Even Santa spoke in opposition |
As economic inequality grows in Rhode Island, the messages being
conveyed to our leadership in government is becoming simultaneously more
radical and more pragmatic. People are beginning to make the connection between
economic, social and climate justice, and the changes they are calling for are
nothing short of revolutionary.
At yesterday’s PUC (Public Utilities Commission) hearing on a
proposed 24% rate hike by National Grid, state regulators heard testimony from
25 individuals, the vast majority of whom were outraged by the proposal. More
than one speaker called the increase “unconscionable.”
John Prince, speaking on behalf of DARE (Direct Action for
Rights and Equality) wondered if the PUC was simply a rubber stamp agency for
whatever National Grid demands. “There’s no justice in this facility. I hope
this doesn’t turn into a dog and pony show where we’re all here and you’ll just
do what you’ll do anyway.”
Chris Rotondo, also from DARE, told the regulators that they are
“being asked to subsidize National Grid profits,” a theme amplified by Robert
Malin of the Sierra Club, who said that in the current economic atmosphere, “We
socialize the risk and privatize the profits.”
The idea that this is already a done deal was a frequent
refrain. “Why do you think National Grid has the balls, pardon my French, to
ask for such an increase if they didn’t think you would approve it?” asked one
woman with the George Wiley Center.
It was Jann Campbell of
North Smithfield who brought the revolutionary fire.
“We’re facing a real spiritual and economic crisis in this
country,” she said, before demanding that the PUC subpena National Grid CEO
Steve Holliday so that he might defend this outrageous price increase in
person.
In response to the call for a subpoena, the PUC board replied,
lamely, ”We don’t have the power to.”
Undeterred, Campbell said, “People can only take so much until
they can’t take anymore.” And she added, “The day people feel there is no
redress will be a very scary day in Rhode Island.”
The PUC will vote on the increase on Tuesday, December 23rd,
at 9:30am in an open meeting at the RI PUC, 89 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI.
Think about attending, and let your voice be heard and presence be known.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For links to Steve’s video, click
here for his original Rhode Island’s Future article.
Steve Ahlquist is a writer,
artist and current president of the Humanists of Rhode Island, a non-profit
group dedicated to reason, compassion, optimism, courage and action. The views
expressed are his own and not necessarily those of any organization of which he
is a member.
His photos and video are usable under the Creative Commons
license. Free to share with credit.
Steve is happy to accept PayPal donations from those who feel
his journalism is worth something. You can use the email address below.
Email: atomicsteve@gmail.com
Twitter: @SteveAhlquist
Twitter: @SteveAhlquist
"We
must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence
encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” -
Elie Weisel