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Susan Schweik, The Ugly Laws: Disability in Public NYU Press, 2009

Barbara Ehrenreich, "Is It Now a Crime to Be Poor?" New York Times

The so-called ugly laws banned people considered unsightly and disgusting from exposing themselves to public view. According to Susan Schweik, these city ordinances are loaded with significance, for what disability has meant and still does, for class antagonisms and political agency, and for how elites deal with those they despise and fear.

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Ogletree & Sarat, eds., When Law Fails: Making Sense of Miscarriages of Justice NYU Press, 2009

Art is Moving

Death penalty abolitionists have made tangible progress. The wrongful conviction of innocent people has spurred reform. And yet, contends Douglas Berman, a huge problem goes largely unnoticed and unaddressed: the American affinity for what he calls extreme punishment. Also, Lisa Rasmussen and Lauren Odell Usher talk about the art show Art & the Body Politick.

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Rights and Wrongs at the RNC, a NYCLU report (pdf)

In the Middle of a Whirlwind, by the Team Colors Collective

Are city governments truly committed to providing housing and jobs to low- and no-income residents? In his book City of Disorder, Alex Vitale points out that New York City administrations have regularly intervened on the side of big capital, with harsh consequences for a growing underclass. Also, Kevin Van Meter assesses the state of left organizing in the US and urges more dialogue and collaboration.