From a post I made on BoingBoing today- Homelessness

[saintcynr]

It's easy to be irritated by, or frightened of, the homeless. It's harder to see the whole picture- that our money-obsessed society makes them what they are- broke, unwanted, hopeless, and reviled

Comments

[vorona]

You are correct. And it's just too bad that this topic makes people so angry, so uncomfortable - you know, richer people than the ones who blow up and flame you for this, think about it too. People with any courage think about it, regardless of their own stakes in protecting their lifestyles. Sneering defensiveness does not let any of us off the hook

[coeur_de_noir]

Fortunately through the assistance of some very good friends I havent been homeless. However, I know how close I came, and I do thank my lucky stars that it never came to that - there but for the grace of god go I etc etc.

Australia has a huge homeless problem, but also a huge network of people who care for them. We have Big Issue, and reintegration programs and care for those who cant re-enter society. Theres a better world waiting full of people who are intrinsically good. I cant help but believe that.

[cheryl_f]

no one wants to be made to feel bad for being successful and comfortable

Successful and comfortable isn't bad, it's the obscenely over paid or the excessive opulence that causes me heartburn. Look at the compensation of business leaders, the wealth that is passed from generation to generation, and the laws and mores that support such behavior. Bah.

I saw children lay down and die in the streets of India. I saw aged women have to choose between a scrawny leg of chicken or a can of tomato paste in Italy. Do we have to watch this happen in the US before we change? Probably. It will be all of our faults if it comes.