Barbara Ehrenreich, Homeless in America (CP, EB)
Do we allow the homeless and the poor to have access to productive property, including access to public land for growing food and such? The may no longer able to take care of themselves in that way, but how many of them would be willing to learn? And how many are unable because of mental illness or other issues? One could argue that food is no longer a common good because we do not live in a hunter-gatherer society and everyone must make a contribution, either by growing their own food or working so they can exchange for it, but is the notion of what is "common" really that clear-cut? Is it an injustice if one in unable to acquire the means (productive capital) to produce their own food because the majority of property is in the hands of the few? Is this really progress?
Some of the complaints against the "young people" of OWS by those not sympathetic to the movement may be understandable, but a lot of seems like resentment of wage slaves who don't realize how fortunate they are. One can criticize some in OWS for embracing the platform of the contemporary Democratic party, but they nonetheless have some legitimate gripes.
If there is insufficient land, then do we force some to move, while reconsidering what it is to be a citizen or a member of a community? Or do we just let things play themselves out, and let people move "voluntarily" when the times become more desperate, even though it may be too late?
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