In Camden, Further Scrutiny of Police Surveillance

The stepped up police work in Camden, including not just additional officers, but virtually unprecedented levels of visual surveillance, continues to spark national controversy. Vice Media, the hot news program on HBO aimed at young adult viewers, in its final program of the season June 13th, used Camden’s system as a warning for possible loss … Continue reading In Camden, Further Scrutiny of Police Surveillance

Fifty Years Out, the Graduates of ’64 Have Much to Reflect On

Fifty year anniversaries offer special opportunities for public reflection. For those old enough to remember, there is always the chance for gaining perspective over past experience and its consequences. For younger people, there is the opportunity to learn about the ways the past has helped shape contemporary life. 2014 has supported a particularly robust series … Continue reading Fifty Years Out, the Graduates of ’64 Have Much to Reflect On

Hopes Boosted for “Eds and Meds” in Camden

Well before “eds and meds” became a primary focus for revitalization strategies in post-industrial cities nationally, the State of New Jersey was placing a big bet on such institutions in Camden. Under recovery legislation enacted by the legislature in 2001, Cooper Hospital and Rutgers-Camden were singled out for major investments, as anchor institutions that could … Continue reading Hopes Boosted for “Eds and Meds” in Camden

Governor Plays Blame Game, but it Could Come Back to Haunt Him

Oh what a difference a bridge scandal can make. Seeking to make a return to his comfort zone, Gov. Christie held forth in his first town hall meeting of 2014 Friday in Port Monmouth. Seeing blood in the water, the New York Times chose to emphasize what a hard time the crowd gave the governor. … Continue reading Governor Plays Blame Game, but it Could Come Back to Haunt Him

Behind a sensational story, serious issues in Camden

Rolling Stone’s Matt Taibbi has stirred the pot on the tribulations of a city mired in extreme poverty by producing yet another sensationalist story on Camden, “Apocalypse, New Jersey: A Dispatch From America’s Most Desperate Town.” In doing so, he adds one more link in a chain of damning national exposes that go at least … Continue reading Behind a sensational story, serious issues in Camden