IS RADICAL NIMBYISM

DESTROYING AMERICA?
I know, the picture is confusing. Allow me to explain, the artist hoped to convey how even on the moon, the nimbies would oppose development. Basically, no matter how removed from significance (or earth) a nimby always seeks to have their will obeyed at the expense of the majority needs.

Not In My Back Yard!

A CURSORY EXPLORATION

In today’s world we live in an environment where any small group with a neighborhood association and significant financial backing can hinder, impede and stop outright vital progress. From basic infrastructure upgrades to facilities as vital as Memorial Stadium and hospitals, all have been stopped by the radical voices of the few.

You see the core affair that must be clarified is the fact that these rich people in the Canyon (all of whom moved there way after 1921) support the idea of building the center somewhere else. That is the classic definition of a nimby. For they have no objections to building it elsewhere; in fact they have gone to great lengths to propose irrational alternative sites that suite neither the needs of the athletes or the University. The only needs they serve are that of the selfish few.

Now the really interesting thing to note is the mutation with which the phenomenon of nimby has grown. When the first cases of “not in my back yard!” where reported they were often times to stop commercial development i.e. Wal Mart, Home Depot etc.

Recently though numerous cases have been documented where wealthy and influential neighborhood associations have stopped the vital construction of fire stations, police stations, schools and yes even hospitals for the sick and dying.

This brave sole hoped to construct a hospital to help the sick and dying, his efforts were blocked by a neighborhood association. As a result residents in the area with life threatening ailments must be medivaced to a far removed hospital. Several people have died as a result.

This is a very scary trend that is being set and perpetually supported by the likes of the people in Berkeley. As long as it does not affect their view and property values, they say, “go ahead and build!” The minute any development is proposed in their spheres of influence, regardless of merit or imminent need, they stop it.

In so doing they put the lives of every American at risk. I can tell you this, I am not afraid to die, when my time comes, it comes. Still for something as preventable as a major quake at Memorial, I am horrified that due to their objections myself along with 70,000 other Cal fans may die very soon.

Take a look at the many houses above Memorial, all of which post date the Stadium. These people are what stand between life and death for the 70,000+ of us who attend each home game. If their efforts succeed, the stadium will either eventually colapse, with only the athletes and UC employees, or all 70,000 + of us could die on game day.

I feel the issue of Nimbyism is one worth exploring further with great depth and acumen. Stay tuned for a large expose on the radical sect that is extreme nimbyism. However, to the Nimbies out there fighting the good fight against corporate America and the big box stores, more power to you. Maybe you could teach your dim friends in Berkeley what it means to pick and choose their battles. This is a silly fight that needs to end.

Berkeley is supposed to be our friend. Why are they trying to murder us? Maybe someday (way too late) they will realize that by the time Safeway tries to put that new store near campus they will have spent all of their political capital. So instead of stopping the construction of Safeway, or Memorial Stadium for that matter, they will have only achieved the irrevocable staining of their cause. How predictable. Come on Berkeley, do the right thing...