[UPDATES: See below] When an allegedly intoxicated driver plowed into crowds of pedestrians in the heart of Times Square today, you’d be forgiven for thinking this isn’t something that happens all the time in New York. Alas, you’d be wrong. Even in the densest city in America cars are allowed to race around at lethal… Continue reading Should City Driving Be Considered Terrorism?
Author: Rebel Metropolis
Chamber of Commerce Bullies Michigan’s Capital to Reverse Sanctuary City Vote
Less than two weeks after unanimously voting to be on the right side of history, late Wednesday night Lansing, Michigan’s city council reconvened to reverse their vote echoing an executive order by mayor Virg Bernero upon the demand of the local Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. To the shock of everyone… Continue reading Chamber of Commerce Bullies Michigan’s Capital to Reverse Sanctuary City Vote
Melbourne Rides Against Anti-Cycling Helmet Laws
This weekend a mass of bicyclists took to the streets of Melbourne to protest Australia’s regressive bike helmet mandate. They were, of course, riding helmet-free. The fine for doing so is an absurd $200.00 AU. Organized by the group Freestyle Cyclists, the protest ride drew immediate media local media attention, which was then magnified across the globe.… Continue reading Melbourne Rides Against Anti-Cycling Helmet Laws
Is America Ready for Its Own Arab Spring?
Well, the nightmare we knew was coming is finally here. Donald Trump is in charge of America. In a matter of hours he proved just how belligerent his administration will be towards workers, women, scientists, and immigrants alike. Yes this nightmare is now reality, and no amount of drinking will change that. I know, I… Continue reading Is America Ready for Its Own Arab Spring?
AirBNB, Displacement, and Freezing the Homeless to Death
On Martin Luther King Day it was reported an infant, possibly only hours old, had died in a homeless camp near a bus stop in downtown Portland, Oregon. First responders rushed the baby to OHSU, but it was too late. Reports were inconclusive as to whether the child was in fact stillborn, or died shortly after… Continue reading AirBNB, Displacement, and Freezing the Homeless to Death
Performance Art, the Commons, and a Monster Named Netanyahu
This week Israeli artist Itay Zalait did something truly amazing in Tel Aviv’s famed Rabin Square. Zalait erected a golden statue of right-wing extremist and mass murderer Benjamin Netanyahu, who also currently serves as Israel’s prime minister. This depiction was revolutionary for several key reasons. Statues of living figures are forbidden in Israel, as are other forms… Continue reading Performance Art, the Commons, and a Monster Named Netanyahu
Car-Free Cities Need to be a Goal of Climate Justice
The prospect of car-free cities, or at the very least car-free streets in dense downtowns has been a goal of livable street advocates for decades. Their reasons revolve around safety and social connectivity, citing the envelope of harm and loss of humanity created in places overrun with automobile traffic. Rarely do such advocates talk about getting… Continue reading Car-Free Cities Need to be a Goal of Climate Justice
Fighting for Life Against the Death Cult of Capitalism
In a week this total fraud of an election will be over, and among the great number of things they have in common, one of the two disaster candidates elected will be in full support of the Dakota Access Pipeline. We could have had Bernie Sanders. We could have had Jill Stein. But nope. The… Continue reading Fighting for Life Against the Death Cult of Capitalism
The Debut of Open Streets Detroit: PHOTO ESSAY
This Sunday saw the much anticipated Detroit debut of the popular city event series known as Open Streets. Taking a page from similar events like Portland’s Sunday Parkways or LA’s CicLAvia, Open Streets has pushed more metropolises return street use from automobiles back to human beings. The idea is hardly radical considering the ways in which urban… Continue reading The Debut of Open Streets Detroit: PHOTO ESSAY
Yes, We’re Still Going Broke Subsidizing Sprawl
Over the last couple years I’ve critiqued the ways urbanists have promoted unaffordable hi-rise condos as being somehow sustainable, how they’ve perverted notions of density and equity for PR purposes with the ultimate goal of making money in real estate. It’s true, making cities so unaffordable that workers can no longer live there is a mistake.… Continue reading Yes, We’re Still Going Broke Subsidizing Sprawl