MOVE in Philly: From Granola to Grenade Launchers (Don't Worry, Not Literally Granola)
Hey there, history buffs and lovers of the slightly bizarre! Gather 'round and let's talk about MOVE, a Philadelphia-based group that would make your hippie aunt blush.
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| What Was Move Philadelphia |
Who Were These Guys, Anyway?
MOVE, originally the Christian Movement for Life (because, irony!), was founded in the early 70s by John Africa, a dude with a serious case of "rejecting the system." MOVE championed living off the grid, veganism before it was cool, and, well, a whole lot of yelling through loudspeakers. Their West Philly crib became a hotspot for pronouncements about animal rights and societal ills, all delivered at decibel levels that could wake the dead (and probably annoy a few living neighbors).
Let's Get Ready to Rumble... in Powelton Village (Mostly)
Things got interesting (and by interesting, we mean tragic) in 1978. After neighborly complaints about the noise levels that could shatter glass (seriously, that loud), the police showed up to MOVE's Powelton Village digs. What followed was a shootout that left one police officer and several MOVE members dead. Tensions were high, to say the least.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
Fast forward to 1985, and MOVE had relocated to another West Philly address. More complaints, more police standoffs. This time, things went from bad to worse (and by worse, we mean horrific).
The MOVE Bombing: A Day That Shook Philly (Literally)
In a move that still boggles the mind, the police decided to drop a BOMB (yes, a bomb) on the MOVE house. The resulting firestorm not only destroyed the MOVE house but also leveled 61 surrounding homes, leaving hundreds homeless. It was a disaster of epic proportions, a dark day in Philadelphia's history.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
Important Note: Please don't try this bomb-dropping business at home. It's a terrible idea, and you might end up in jail (unless you're the police in 1985 Philadelphia, apparently).
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So, What's the Legacy of MOVE?
MOVE remains a controversial topic in Philly. Some see them as misunderstood revolutionaries, while others view them as a nuisance that spiraled out of control. Regardless of your stance, MOVE's story is a fascinating, cautionary tale about the dangers of escalating tensions and the importance of, you know, not bombing people's houses.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
How To MOVE On (Get It?) From This Heavy Topic:
How to Learn More About MOVE?
- Crack open a history book!
- Dive into the rabbit hole of the internet (but be sure to fact-check everything).
- Check out documentaries like "MOVE: Long Time Coming."
How to Avoid Getting into a Standoff with Your Neighbors?
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
- Keep the decibel levels down (think Barry White, not Black Sabbath).
- Maybe bake some cookies instead of yelling about societal collapse.
- Open communication is key!
How to Deal with Annoying Neighbors?
- Noise-canceling headphones are your friend.
- Try the age-old trick of a friendly chat (it might work!).
- If all else fails, move to a deserted island (but seriously, try talking to them first).
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