Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who valiantly and selflessly protect our interests around the globe. This morning, as I sat and reflect on the astronomical price these individuals paid to protect the simple freedoms we enjoy, a familiar hymn slowly crept into my mind. The resounding voices built to a crashing crescendo and all other thought was crowded out. These words were repeated over and over, as if my mental iPod were stuck on repeat:
"From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine."
It is hard to not be moved by the 'Marine Hymn.' The lyrics embody sacrifice and honor. They speak to the nobility of "the cause" and the men and women who carry out the Corps' mission. However, just as quickly yet subtly as the hymn crowded out all thought it is replaced by another volley of thought bursts.
The hymn is replaced by emotive theme music while images of military and civilian casualties of the 'War on Terror' parade across the stage of my mind. Each image is more graphic and thought provoking than the last. The longer this ghostly slide show continues the more my mood shifts from prideful nationalism to suffocating sadness. I suddenly feel the total gravity of freedom and am unsure that my shoulders can bare its weight.
In an attempt to deflect some of this emotional baggage I turn on the TV to escape from the thought cloud that has descended on me like fog. But much like a ship, cautiously plodding across a shrouded bay, the images on TV seem too distant and indistinguishable. While not much is apparent, it is clear that this feeling will not be eradicated by sports tickers and tampon commercials. This is a thought barrage that must be conquered through an understanding that can only come from the soul.
Being thoroughly overwhelmed by my internal war drums I commit to sit in silence, knock on the sky and listen to the sound. As I settle into my meditative state, a word resounds with the repetition of a mantra and the building force of a battle cry.
"Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? WHY? WHY? WHY? Why? Why?"
It is not a negation of the great service and sacrifice of our soldiers, but a question that ensures these men and women do not sacrifice in vane. It is a question that holds those responsible for war accountable to those they send. It has the power to shed light on the darkest of moments or solidify belief in a cause or course of action. A plethora of 'why's' fall into line to create a parade of potential for enlightenment. Like:
Why is war the answer?
Why must so many die to eradicate the few?
Why do they hate us?
Why do we hem and haw over minutia while thousands die?
Why is following orders more patriotic than questioning the motives of those shouting them?
Despite my patient questioning, the answers did not come, only more questions. After several minutes it was apparent that the answers were not going to materialize. There are no easy answers or simple solutions to the tough questions that plague us all. There is no 30 second cable news clip that will assuage the guilt that is building inside me and many Americans. The responsibility for the lives lost in theaters around the world and here at home is as equally mine and yours as the men who wax eloquent from podiums in congressional halls. Those who cry for blood and more blood are no more deserving of disdain than those who stand idly by while the body count grows.
Regardless of race, religion or political orientation, it is important that all of us ask the tough questions. It is no secret that there is an immense price that must be paid for freedom. With such a steep service fee, it is paramount that our brave men and women only be called if absolutely necessary. If we do not serve in the military it is our duty to question the validity of the mission for the service men and women who cannot.
On this sacred day I would challenge each of us to search our souls, setting aside prejudice and fanaticism, to ask some simple questions: "Am I doing my part? Have I taken the opportunities presented to me to defend freedom? Am I deserving of my freedom?"
The answers will come if the questions are asked. They may not come today, or tomorrow, but they will come. Remain vigilant in the constant self-appraisal that leads to enlightenment. And as always, God bless America.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It's Raining in Baltimore but Everything Else is the Same
I usually use this little slice of cyberspace to discuss music, movies, or other pop culture related topics that are of little or no import. This post is of a much different variety. It is a serious look at the moments that define our lives. It is also, in part, a cathartic exercise in moving forward.
Over the last few months I have been given the duplicitous gift of being unemployed. I have accomplished little more than discovering that I don't like daytime t.v., I am an amazing MW2 player (Modern Warfare 2 for those of you that aren't in-the-know), and am completely lost without a job. I spend the majority of my days questioning the decisions I've made that brought me to my current situation. I analyze, reanalyze and overanalyze opportunities missed and energy wasted. I question my belief system, my place in the universe, and the expectations I place on others and myself. You know the usual stuff that keeps people awake at 3:30 a.m. on a Thursday.
A recurring theme of these inner discussions is the meaninglessness of life. I don't mean that life doesn't have any meaning, but rather that what I place meaning in has no real consequence. The type of car I drive, the brand of suit I wear, how I like my latte (little foam with an extra shot just incase you were wondering), the neighborhood I live in, how others perceive me, etc. I have always been aware that these things are only important for a moment in time and have no lasting value, but when I contemplate the amount of time and energy I have devoted to the pursuit of the perfect version of myself I am confounded.
I remember as a child I loved playing the piano. Now I only regret that I didn't keep playing. I traded playing music for playing sports because it seemed more 'manly.' The same is true for art. I abandoned dreams of going to art school because business school sounded more proper. I could continue down this list of forks in the road and decisions made based on appearances ad infinitum (but I won't). The bottom line is that this desire to please the little elitist in my head has landed me nowhere. It has left me feeling hollow and disenfranchised. I have an education that cost me over 100k, an apartment filled with 10's of thousands of dollars worth of crap, a wardrobe befitting a rockstar (albeit a very unmusically talented one) and seemingly, insurmountable debt.
This would all be inconsequential if not for an epiphany I had several months ago. I would simply continue blotting out the consciousness of my existence with my Visa Black Card while I clawed my way to the top of the corporate heap. Instead I awoke one day at 27 years old and realized that the career path I had chosen was in direct opposition to my true belief system. Yep, this materialistic whore awoke to realize that he had assassinated the beautiful, creative creature inside of himself and replaced it with a coldhearted, image conscious dictator. (Picture if Mother Theresa had chosen a path more befitting of Martha Stewart and you'll begin to grasp the rude awakening I'm talking about). Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Marketing or sales. For many they represent fulfilling careers and financial security. However, for this guy they represent the easier, softer way. They represent the selling out and selling off of dreams to control my financial security. So I did what any rational person would do. I packed my bags and moved to Hollywood, one of the most nonmaterialistic cities in the world, where it is possible to get by just upon a smile (damn straight I just mixed sarcasm with a Cat Stevens' lyric, I had a spiritual awakening not a lobotomy).
