Protesters Rip Manhattan Foreclosure Auction

New Yorkers protested an auction yesterday of hundreds of foreclosed homes, claiming the forced evictions plaguing the nation in this economic downturn are illegal, and demanding a moratorium. "Banks get bailout out, people get thrown out," read signs held aloft by demonstrators." Their rage was not directed at potential homebuyers, but banks and auctioneers who are "making money off other people's misery," a spokesman told Reuters.

"Many of these homes being auctioned today may still be occupied," he said. "What is happening to these families? Are they living in their cars? And are they being bailed out, like AIG or Citicorp?" (More financial crisis stories.)