Reclaim NW Suburbs Event Draws Attention to Income Inequality

Reclaim Northwest Suburbs had a full house at its event, “Income Inequality: Documentary and Discourse”, at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on July 31. The documentary, Inequality for All, was followed by a panel discussion on income inequality and how it affects the local community. The documentary is narrated by Robert Reich, who is the former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration.

As was noted by many in attendance, the issue of income inequality permeates through so many of our issues today. Many in attendance were in agreement whether talking about health care, education, poverty, workers rights, the list goes on and on, there is much to discuss related to this issue. They also feel income inequality is a great threat to our democracy due to big money playing such a role in our politics today.

As Anisha Narain said following the event, “I am a gun reform activist. Seeing this film prompted me to realize income inequality plays a big role in gun violence as well as in so many other issues,” referring to the cycle of poverty that exists as a result of policies that have worked against the disenfranchised over the past decades. As a freshman entering college this year, she added, “I want to grow up to be an adult who fights for everyone’s equality.”

The panel addressed questions related to the film, Inequality for All, such as whether they agree with Robert Reich’s assessment of the causes of income inequality and his proposals to correct the problem. The panel talked about the impact income inequality has had on the suburbs, and what investments are needed in the local community to help those who are hurting economically. The audience presented questions to the panel following the movie and panel discussion.

The panel of experts included Thakar S. Basati, a founder of Partners for Our Communities; Dr. Jeannine Love, Associate Professor at Roosevelt University; Jim Slusher, Daily Herald’s Deputy Managing Editor for Opinion; and Ram Villivalam, Democratic nominee for the 8th State Senate District.

As attendee Bob Mussar said following the event, “What Reich said in this film was powerful and eye-opening. If people would listen to facts like the ones presented here, they’d pull away from the partisan division and gain a broader perspective.”

Reclaim Chicago and its chapters throughout Chicagoland are supported by The People’s Lobby and National Nurses United. The People’s Lobby organizes people at the grassroots on issues ranging from austerity and budgets to mass incarceration, good jobs, climate change and campaign finance reform. National Nurses United, with 6,500 Registered Nurses in Illinois and close to 185,000 members across the country, is the largest union and professional association of RNs in U.S. history.

Pictured in photo, from left to right: Panelists at Reclaim Northwest Suburbs, “Income Inequality: Documentary and Discourse” event: Dr. Jeannine Love, Associate Professor at Roosevelt University; Jim Slusher, Daily Herald’s Deputy Managing Editor for Opinion; Thakar S. Basati, a founder of Partners for Our Communities; and Ram Villivalam, Democratic nominee for the 8th State Senate District