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View Full Version : Detroit Without Government--What People Will Do for Others When Not Forced



Alyosha
09-23-2013, 09:00 AM
http://reason.com/reasontv/2013/09/23/the-mower-gang-anarchy-in-detroit-part-i


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rJEzCN5kfJE

We all know Detroit's in trouble (http://reason.com/reasontv/2013/07/20/the-tragedy-of-detroit-the-motor-citys-l): A bankrupt city full of crumbling houses, abandoned factory buildings, and a dwindling population.
But while politicians, unions, and investors slug it out in bankruptcy court and grasp for their share of what little cash is left, ordinary citizens are left to fend for themselves in a city with no functioning government. This is Reason TV's coverage of what happens when people are left to their own devices and forced to come up with creative ways to pick up the pieces and find solutions in a city they once loved.
This is #Anarchy in Detroit, a four-part series showcasing what actual Detroit residents are doing to make the Motor City a better place to live.
In Part I, Tom Nardone is tired of seeing Detroit's public parks go unmowed by the city government. He thinks that children should have a place to play. So, he hops on his mower and does it himself. Then, he invites others.
"I was surprised when the first person showed up. I was like, 'All right. I guess someone's as crazy as I am,'" says Nardone.
Hence, the Mower Gang is born.
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There are towns all over who are taking matters into their own hands when government fails. Humans are cooperative creatures. It's only control freaks who want to control things and tell you that we are not.

All of the left-right stuff we argue about is at a group level. Put two people in a room with coffee and they can work stuff out.

Cigar
09-23-2013, 09:23 AM
Amazing what you can get done when Adults act like Adults ... :wink:

.. wait ... where did I hear that? :rollseyes:

President Wayne
09-23-2013, 10:27 AM
Awesome piece! I'm still watching the other parts.

Chris
09-23-2013, 10:32 AM
Another example of this, or perhaps it's one in the series, is the people of Detroit turning to urban gardening, converting abandoned lots into gardens for exchange in a growing market.

Chris
09-23-2013, 10:33 AM
Amazing what you can get done when Adults act like Adults ... :wink:

.. wait ... where did I hear that? :rollseyes:



Yes, once you get them away from the paternalism and nannyism of government dependence that turns them into helpless children.

President Wayne
09-23-2013, 10:36 AM
Alyosha: You need to watch the rest of these, assuming you haven't. I think you will particularly relate to part III.