Certainly institutional integrity is a thing of the past as our major banking institutions plot out strategies like common grifters, preying on individual weakness to reap exorbitant profits. And they are far from the only ones. This column has frequently ranted about the "public be damned attitude" of our former president and current mayor for placing business interests above the needs of the public as so many of our rights and privileges have been sacrificed to the gods of corporate greed. Actions that would place a private person behind bars is simply business as usual for many major corporations and developers; often with active government support.
So what are we to do? What chance do we have but to be at the mercy of these economic monsters? Who is on the side of the average person struggling to get by?
Those in government who have remained true to our democratic, egalitarian principles are a minority...but they do exist. There is a hesitation to mention names because, being politicians, even the best often disappoint and it's only a small number who might be considered to be categorized among the elite few with solid integrity.
Even the media, that bastion of integrity long known for confronting the issues and bringing them to public attention, has fallen as large corporations have taken over our major sources of news and solid journalism has taken a back seat to their commercial interests and those of their cronies. This was the media whose vivid display of the injustices of discrimination was so instrumental in creating civil rights reform. This was the media that brought the unjust war in Southeast Asia into our living rooms, providing the criteria that allowed us to make educated decisions. Further in the past, this was the media that brought corruption to the forefront and helped put many in prison where they belonged, including the ultimate symbol of big city sleaze, Boss William Marcy Tweed, in the 19th century. But where are they today as top level corruption has been patronized, legalized and institutionalized?
But there are people and organizations who make the effort to look out for the interests of private citizens. Amidst the steamroller of development, considered progress by those raking in the profits, there are citizens who fight the battles for the integrity of their neighborhoods and of our society.
A story seen exclusively here in the Bay Currents about the rebuilding of the iconic Coney Island boardwalk in concrete was initiated by Michael Greco, a private citizen who presented his own professional plan for rehabilitation as an actual boardwalk. Falling on deaf ears, Mr. Greco continues to persevere, becoming a real hero to those who love Coney Island and resent its destruction in the name of greed. The city powers may ignore him but those who believe in preserving our historic icons and institutions, as well as presenting the truth, certainly won't.
Also in Coney Island, fighting a lonely battle, is Save Coney Island. As claimed community leaders have sold out or caved in, this group struggles to bring back the greatness of the past; a greatness still viable, if not quite as profitable. Yet, they fight on, raising funds, creating awareness and recently, serving the city with legal papers to stop the destructive rezoning.
On the edge of Coney Island, affecting neighboring Brighton Beach, the intrepid members of Friends of Seaside Park persevere in their attempt to stop the intrusive amphitheater in Asser Levy, formerly Seaside Park. For years they tolerated the free concerts every summer. After all, it served the public good and was only a few times during the summer season. Their reward is to have a regular "for pay" concert venue in their backyard. But they refuse to give up, fighting the noble cause against the forces that would take down their quality of life and that of their neighbors.
A bit further afield, but still in Brooklyn, the aptly named Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn battles the powerful forces of "billionaires for profit at the public's expense", fighting against the Atlantic Yards project that would destroy the peace and sanctity of their neighborhood. These are the people who resurrected the area from the dead. They are rewarded by being overrun or driven out.
Next door to them, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Defense Fund continues their effort to return the plan for the waterfront park to the original concept; a world class park for Brooklyn with varied and unique attractions and facilities; rather than the backyard for luxury condominiums it has become under administrations in Albany and City Hall.
And let's not forget our own Bay Currents which, despite extremely limited resources, brings you the stories purposefully neglected or grossly underreported by others. Where else can you read about the rebuilding of the iconic Coney Island boardwalk in concrete? The major media, to date, has refused to even give it mention. It is a tribute to this paper and to publisher David Glenn who maintains a journalistic integrity becoming ever more scarce.
After the social gains made in the first two thirds of the 20th century, we find ourselves once again having to fight the uphill battle for social justice. Today it's an even more difficult fight for the forces for "profit ahead of people" have learned from the people's past victories how to overcome the efforts. By the time you will have read this, the Supreme Court, not too long ago a stronghold of justice, will likely have ruled to roll back limits on campaign financing, setting back desperately needed campaign finance reform to the benefit of wealthy interest groups.
So what chance do we have? Only if we're vocal and visible. Those with the integrity and fortitude, keep up the good work. For everyone else, how much does it take before you're sick and tired enough to join in and speak up?
