Is this America?

Passing through East St. Louis, Illinois -- June 13, 2007, 9am

I was also puzzled by why there were no functioning traffic signals, and temporary looking stop signs at all the main intersections. Steve Patterson (see upcoming post) told me later that East St. Louis couldn't afford the electrical bill for traffic signals.

There may well be some bright spots in East St. Louis. But what I saw made me feel ashamed that in our country of such great wealth & power, we can tolerate (or ignore) scenes like this.

Comments

[Steve Patterson]

I'm glad you followed my directions through East St. Louis. Their downtown was once thriving and exciting -- the detailing on the old buildings hint at what it once was.

On the signals I think I should clarify that it is likely a combination of electricity and maintenance --- I don't think they have the staff to make sure the lights are all working. Therefore, some years ago, they pulled the plug on most of the traffic signals in down (but not all).

East St. Louis has seen some new housing construction in the last few years. I believe our MetroLink light rail system, although costly, has provided excellent transporation for many on both sides of the river who cannot afford the costs of a car.

[Ken Hise]

There is a new mayor, Alvin Parks, Jr., who began his administration this year.
Also, there is some new housing at Parsons Place, in the Emerson Park neighborhood along I-64, near 18th and Baugh Ave. Some new commercial development at 25th and State Streets.

[Joe Frank]

Here's a recent story from the St. Louis American (most widely-read local African-American paper) about the new mayor of ESL:

http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2007/06/25/news/columnists/ljames06.txt