The tone of Chicago's citizens ranges from anger to outrage... Communities continue to denounce Rahm Emanuel and Chicago's mayor's priorities at second budget hearing, September 2 at the South Shore Cultural Center...
Some of the protesters who denounced the priorities of Chicago's ruling class and its budget as presented by Mayor Rahm Emanuel made their views known noisily at the South Shore Cultural Center budget hearing on September 2, 2015. Substance photo by David Vance.For the second time, a massive show of anger at Chicago's Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the priorities of his budget(s), the budget hearing at the South Shore Cultural Center on September 2, 2015 took on and denounced many of the twisted priorities of Chicago's ruling class. The mayor tried to look calm and pretend he was listening, but observers noticed that he was showing the stress of having to listen to the truth about his regime.
It was exciting to say the least, many observed. But, this had to be done.
Although the most dramatic examples of opposition to Chicago's priorities came from public school activists, there were others as well. The public school supporters (led by the CTU and Dyett) and health care protesters (SEIU and Action Now) comprised the main groups in the protest.
They would not be denied. Anger boiled over. Pain was evident in the hunger striker faces. Frustration was expressed over the Mayor's policies of screwing the poor, working class and some middle class citizens -- from parking fees to the the millions in TIF funds.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on state at the South Shore Cultural Center budget hearing on September 2, 2015, before he left the meeting early after the Dyett protesters became too militant for Rahm to take. Substance photo by David Vance.Human needs in the city such as mental health were issues also that has angered the public. Mental health clinics have been closed and services privatized. Schools have been closed and charter operators are in a frenzy for more public money. Since Rahm Emanuel took over in May 2011, the cuts to services to the average person have ranged from schools and mental health centers closed to libraries reduced in hours and availability of services.
And throughout the hearing, one after the other, people denounced the mayor and the priorities he represents in 2015. The Mayor tried to remain in his bubble -- pretending to listen, but he has not changed. Despite the claim that a decision was looming, there was no announcement on Dyett. The hunger strike continues.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (not visible, in rear above) had to leave the stage when Dyett supporters swarmed the stage during the budget hearing at the South Shore Cultural Center. Substance photo by David Vance.Finally, the mayor's refusal to provide an answer to the Dyett question caused some protesters to go on the stage. The mayor retreated from his own hearing behind a phalanx of police, then terminated the hearing. Later, Substance learned that outside police had barred a handicapped teacher from entering the parking lot -- despite available parking spaces -- apparently because she was wearing a "Dyett" tee shirt.
The final hearing will take place on the evening of September 3, 2015, at Wright College on Chicago's northwest side (Montrose and Narragansset). A large turnout is again expected.
