tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738873.post113102262729954259..comments2023-10-03T01:04:14.553-04:00Comments on squattercity: Why the sudden attacks on Europe's squatters?rnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01115499862681364911noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738873.post-69792484304211238872008-05-09T16:40:00.000-04:002008-05-09T16:40:00.000-04:00Don't forget governmental scapegoating. I think th...Don't forget governmental scapegoating. I think that the squat as an alternative lifestyle breeds people that think for themselves and understand to a degree that morally is not necessarily always in accordance with the law. Because of this the squatting community frequents protests sometimes political in nature. If not protesting through action I would argue that squatting itself is a form of protest. It doesn't seem unheard of that the government would connect the squats with dissidents. In order to stop freedom of thought government must limit free spaces where alternative thought can occur. Hence the gradual elimination of squats new or old. All just conjecture - Tell me what you think; and keep the squats alive!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738873.post-1131367970287703132005-11-07T07:52:00.000-05:002005-11-07T07:52:00.000-05:00Peter:I certainly understand the almost all-encomp...Peter:<BR/><BR/>I certainly understand the almost all-encompassing power of big capital. But in Europe we're talking about a relatively small number of buildings--most of which have been squatted in for years. It's hard to believe that international finance doesn't have other more profitable places to park its money.<BR/><BR/>Also, regarding title deeds in the developing world: studies show that banks have not lined up to offer credit to squatters who have been transformed into legal owners. Even in Peru, Hernando de Soto's great test case, squatters-turned-owners have not been able to access the capital market. It seems the banks are just not interested.rnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01115499862681364911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738873.post-1131367455040710222005-11-07T07:44:00.000-05:002005-11-07T07:44:00.000-05:00Thanks, artful. I'm wondering whether there's also...Thanks, artful. I'm wondering whether there's also a government policy to create controlled scarcity. Have cities deliberately kept the supply of affordable housing low? Over time, this serves to manipulate the blame pattern, making people feel competitive with squatters rather than supportive.<BR/><BR/>Also: are we dealing with the escalating expectation of profit. Back in the years when New York City builders were creating lots of middle income housing, earning 10% a year on a building was considered a solid return. Would that satisfy anyone today? Developers want more money, and they want it quick.<BR/><BR/>Finally, do you think there's any possibility of solidarity between the squatters and the immigrants currently rioting across France, whose grievances also involve the tight housing market and a deliberate government policy of ignoring their needs.rnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01115499862681364911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738873.post-1131367106829526102005-11-07T07:38:00.000-05:002005-11-07T07:38:00.000-05:00Maybe it has something to do with the bigger pictu...Maybe it has something to do with the bigger picture?<BR/><BR/>There seem to be plans on granting property deeds to slum dwellers in some third world cities. International finance may be finds it hard to honor credit against these deeds if squatting remains strong at home.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com