Dictatorship in Michigan: a harbinger for all America?

Latest

Canadians bring 750 gallons of water to Detroit to protest water shutoffs to thousands of households for inability to pay the skyrocketing price. PHOTO/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM
Canadians bring 750 gallons of water to Detroit to protest water shutoffs to thousands of households for inability to pay the skyrocketing price.
PHOTO/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM

The drive to dismantle Democracy as we know it is wreaking havoc all over Michigan (17 municipalities and school districts and counting). A law passed in 2011 authorizes the Governor to dispatch ‘Emergency Managers’ to cities, townships, and school districts around the state, wielding unprecedented power by replacing the local elected officials. Governing by edict, the Emergency Manager (E.M.) can shred local public employees labor agreements, and sell off precious public assets without approval from the people or elected officials. The unelected E.M. can even dissolve a municipality and public school district  altogether. Public school systems such as Muskegon Heights and Highland Park have been completely handed over to charters through this process. This draconian system has fueled the fight for Water rights in Detroit and Flint, against Police brutality in Inkster and the persecution of Reverend Edward Pinkney in Benton Harbor—just to name a few. Now this model is being exported to New Jersey, where the former Emergency Manager of Detroit, Kevin Orr, has been hired to impose fiscal martial law on Atlantic City.
Hundreds of thousands of workers in Michigan who were once the center of manufacturing life (particularly the auto industry), now find themselves  driven out of production especially through technological  advances. Now in the brave new world of Emergency Managers, we have no rights that the corporation is bound to respect. As the articles on these pages show, a new dynamic revolutionary social movement  is unfolding.   – People’s Tribune
 
Related articles in this issue:
Metro Detroit needs sustainable, just and affordable water rates
Inkster Consent Agreement and police brutality
“Folks, it’s time to make some noise!” says Benton Harbor activist
Toxic twins: Emergency Management and Flint River water

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘Jesus Is Being Tear Gassed At Broadview’

The struggle to close the Broadview ICE facility in Chicago includes clergy who are part of a movement of religious leaders opposed to the assault on immigrants.

No Kings Rallies Show the Fight Is On!

No Kings Day showed the rising awareness of people to how dangerous the situation is, that everyone’s rights, living standards, and democracy itself is in danger. Millions are mobilizing in diverse ways to confront the situation.

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

More from the People's Tribune