Why the Hatred and Contempt for Folks?

Friday evening I was interviewed by Channel 3 about a situation along Brent Lane where there is a tremendous amount of homeless activity and resultant trash under the overpass at that particular location.

The question asked of me by the reporter (among many) was something like "As a commissioner, what do you think about all this homelessness?"  And my answer didn't make the edit for the 3 second soundbite they eventually used.  My answer was  "I want to help them, that's what I think!"

Sure, nobody likes the litter, it is unsightly.  But these are human beings we are talking about--the response should be let's find a way to help the ones that want to be helped and need a hand up.  I've informed staff about that location, and the state's contractor will be dispatched to clean it up--which will happen.

But that action is only treating a symptom of a larger problem.  

These folks, many of whom are military veterans, are down on their luck.  Many suffer from addiction issues.  Mental health issues untreated. Many have burned every bridge with every person who ever cared about them in their lives.

So where is the compassion?  Why the hatred, disdain, and scornful contempt for these folks that are down on their luck?

I was texted pictures by one constituent--asking what I was going to do about it.  I was emailed pictures and a request from another constituent that proclaimed   

"This is a disgrace to our community. The litter is out of control all over the city and county, thanks to the ever growing homeless population.  What an impression to leave on visitors to our beautiful area!"

So where is the compassion?  

I am thankful to folks like the Alfred Washburn center, The Waterfront Rescue Mission, and all of the other (primarily) Christian faith-based organizations who step up and try to help every day with no fanfare, self-adulation, or glory-seeking horn trumpeting about their work.  

It will always be a part of the human condition, poverty and homelessness--- it will never simply "go away."  

It's biblical.  Jesus said it himself in the book of Matthew "The poor you will always have with you..."

So where is the compassion?