pOlitiCal perSpeCtiVeS
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, March 1, 2017
los angeles Up for Grabs:
UNdErdoG VS GooN BY JAMES KNOX-DAVIES
There is an incredible opportunity for activists interested in seizing power through parliamentary politics in the 13th district Los Angeles City Council race. An unlikely aligning of factors has resulted in favorable conditions to unseat a vulnerable incumbent and create a beachhead that could p l a u s i b ly change the course of politics in Los Angeles. Challenger Sylvie Shain, is a long-time activist for renters’
rights and co-founder of the Los Angeles Tenants Union (LATU.) LATU was first created to defend her home, an artists community, which was threatened by wealthy developers. Her work led her on a road to becoming involved in local politics, where she became well known at neighborhood council meetings and city hall. Later, she was galvanized into action as an organizer for the Sanders campaign as so many were by the unprecedented achievements of a democratic socialist. The incumbent, Mitch O’Farrell, was characterized as a friend of wealthy constituents in a Los Angeles Times endorsement. His utter mediocrity as a politician made national news in 2013 when an aborted plan to destroy a local
homeless aid organization was seen as a callous attempt to make feeding the homeless illegal. His unpopularity is not merely a result of his complete disregard for the most unfortunate among us, but that he is completely devoid of a basic ability to hide his craven loyalty to power. It has been said that if all national politics is about war, all local politics is about development and O’Farrell is a friend of developers. His coalition is made up of those who build and the Business Improvement Districts - the shadowy business groups, which wield influence in how our city is built. Shain’s understanding of local politics is informed by this: The housing crisis in Los Angeles is not the result of the invisible hand, but the expression of political cap-
ital by developers who’ve become rich speculating on housing. The problem is not a shortage, but that a market for a basic human right has become monetized, and that this monetization has happened with the consent and often times the aid of the government. If Sylvie Shain is elected on her platform of popular policy to the benefit of working people, it could quite possibly turn the tide of gentrification which has made Los Angeles unfordable for all but the very wealthy. Shain’s insurgency against a lumbering Machiavellian half-wit, should at a minimum bring some pleasure to those frustrated by the constant complexity of politics. Finally, an obviously righteous underdog confronts a plainly monstrous goon of the political machine.
Measure S: Set to Ban New Housing Construction Not Good for the Homeless, Not Good for L.A.
7
trUmP’s cABinet:
The People Around the President By JoSe moraleS
REX W. TILLERSON Former Exxon Mobil C.E.O., Rex W. Tillerson was confirmed by the senate on Feb. 1 with a 56 to 43 vote to become the new secretary of state. Although Tillerson has no public office experience, he is widely recognized for having an extensive knowledge of international business. According to the Wall Street Journal, Tillerson previously made a deal with Russia for the rights to drill in a 63.7 acres of land, which are untouchable due to the sanctions placed on Russia by the U.S. Tillerson’s ties to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, along with the possible lift on Russian sanctions, have given government officials a great deal of concern.
By DaVe martin Measure S is a poorly written and dangerous initiative that blocks the building of new housing just when L.A. needs it most. The measure will harm our economy in the bargain. It is time to say no to the people who wrote this measure. It is time to fight back. Measure S spells D.A.N.G.E.R. for the chronically homeless of downtown Los Angeles. If the measure passes it would block 90 percent of the planned construction for permanent supportive housing. Measure HHH in effect becomes null and void. Let’s face it, the housing situation in downtown L.A. is not getting better. Every day more and more tents congest sidewalks leaving no space for pedestrians. As a result, there is always trash on the street and this generates another problem: rats.
BETSY DEVOS Recently confirmed as the nation’s 11th Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos is an American businesswoman who is known for her dedication to the educational system in Michigan. DeVos’ confirmation hearing split the two parties evenly and it took Vice President Mike Pence to break the tie for a 51-50 vote to give Republicans the win. DeVos’ is highly criticized by democrats for her ideas of funneling out money from public school systems in order to pay for charter schools and vouchers. Moreover, she has also received criticism for supporting the control of education systems at the state and local level as opposed to federal oversight. Her most controversial idea is to impose religious teachings in schools, which is troubling for most Americans. DeVos is among the most controversial candidates in the Trump administration.
IllustratIon by eDWarD loCKe/CollegIan
You can see them running, especially at night, up and down the sidewalks. Many fought long and hard
last year to have measure HHH placed on the November ballot. Do not let that victory slip between our fingers.
Take action on March 7 and vote “No” measure S if you want chronic homelessness to end in Los Angeles.
ink Style: A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT PROTEST TIPS FOR THE ACTIVIST
Elaine Chao is the new secretary of transportation. She was born in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. with her family when she was eight years old. Chao has served as the secretary of labor in the George W. Bush administration and has been involved in government functions for decades. Chao is married to Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell. Chao was confirmed by a 93-6 senate vote which was a good sign for the Trump Administration because of his emphasis on infrastructure and redevelopment of the country. The background and experience of Chao will only help President Trump succeed in working with both sides to get things done.
By anDe riCHarDS 1.
Have a cause. This is not always necessary, but it will affect your poster design.
2.
Dress code: Goggles, backpacks and black clothing. War paint is optional.
3.
Wear comfortable shoes. They come in handy for running from the police or for an impromptu dance number.
All kidding aside, if you are moved to protest then do so. That is the legacy of our nation’s founders. Stand up for your rights, be considerate of others and be safe.
IllustratIon by Jose Morales/CollegIan
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Scan the QR code TO VISIT OUR MULTIMEDIA BLOG FEATURING COVERAGE OF OUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
ELAINE L. CHAO
JEFF SESSIONS
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Former Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions has been confirmed as the new attorney general by a senate vote of 52-47. Sessions has strong conservative views on immigration, same-sex marriage and civil rights. He will be in charge of directing President Trump’s “law and order” platform. Sessions argues that the separation between church and state has been taken out of context and that same-sex marriage is a threat to American culture. In addition, he believes that immigrants are committing crimes, taking jobs from Americans and sucking welfare money from the government. He also agrees that government should have mandatory penalties for drug offenses. Sessions is another controversial addition to Trump’s administration who faced large opposition.