Property regimes have been making the news lately in spades. it seems like every time one nation transitions away from nationalized or collectivized resource management, another is waiting in the wings to take its place. The contrast between incredibly short life spans of national property regimes to long-held traditional collective and familial property regimes also refers us back to the social nature of property relations. Shifting ownership entitlements mean shifting social values.

That was the message sent via “text mob” that guided protesters forward at the Republican National Convention street march in 2004, relieving them of the panic that no doubt would have ensued when the plumes of smoke rising up ahead were observed. Text mobs also helped shut down San Francisco for 12 hours when the war in Iraq broke out in 2003 and the initiation of the Orange Revolution in the Ukraine was signaled by the sound of student cell phones ringing.

The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) recently handed down a decision to deny the residents of West Queen West Triangle in Toronto the right to plan for the growth and sustainability of the artist community based there.

Active 18 formed to oppose condos proposed for the site that did not take into consideration the surrounding neighbourhood, need for green space, or the historical and living importance of a heritage building on the site that houses about 80 artists and businesses. Active 18 were "YIMBY"s who are not afraid of development in their community, understanding the need for density to combat urban sprawl and smog from commuter traffic.

I've posted a surprisingly sparse selection of commentary on gender/sexuality and property. Silvia Federici wrote a book called "Caliban and the Witch" that unpacks in great detail the interwoven stories of the rise of capitalism and the suppression of woman, especially "wtiches" - woman who knew to live off the earth fast enclosing around them.