Welcome to 2016!
Lets continue to live up to our resolution to fight displacement and get some victories this year.
* http://dc4reality.org/updates
* https://facebook.com/dc4reality/
* https://twitter.com/dc4reality
Be at the 2016 MLK Holiday Parade :: See meet up map :: www.activist.one
As part of the resolution to fight displacement, you and the good peoples fighting for justice are invited to walk with peace in honor of our communities and in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King sought to challenge the status quo. He wanted everyone to be lifted out of persistent poverty using a guaranteed minimum income. He believed the act of war steals from our grandchildren, expending obscene amounts of government money to kill and maim working-families on other lands. And he fought racism on a daily basis, marching steadfastly across the arc of justice.
We are hoping all anti-displacement forces will be walking in honor of MLK’s dedication to humanity on his holiday, this Monday. http://activist.one
We will be gathering, starting at 10am, nearby the National United Black Fund office along MLK Ave, just south one block from the Anacostia Metro stop (Green Line). Anti-displacement Forces, RSVP: Chris 202-810-2768
#ZRR
What would MLK say about the #ZRR which was made final last night by the DC Zoning Commission. The classism, exclusivity, and disparate treatment is being turned up in the 1,000 pages of zoning amendments. The city’s planning and zoning officials like the volume on high. See the videos >> http://twilightzoning.org
#walmarthatesdc
News just broke about how ‘disappointed’ City officials are that Walmart will not move into Ward 7 or anywhere East of the River at this time.
If City officials are truly pissed, they would use the authority we granted them through election to now rescind all bad-faith deals and then move to take back our public land.
Council Backbone needed: It is highly unethical to allow a corporate real estate developer from Virginia (Rappaport) to continue to own what was a DC public asset — 15+ acres at Skyland after their assured deal with Walmart fell through. This is especially acute as all the political agreements around the Walmart deals were predicated on Vincent Gray, mayor at the time of these deals, to veto a living wage requirement for big-box stores.
“The Skyland store is among those Wal-Mart has threatened to abandon should the living-wage bill become law.”
Gray did veto the bill, clearing the way for EOR Walmarts at Skyland and Capitol Gateway.
So now what? Is the City Council a bunch of corporate suckas? The deal is broken, take back our public land!
update: 1/19/16
The Washington Post published a story today regarding Walmart. The story refers to a “handshake” deal and quotes Walmart as saying “fresh assumptions” have changed, so they have to walk away.
But, the WBJ article from November 2015, states that “having finally put all entitlement issues behind them,” including a “Wal-Mart lease,” the deal was moving forward.
This sounds far different then the “reluctant promise made on a handshake, apparently with fingers crossed behind their backs,” as described in the Washington Post story.
“That’s horrible; you can’t do that. A deal’s a deal.” — Jack Evans, Councilmember Ward 2
What is/was the deal? Who with? And what of the stipulations if the deal is broken?
Back in May 2015, Councilwoman Alexander wanted the Mayor to eliminate a covenant with Safeway, in order “to end the legal cloud hanging over the long-awaited Skyland redevelopment.”
Then, in November 2015, the City sold Skyland’s 15+acres as the deal seemed to be moving forward.
So, what happened between November 2015 and now that suddenly Walmart insinuates “the profitability of stores slated for black working-class neighborhoods” wasn’t as great as they presumed.
This has racial and social-economic discrimination implications — Councilmember Yvette Alexander, Ward 7
If there is/was a lease with Walmart, as the WBJ article states, then who gets paid when Walmart breaks that lease? How does the City recoup the 90 million investment?
And, what really becomes of Ward 7 without a Walmart?
#nomopopo
Here we go again– security cameras being used by politicos to give a sad facade of real protection >>
http://wtop.com/dc/2016/01/new-d-c-law-aims-to-fight-crime-with-larger-security-cam-arsenal/
First it was the stupid police cameras on the polls, and then recently on their uniforms, now big brother wants everyone to snitch for $500 (maybe). he pressure is on to bring on more untrained police and bring us into a state of fear. DC will not cower.
Imagine how much crime could be reduced by funding 24-hour recreation centers, therapists, healers, job training, and good paying $15/hour jobs.
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GET INVOLVED! Join an organization!
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EMPOWER DC
http://empowerdc.org
JUSTICE FIRST DC
https://justicefirst.nationbuilder.com
ONEDC
http://onedconline.org
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NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE IN THE NEW YEAR!
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Lets continue to live up to our resolution to fight displacement in 2016.
* http://dc4reality.org/updates
* https://facebook.com/dc4reality/
* https://twitter.com/dc4reality