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When those writing into the Sun-Gazette later learned some of the money was used to buy phone cards, a camera, lawnmower, and weed whacker, they increased their assault. Had they taken the time to think or ask questions--something those who type and pound "SEND" often don't do--they would have learned that June used the phone cards to cover his expenses in numerous calls to and from attorneys, the media, and others who had an interest in the problems of the residents. They would have learned that the lawyers specifically required June to document the appearance of the village and the residents' activities. They would have learned that both the previous and new owners had no intention of mowing the lawns or killing the weeds. With pride in their community, the residents took care of the grounds. Cutting grass and eliminating weeds also served to help protect their health; living near the river, with the warm seasons approaching, the residents knew there would be increased black fly and mosquito infestations.
Woolrich haughtily wants to know, "Why on earth would you not have saved money for when you eventually had to move your MOBILE home???" Perhaps, Woolrich, it's because when you have poverty-level income, it's hard to save anything.
Czkb217 thought the residents should have just gotten together and bought the park. Possibly, Czkb217, since most of the families live slightly above the poverty line, they didn't have an extra $550,000 plus lawyer fees and closing costs laying around. Nevertheless, Czkb217 believes the residents should "Just man up and put your big boy panties on and MOVE." He objects that his taxes are supporting some of the residents who are using Legal Aid, which receives state and federal funds to assist the impoverished. In addition to North Penn Legal Services, the Community Justice Project in Pittsburgh and the Williamsport law firm of Murphy, Butterfield and Holland are assisting pro bono.
Justin1 wants the residents to "Get out of the way of progress already."
On Friday, June 1, the final day of eviction and the day Aqua--PVR said it would start construction, about 50 persons showed up to blockade the entrance to the park. "We are here to fight against the exploitation and abandonment by a society of the economically vulnerable," says Dr. Wendy Lee, one of the organizers. The protestors are often identified as "out-of-town activists" or, more specifically, "environmental activists." Bobbie2 called the scene a "liberal zoo . . . a veritable microcosm of the liberal social system." Joe123 called the protestors "unorganized morons," and decided the residents "are on display by "Fame Seekers', like trick-monkeys in a circus." Proud2bMom, with no facts, something that never stymied any of the others who wrote into the online site, claimed "the residents left that are trying to get out are more or less being held prisoner in their own homes because of the few who feel they need to block the roads."
Many of those who attacked the residents and defended corporations probably believe they are good Christians; they go to church regularly and, in one of the more conservative and highly Christian parts of the state, undoubtedly praise God publically.
However, the Rev. Leah Schade doesn't see them as good Christians. "It is a craven, cowardly way to snipe at people," she says. Those criticizing the residents "are profiting from the way things are or they are so insulated from the pain and suffering the people are undergoing that they are unable to respond with compassion," says Schade, pastor of the United in Christ Lutheran Church in nearby Lewisburg. Schade has been to the trailer park several times to minister to the residents. "As a Christian," she says, "I make a decision to do what Jesus calls us to do--to minister to those most vulnerable and resist the powers and the principalities that seek their own self perpetuation and their own profit." Schade, who is completing a Ph.D. in theology, points out, "The church has a long history of offering a prophetic voice to persons who are oppressed and made vulnerable by powerful systems, and who need advocates to speak for and alongside of them in the public arena. The teachings of Jesus would tell us that what is happening to these families isn't right. He would ask, "Who controls the resources; who does not?' The residents and the surrounding ecosystem are the disempowered ones."
A meeting between attorneys for residents at Riverdale and Aqua-PVR was held June 5 to discuss improving the incentives and settlement for the residents. Aqua-PVR, at that time, said it has no immediate intention to remove the residents.
[To assist the residents, go to http://www.saveriverdale.com/
Walter Brasch is an award-winning social issues journalist/columnist and the author of 17 books, most fusing history with contemporary social issues. His current book is Before the First Snow: Tales From the Revolution .]
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