Tent encampments rising all over the country

Latest

pt-2016-10-05_tents
As automated technology throws millions of people out of work, then into homelessness and the streets, we see the rise of tent encampments all over the country, in cities, towns and rural areas. People are turning to this basic and minimal form of shelter, because the government that is supposed to represent them has massively failed to help, and housing under capitalism is not a right. Survival manuals tell you to first seek shelter. Tent communities, besides providing a minimum of shelter and privacy for people, do become communities, where people have each others’ backs and share resources. The powers that be, instead of providing people with housing, can only attack them for seeking shelter this way. City governments and police departments go on the attack, stealing and destroying the tents and other possessions, scattering people back to the streets, doorways and the weather. Nothing could express the bankruptcy of the pay-to-play system louder than this.  The government should be housing the people—starting with the six houses estimated to be vacant in the US for every homeless person—and making it a priority and a fundamental right.  The fight of the homeless for survival and for their rights is in reality a movement to create a government that represents our interests and guarantees everyone’s basic needs in a new society.

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘We Need Urgent Global Climate Action’

Eighty-nine percent of people worldwide want their governments to do more to address the global climate crisis. Conference on tipping points says situation is urgent. Meanwhile U.S. govt does more to boost fossil fuel forms of energy.

May Day 2025: United We Will Win

International Worker’s Day is celebrated on May 1st around the world. Today, the entire U.S. working class, of which immigrants comprise an integral part, is under attack. The defense of immigrants is vital to the defense of the entire working class.

White School Officer Pepper-sprayed and Kneed Black Beaumont, TX Student, Complaint says. Will Feds Act?

A 6-second video, recorded by a teacher and reviewed by the Texas Observer, shows an officer grabbing a student’s hair, kneeing her in the face, and knocking the 100-pound girl on her back.

Pope Francis Dies After Easter Plea to End War in Gaza

"In his final public message, Pope Francis decried the “terrible conflict” in Gaza.

Bring Union Brother Kilmar Home: His Deportation Is an Attack on All of Us

The deportation of union brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a gut punch to the labor movement, a slap in the face to every worker who dares to organize.

More from the People's Tribune