I love to yell and scream at the idiots in charge.
I don't do this very often.
In fact, I rarely do it.
Yet this morning, I am more than proud to eat crow.
I began reading an article (http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200902261114), preparing myself for the same lunacy I read every day. Yet then, a gem:
"Housing the homeless is a goal. This will give us more money for shelters, to take care of shelters that exist..."
FINALLY, someone... somewhere, said something of merit. For the first time in years, someone is actually recognizing the problems of the street... and plans to do something about it. I'm smiling while I write this.
It's not in my nature to agree with our leaders. Our lazy Democrats and clueless Republicans choose to enter in useless political bluster, ignoring the real problems of our society. We see the debates, watch the protests, and nothing gets done.
Meanwhile, people are cold... hungry... and in need. The homeless cannot get meaningful employment because they have no address (and the shelters are off limits to employers). No job, no way to move up. You get it.
Say what you want about the shortcomings of Obama and his plan, but this little slice of the pie makes me proud of our leadership (momentarily, perhaps). I've seen the President treat the poor with dignity and respect, and the case of Henrietta Hughes is evidence to that effect. I'm glad, really.
It makes me believe that someone in a position of authority actually gives a crap about the poor. I like thinking like that. Even though such thoughts may be totally naive... these are good thoughts...
...and I am appreciative for them, even for a moment.
Showing posts with label homelessness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homelessness. Show all posts
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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.
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.
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