On April 22, 2024, activists held a rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC, in an event captured by Kevin Dietsch of Getty Images. This article, first published on TomDispatch.com, discusses the socio-economic and political crisis gripping the nation. Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, the wealth of the ten richest individuals in the world, predominantly Americans, surged by nearly $64 billion in one day—a record-breaking increase. This dramatic shift has been facilitated by a coalition involving billionaire investors, tech entrepreneurs, Christian nationalists, and Trump himself, leading to what has been described as an oligarchic takeover of democracy.
The article points out that prominent figures within the Republican Party have adopted more direct and unapologetic rhetoric against immigrant, Black, and poor communities. The initial months of Trump’s second term have marked a noticeable intensification of policies detrimental to economically disadvantaged groups. Measures such as funding cuts to rural development and healthcare services, criminalization of homelessness, and the reduction of educational resources for low-income students are notable examples. Additionally, significant financial support for mental health and addiction services has been withdrawn. Future policy directions include potential tariff wars and cuts to key welfare programs like Medicare and Social Security, posing further risks to both vulnerable populations and the broader economy.
These developments occur against a backdrop of longstanding neoliberal economic policies and austerity measures endorsed by both conservative and liberal politicians. By 2024, over 140 million Americans faced poverty or were one adverse event away from financial collapse. Social dislocation and financial strain have led many to question traditional institutions and political alignments. The urgency of addressing these challenges is underlined, with emphasis on learning from past movements led by poor and marginalized groups.
The article also highlights the efforts of homeless people, led by the National Union of the Homeless (NUH), to reclaim unused federal properties in the 1990s. These initiatives, driven by individuals facing economic hardships, showcased the potential for grassroots organizing and policy influence. Key principles guiding such movements included the agency of poor individuals to enact change, the unification across diverse backgrounds, and the aspirational goal of poverty eradication.
Furthering this spirit, Liz Theoharis and Noam Sandweiss-Back’s book “You Only Get What You’re Organized to Take: Lessons from the Movement to End Poverty,” underscores the role of organized movements in driving social change. These sentiments resonate with historical actions like those of the Black Panther Party, whose programs provided critical support and highlighted systemic neglect towards poverty.
The article calls for renewed efforts reminiscent of past movements to unify and mobilize broader segments of society. In face of contemporary challenges, initiatives such as those by the Kairos Center aim to foster solidarity and action through grassroots organizing. By drawing lessons from historical and ongoing struggles, the article advocates for a more equitable and just socio-political landscape amid escalating authoritarian tendencies.
The authors, Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis and Noam Sandweiss-Back, are recognized figures in the field of organized advocacy for impoverished communities. They draw from their extensive experience to propose methodologies for combating systemic inequalities and galvanizing diverse societal forces towards meaningful reform.
