Reverend Billy Talen (G)
2009 NYC Mayoral Candidate

Below is a statement from Rev. Billy Talen to Democracy for NYC members

Thank you very much to Living Liberally, Manhattan Young Democrats and Democracy for New York City for the opportunity to come and speak with you.

The keystone at the apex of every issue New Yorkers face is Democracy.  It's hard to imagine the deal made by the big green lady in the harbor that millions over the centuries agreed to when they moved here could actually be changed. The corporations and the super-rich have done that, while performing the advertising trick of glorifying the thing they are destroying.

The dulling of the public voice is the dark cloud, the blight rushing in from some corner office in the skyline. What’s at stake is our businesses, our children’s education, our housing, our homes, our neighborhoods.  The block-by-block march of corporations, real estate developers and their government kin uprooting our communities, mimicking freedom with hallucinogenic advertising flooding our mailboxes, will not rest unless we unleash the radical ideas of community-based commonsense and the rhythmic reason of our physical democracy.  It’s time to succumb to the urge to bump and grind our democracy in the streets.

Without the erotic rock of democracy in action our city is no longer livable for the rest of us. A livable city is one where families can thrive in healthy neighborhoods.  Independent shops are protected from real estate speculation and housing is a human right. A livable city is a green city, weatherized buildings, solar and wind powered, clean water and air and the car does not rule. A livable city is a peaceful city.  We must end racist stop-and-frisks and, as a city made great by generations of immigrants, we must end all immigrant harassment, exploitation and illegal detentions.  Safety doesn't come from militarized police. A livable city is a free city, zero tolerance for official suppression of free speech, especially in public space. A livable city has a progressive tax system, the wealthy pay their share and budget crisis is not an excuse for cutting services to the most vulnerable.

I am running with you to take back our city. This is the rise of the
neighborhoods!

Rev. Billy Talen

http://voterevbilly.org/