Street News Service - Photo Story (Feed 193)

Los Angeles protests

LOS ANGELES, USA: In America, similar to countries all over the globe, the current economic crisis has galvanized the masses. Now, instead of simply relying on their elected representatives to do the right thing, everyday people are paying close attention budgetary detail; have developed an acute awareness of political pork and frivolous spending; and, have learned how to smell regressive taxes from a mile away. This new found political acumen has created a dynamic that begs for change, and a divergence from the "business as usual" attitude displayed by those elected to represent our best interest.

In Los Angeles, residents, community organizations, and an amalgam of interests decided to draw a new line in the sand-deciding that they would hold their politicians accountable on day one. So in that regard there was no better place to practice day one accountability than at the inaugural celebration of Mayor Villaraigosa's second term.

It was clear when members of the Los Angeles Community Action Network, Bus Riders Union, and South Asian Network arrived at the venue that this would not be democracy's finest hour. Mounted horse patrols were dispatched, two separate police organizations vied for ultimate control of the protestors, and the Mayor's Office refused to intervene in obvious First Amendment violations, a guarantee which constitutionally protects our freedom of speech. After a lot of back and forth the power of the people prevailed and we took our rightful place on the streets, thus surrounding the venue with our newfound message, "we will hold you accountable today, tomorrow...forever!"

Story and Pete White, Community Connection, USA, Pictures by Nicholas Dahmann.

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