Comments for East End Mutual Aid

Comment on The Double Standard by molly

molly — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:45:19 +0000

Groups that are favored by CDCs get special treatment while groups that are not face harassment. It makes sense to occasionally highlight examples, but I don’t think we should be too hard on individual projects. The new Roboto is in the in-club now. If the past is any guide they may just as easily one day fall out of favor.

Comment on The Double Standard by cyclon

cyclon — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:26:50 +0000

Doubtful. The groups being discussed are masters at promotion and avoidance. Read the bulletin for a couple years. You will see critical thinking and open debate are not on the table.

Comment on The Double Standard by js.

js. — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:52:19 +0000

This is a damning indictment. Anyone got links to the opposing view?

Comment on Sharing is Caring, But it isn’t Enough by Nathan

Nathan — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:43:52 +0000

http://blog.fair-use.org/2011/02/03/sunday-schools-that-teach-children-anarchy/

Cheers.

Comment on Sharing is Caring, But it isn’t Enough by Blep

Blep — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 15:17:03 +0000

I know that when the Diggers had their free store open (a type of permanent Share Faire) folks would come in and clear it out for resale. But the sign said “Take what you need,” and they needed money.

Comment on Hotline by Helping Hands Hotline | Bloomfield Now

Helping Hands Hotline | Bloomfield Now — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:02:00 +0000

[...] sign up their home addresses to the list of those requesting assistance at http://www.eastendmutualaid.org/hotline or by calling [...]

Comment on Broken Logic at Root of Glass Lofts Development by Re: Andrew

Re: Andrew — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:23:51 +0000

Eh. I agree with your comment but I don’t think the original article is actually arguing against the solutions you propose. When viewed in the context of this EEMA project overall I’d think there is pretty universal agreement that the primary focus is always on people. Maybe I’m taking that as a given because of the articles I see. I read it as simply saying that even IF we as a community want to focus on buildings there are simply much better strategies and tools to utilize than these boondoggle loft projects.

Comment on Report from October 23 2010 Prepare Faire! by Rose

Rose — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:37:25 +0000

This was a wonderful event, with live mellow music, delicious free food, lots of goodies for free. Share Faires must be part of our future, with the caring and generosity abounding.

Comment on Broken Logic at Root of Glass Lofts Development by Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:54:28 +0000

To whomever posted this, I think you are right on the money in terms of the biased understanding and skewed approach to community development. I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently, as I watch projects like Glass Lofts and Target go up, and wonder who exactly these projects are helping. The idea that new buildings, which improve the physical appearance of the neighborhood (aka. increase property values) , are somehow considered “community development” is shameful, and takes a narrow view of the problems that afflict our community. To me, the word community is about people, not buildings, and organizations like FDA are not really interested in helping people as they are about developing real estate to attract the type of people they see fit for this neighborhood (complete with snooty coffee shop). This approach may not be as insidious as you imply, it’s just the path of least resistance to achieving the outcomes they desire. It’s also the case of the “haves” not comprehending the needs of the “have-nots”, and instead sticking to what they know best: buildings, sidewalks, lighting, trees (read Penn Avenue PennDOT Renovation).
Where I think you missed the mark is in the solutions you offer. I think you have fallen into the same trap of focusing on buildings as the solution. Derelict and condemned properties are merely the symptom of deeper problems in the community: broken families, lack of education, lack of jobs, substance abuse, personal health and wellness, discrimination, and I’m sure there are more. Home ownership is not the solution to these problems, it merely kicks the can down the road a bit. You are correct that BGC should be lauded for their programs, but not the home ownership program as much as the afterschool, job training, and workforce development programs. These are the programs that are working to restore the social fabric of the community. Fix these, and the buildings will naturally follow on their own (case in point, Shadyside doesn’t need an org to fix up buildings, the affluent residents take care of that on their own). Imagine if we had dumped $6.4 million into social programs instead of a community boondoggle how much difference we could have made in the lives of Garfield residents.
I’d love to talk to you more about this, please email me at ellsworthae@yahoo.com to continue the conversation.

Comment on Hotline by Vince

Vince — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 05:46:45 +0000

Hi eema. I’m a little familiar with electrical and some basic handyman work. Not a whole lot of experience, I’m young, but I did go to school for and had temp work doing electrical, and had temp work remodeling. So I should be able to be a liitle useful. If sombody’s got themselves in a jam involving things like that, and eema’s in a jam not having somebody available to help the person out, you could try and call me. My number’s 412-xxx-xxxx. Oh yeah, and anything else. Not just trades like that. I’d be glad to help when I can Thanks eema!