Homelessness in WV

This makes me want to vomit.

http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200901120683

..."The number of homeless people increased in West Virginia between January 2005 and January 2007 more quickly than almost anywhere in the nation..."

No one has done anything to assist in this. Not one person anywhere. In an earlier study in mid-2008, WV also has the greatest gap between rich and poor than anywhere else in the country. Many often remarked, so what?

These things are why "so what."

No, I'm not going to sprout off about it being the government's fault, because we elected those fools in the first place. Now we see the tragic result.

It isn't just about the economy, because those with half a brain saw this coming. For years, we as a society (especially in WV) are delightfully clueless about what really happens in the streets. Otherwise, we wouldn't hear stupid things like "there are no such things as homeless veterans."

If you've never been hungry or spent a night on the street, then you haven't a clue. None. Granted, who would want to have such a thing? But it is the duty of those with means to assist those without.

I'm not talking about welfare here, because that's bullshit... and it doesn't freaking work.

Homelessness costs perhaps a good person a chance for a job, since employers require that individual to have a mailing address. Medical assistance is shoddy, and that shoddy expense comes to hit the taxpayer hard.

Not to mention crime... and the bitter cold of winter.


First of all, those without means are treated with a lack of respect, a lack of dignity. Events far beyond their control have often landed them in a sewer. Not everyone has a support system, or a nice car. We ignore the bum on the street, because they're dangerous.

If the fix means to raise taxes, then do it. If it means to start public works and to create more efficient health care, do it.

If we've got enough money to donate $20 to a DVD, or to an offering plate... then we can all chip in to help the people on the street.

Because if you've ever faced such a thing, you see life with different eyes...

...and it pisses you off.




We haven't too far to look into the mouth of hell.

This was one of the many things Dr. Richards was talking about... getting in touch with the community.



Are we brave enough to drop the stupid political jargon and execute... for the sake of each other? Are we strong enough to drop the act and make "Christmas donations" and everyday event? Are we diligent enough to force our leaders to declare war on poverty? Are we intelligent enough to remove those leaders who don't?


I hope so.