Today, we remember an impactful event in American history: the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the dissolution of the Standard Oil Company on May 15, 1911. This landmark case served as a powerful demonstration of the necessary role of government in regulating business practices for the public good. As we address the current housing crisis in our country, we can draw inspiration from this precedent and fight for the same decisive government action to ensure that "Housing is a Human Right."

The Standard Oil Case: A Lesson in Regulation

In 1911, the Supreme Court ruled that Standard Oil had created an illegal monopoly under the Sherman Antitrust Act. This verdict resulted in the dissolution of one of the world's largest oil conglomerates into 34 independent companies. The decision reinforced the belief that unchecked corporate power could lead to exploitation and inequality, a lesson that remains relevant to this day.

The Standard Oil case shows us that when businesses prioritize profit over people, it’s the government's duty to step in and uphold justice. This historic ruling laid the groundwork for many more antitrust cases in the years that followed, forming a key part of the regulatory framework that protects consumers from corporate excesses.

Housing is a Human Right: Drawing Parallels with Today's Crisis

Fast forward to 2023, and we see a similar imbalance in another sector: housing. Just as Standard Oil monopolized the oil industry in the early 20th century, today we see real estate conglomerates and private equity firms buying up properties, driving up prices, and squeezing out individual homebuyers and renters.

The results are clear: a drastic increase in homelessness, families burdened with exorbitant rents, and individuals forced into insecure or substandard living conditions. As Greens, we believe it is time for government to step in, just as it did in 1911, and enforce regulations that ensure housing affordability and availability for all.

Join Us at the Spring Gathering 2023

We invite you to join us at our Spring Gathering on May 20, 2023, themed "Housing is a Human Right." Together, we will discuss the pressing housing crisis and explore innovative, sustainable solutions. Our collective voice can advocate for policy changes that protect renters, hold landlords accountable, and promote affordable housing initiatives. We can and must fight for a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.

This is our call to action. Will you answer? Join us as we delve into the historical lessons and apply them to our present struggle for housing justice. Your voice matters, your ideas matter, and together, we can make a difference.

Please RSVP for the Spring Gathering 2023 here. It's time to stand together, learn together, and fight for the basic human right to housing.