legally right and still have a warrant out for your arrest, get put through the "justice" system, and eventually lose your job, your livelihood, and be set up for recidivism. If you're charged with a felony, or are locked up, you cannot exercise your right to vote. It's so easy to be caught up in a cycle that systematically strips away your rights and ability to provide for yourself and your family.

    Disenfranchisement is a broad and complex issue that is caused by policy choices and local/subjective policing of historically overburdened communities, like BIPOC/LGBTQ+/disabled peoples. I'm sure it's also much more involved than I can speak to. And don't get me started on how for-profit and private prisons everywhere essentially use slave labor to make money. With the Supreme Court effectively criminalizing homelessness, you're getting more inmate labor on the way. I believe inmates should have access to education and federal minimum wage jobs so they have incentive to get out and contribute to society, and aren't forced to start their lives over just to make ends meet. Especially for those that were locked up for low level crimes. It doesn't make sense to damn someone to hell for small crimes and never allow them to get back on their feet.

  • It may not unseat them, but it will be a matter of record that this action was introduced. It all hinges on getting the votes from Congress, if I understand this process correctly, and it seems very unlikely unless there is increased pressure on legislators (but we all saw how they've regularly ignored their constituents on the current genocide in Palestine, among other major issues).

  • I'm sorry to hear that. It sucks to be burned by people when you're just trying to do the right thing. I keep wanting to hold out hope that we can, against all odds, find ways to build bridges where it seems impossible. Maybe it's not quite there yet, but I'm hoping they can see the writing on the wall sooner or later. Say if they experience one bad weather event, maybe they put hate aside and really start acting on addressing climate change. Not all of them will be convinced, but I'm seeing the tide change for the better and that's reason enough for hope to remain alive for me. My wishes for you too to stay hopeful, friend.

  • Dang, this reply is chock full of truth and good reminders. I fully agree with the need for helping with no strings attached, and it harms others when the help comes with stipulations. You also reminded me that it's important to outwardly recognize that everyone has a strength, so ensuring people can exercise that talent in a safe space is what enriches and sustains a community. Also most importantly, you mention a reliable communication device, plus electricity access -- such good points to keep in mind as we find ways to connect folks that are overburdened from climate change and other systemic pressure with these resources. Amazing, thank you for this!

  • Thank you for this education. My goal is always centered in respect for all and I appreciate you. In the spirit of the point of mutual aid networks, what do disabled folks need in times of crisis or extreme weather, in your opinion? I know the spectrum of needs is vast and varied, but I'm always seeking to learn more, should you or others wish to share!