November, 2006

Voices from Benton Harbor, Mich.

'Take back our city from whirlpool!' say Benton Harbor Homeless

Some homeless people in Benton Harbor, Mich., recently told the People's Tribune the following:

"I have been homeless for over three years. I eat one meal a day, if lucky. I am a carpenter by trade. I have no license so no work. I have no money, no place to lay my head. Our government has destroyed the people. You cannot sit on the bench in the city. You have to keep walking or the police will harass you, and you better not be caught in an abandoned building trying to keep warm. Whirlpool has destroyed the city of Benton Harbor. We must take back our city from Whirlpool and down with the Benton Harbor City Commissioners!"
-- Doug B.

"I just came home from prison. We cannot depend upon Whirlpool to do the right thing, to help us build a good future for us and our children. Whirlpool's power teaches us that we must strike out for ourselves or be left behind, helpless and without a future."
-- Tommy T.

Social workers say that there are 2,000 people either homeless or living in buildings where the utilities have been disconnected for nonpayment in Benton Harbor.

Benton Harbor takes over people's homes for not paying the water bill -- while some say 2000 are homeless

PHOTO/SANDRA REID

This photo shows one of the many Benton Harbor homes boarded up by the City. If your water is cut off, the city condemns your home. You then have 30 days to get your water back on, plus pay a $300 "Turn Back On Fee" -- or the city takes ownership. This paves the way for Whirlpool and the developers, aided by the other big enemy, the Court House, to take over Benton Harbor. The poor have to stand together in defense of one another. No one has the right to own water or steal homes in the name of corporate profit.

SPEAKERS FOR A NEW AMERICA

Invite Rev. Pinkney and other speakers to your city. Call 800-694-6888 or email info@speakersforanewameica.com.

Hear speakers from a Benton Harbor Justice Rally on the YouTube video sharing Website.