After the bulldozers...

(Photo source: Libertatea) Tonight, I received an e-mail that made me feel the epitome of uselessness. 'What would you do if you were me?' I read. I could not answer. I couldn't think of anything constructive, except write and tell you about this terrible, needless suffrance caused by a mayor who considers money more important than the lives of his residents. I asked Teodor to tell me more and so he did. His story has also been in the Roumanian national press, for all the good it has done him so far...

Teodor is a victim of Oprescu's urban improvements for the 'good of the people'. Half his house on Berzei was destroyed and tonight, he told me, he and his 62 year old father have one radiator and it's freezing at -15°...

As I said on the last post, this is no longer about the mindless, wicked eradication of history. This is about the diabolical abuse of human rights and the callous expropriation of people's homes.

When it comes to the demolitions for the North South Highway, it would appear that City Hall officials have taken measures to be 'correct' on paper only. The authorities tear down what stands in their way with no thought as to what or who remains after the bulldozers have left. In other words, the safety of the residents of Berzei-Buzesti are simply not their problem. City Hall doesn't give a damn. Build the road and sod the rest.

Teodor Iliescu's house was literally carved in half to make room for the new road. He grew up in that house you see in the photograph, owned it and now is watching it collapse under his very eyes. He is afraid to leave it, for despite the presence of community police (as discussed on the last post), gypsies are raiding all the empty houses for wood, glass, scrap metal and anything else they can find. Teo remains, with his father, to protect what is left of his home.(Photo source: Teodor Iliescu)

A massive case of fraud seems to be underway, which comes as no surpise to anyone. Despite the disorientation caused by the unthinkable situation Teo and people like him find themselves, they are not too disoriented to know that City Hall is trying to fob them off. The officials tell them to take it up with the courts, as if people given 72h to get out of their homes, some set up in City Hall-owned properties without electricity and running water, are in a position to get a court case together. City Hall is profiting from people who are vulnerable, scared, heart broken and homeless. And tonight, those who remain in the wreckages of what used to be their homes are also very cold.

In Teo's half-a-house on Berzei, the water, gas, electricity and everything else has been cut off. I imagine he has rigged something clever up with a car battery to feed his radiator. -15°.... I keep repeating that. -15°. In an EU country. How can this be happening???? I don't think even Ceausescu did anything like this. Sure, he destroyed just like Oprescu, and made people move to blocks which were often unfinished. But they were not left like this.

Teodor Iliescu says that he hasn't received a penny for what the City Hall had promised for the expropriation. He cannot rest, for it is too cold. He cannot sleep for fear of the gypsies raiding what is left of his belongings, and anyway, it's hard to sleep when you're freezing.

This foul, repugnant abuse of people and their rights, their dignity... anyone who feels that Oprescu is doing the right thing building this road, well, look around at the walls and roof that surround you and be glad you have them. Be glad you are warm and can go to bed tonight without fear of waking up in the morning and having nothing left. Be glad of your television and your electric lights, for Teo and people just like him have none. This is a heinous crime and as news leaks out, it just keeps getting worse and worse. City Hall cares nothing for people and their well being. With every story such as Teo's that surfaces, the nausea mounts and spreads. Already, the French press are reporting on the inhumane callousness of City Hall (see yesterday's post). It won't take long. But it will be too long for Teo, left with half a house and not much else in a freezing Bucharestean winter.

I have read such arrogant endorsing of Oprescu's road. It's a good thing, I read, because the place is crawling with gypsies and it's a 'shithole' anyway. Tell that to Teo and his father. Go on. Tell them. I am so repulsed I cannot write anymore....

Comments

[sairj]

Hi Teo,
Very glad you had visits from TVR and Romania Libera. Going to see now if they have written anything yet or perhaps the articles are still in the pipeline. I think your memorial idea is an excellent one. Good to put your feelings into something positive, something that will last longer than the demolitions and live on as a homage to this difficult time for you and your neighbours. It is an elegant and dignified reaction to such destruction and I commend you for it. Bravo.

Yes, please give news. Here is a good place to do it.

Hoping it's less cold tonight.
Sarah

[Teodor I.]

Tks Sarah for you inquire about my situation. Today i gave several interviews to TVR and Romania Libera so, I hope my wishes to come to the old primary Mr.Dr. Sorin OPRESCU to solve serious problem in which we are. Began to believe that Ceausescu did not die, but lives in the souls of NOSTALGIC COMMUNIST. I sincerely hope I am wrong... Keep you abreast of our situation. Currently nothing has changed from yesterday until today. With great consideration and respect
agronomist Teodor ILIESCU.

[sairj]

Duly corrected, Teodor. I checked the internet temperature report in Bucharest last night and it stated -5°. I've changed the text. Whichever it is, it was bloody cold last night. I hope you're okay...

[Teodor I.]

-15° not -5° ...

[doina]

it is unbelievable!Like in Stalin's times!And people in Bucharest assist with no reaction at a crime, commited under theitr noses, go to theatre, go to restorants, coctails and discuss about the sex of angels! i feel that ;89 was in vain and I am disgusted by what happens.That's wht they have done to St Iosef, that's what they done now! And i think of my former frieds who were on the barricades with me. mpty souls.Well ritten Sarah -anyone who feels that Oprescu is doing the right thing building this road, well, look around at the walls and roof that surround you and be glad you have them. Be glad you are warm and can go to bed tonight without fear of waking up in the morning and having nothing left. Be glad of your television and your electric lights, for Teo and people just like him have none.-and be cowards to keep them!