The recession of 2008 resulted in a major transfer of wealth from low and middle income people to rich people. We must insist on specific measures to place the burdens of economic distress on those who have wealth to spare. Cancellation of rent and mortgages for those who are unpaid over the recession is one way. Another is to channel aid through unpaid workers, so there is no cause to evict or foreclose.
There is an important principle here: the response to the mortgage crisis was to give money to the banks, which proceeded to foreclose on all the people who couldn't pay mortgages. Had they given money to the mortgage holders, home owners would have kept their homes and the banks would be paid and survive. We need to ensure that the recession does not result in the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer.
This apolitical disease exposes a plethora of social inequalities and vulnerabilities. It provides a rare moment when the vulnerability of one group is shared by all groups. This moment therefore is a unique moment to transcend divisions and do what is right for the health and safety of all. Health care for all, abundant and inexpensive housing.
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