Protesters Rip Manhattan Foreclosure Auction

They demand moratorium on evictions

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Mar 9, 2009 2:42 AM CDT

(Newser) – 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?"

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A home that is for auction, center, is shown Friday in the Queens borough of New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

A foreclosed home that is for auction is shown in the Queens borough of New York. The property was scheduled to be sold at a foreclosure auction yesterday. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Rhonda Wagner packs some items for moving in Sacramento, California. The state worker says she faces foreclosure. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

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We're not angry at the people who are looking for a cheaper home.
- Larry Holmes, a spokesman for the Bail Out the People Movement

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Protesters Rip Manhattan Foreclosure Auction