All of this is to say that I have decided to transform the pages of the mad matter to a journal of my journey through the troubled waters of my inner consciousness. I will be sharing with you the trials and tribulations as I trudge this road to happy destiny. Little is know about the path that I am headed down but the end result is most definitely a better version of myself. The version of me that choses a career based on my passion for music rather than my passion for nice watches. I invite you to come along for the ride. There will be joy, sadness, triumphs, disappointments, tears and laughter. All of which are essential ingredients of a life worth living.
Over the last few months I have been given the duplicitous gift of being unemployed. I have accomplished little more than discovering that I don't like daytime t.v., I am an amazing MW2 player (Modern Warfare 2 for those of you that aren't in-the-know), and am completely lost without a job. I spend the majority of my days questioning the decisions I've made that brought me to my current situation. I analyze, reanalyze and overanalyze opportunities missed and energy wasted. I question my belief system, my place in the universe, and the expectations I place on others and myself. You know the usual stuff that keeps people awake at 3:30 a.m. on a Thursday.
A recurring theme of these inner discussions is the meaninglessness of life. I don't mean that life doesn't have any meaning, but rather that what I place meaning in has no real consequence. The type of car I drive, the brand of suit I wear, how I like my latte (little foam with an extra shot just incase you were wondering), the neighborhood I live in, how others perceive me, etc. I have always been aware that these things are only important for a moment in time and have no lasting value, but when I contemplate the amount of time and energy I have devoted to the pursuit of the perfect version of myself I am confounded.
I remember as a child I loved playing the piano. Now I only regret that I didn't keep playing. I traded playing music for playing sports because it seemed more 'manly.' The same is true for art. I abandoned dreams of going to art school because business school sounded more proper. I could continue down this list of forks in the road and decisions made based on appearances ad infinitum (but I won't). The bottom line is that this desire to please the little elitist in my head has landed me nowhere. It has left me feeling hollow and disenfranchised. I have an education that cost me over 100k, an apartment filled with 10's of thousands of dollars worth of crap, a wardrobe befitting a rockstar (albeit a very unmusically talented one) and seemingly, insurmountable debt.
This would all be inconsequential if not for an epiphany I had several months ago. I would simply continue blotting out the consciousness of my existence with my Visa Black Card while I clawed my way to the top of the corporate heap. Instead I awoke one day at 27 years old and realized that the career path I had chosen was in direct opposition to my true belief system. Yep, this materialistic whore awoke to realize that he had assassinated the beautiful, creative creature inside of himself and replaced it with a coldhearted, image conscious dictator. (Picture if Mother Theresa had chosen a path more befitting of Martha Stewart and you'll begin to grasp the rude awakening I'm talking about). Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Marketing or sales. For many they represent fulfilling careers and financial security. However, for this guy they represent the easier, softer way. They represent the selling out and selling off of dreams to control my financial security. So I did what any rational person would do. I packed my bags and moved to Hollywood, one of the most nonmaterialistic cities in the world, where it is possible to get by just upon a smile (damn straight I just mixed sarcasm with a Cat Stevens' lyric, I had a spiritual awakening not a lobotomy).
All of this is to say that I have decided to transform the pages of the mad matter to a journal of my journey through the troubled waters of my inner consciousness. I will be sharing with you the trials and tribulations as I trudge this road to happy destiny. Little is know about the path that I am headed down but the end result is most definitely a better version of myself. The version of me that choses a career based on my passion for music rather than my passion for nice watches. I invite you to come along for the ride. There will be joy, sadness, triumphs, disappointments, tears and laughter. All of which are essential ingredients of a life worth living.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Letter to Rush Limbaugh
Mr. Limbaugh blames Icelandic volcano on America's passage of Health Care Reform. Meanwhile Iranian clerics blame same incident on pre-marital sex. Apparently dogma runs through every religious radicals' rants.
I would like to take a second to preface this blog with a quick disclaimer on my own political/religious views. As far as, politics are concerned I'm an independent and as for religious views I have a background in Christianity but would consider myself a spiritual being. When I pray it is to the Creative Force behind the universe not Jesus, Allah or any other name most religions chose to call their version of God.
Over the past several years Rush has been known to make outlandish claims about all sorts of topics. In his recent rantings, Mr. Limbaugh has been extremely vocal about his dislike of our current administration and what he considers "socialistic undertones." We've gotten used to his exploitation of his position of public trust and unfettered access to mass media. However, Rush's latest statements about the volcanic eruption in Iceland are beyond strange. Yesterday on his popular radio show Rush said:
"You know, a couple of days after the health care bill had been signed into law, Obama ran around all over the country saying, "Hey, you know, I'm looking around. The earth hadn't opened up. No Armageddon out there. The birds are still chirping." I think the earth has opened up. God may have replied. This volcano in Iceland has grounded more airplanes -- airspace has been more affected than even after 9/11 because of this plume, because of this ash cloud over Northern and Western Europe. ... It's got everybody just in a shutdown. Earth has opened up. I don't know whether it's a rebirth or armageddon. Hopefully it's a rebirth, God speaking."
Let's take a moment to pause and let Rush's words sink in... Okay, if you have half a brain your head should be throbbing with frustration, or at the very least, astonishment. Does he really believe that God is punishing the world for a Law that was passed in the United States? Is he that American-centric or is he back on Oxycontin? Either way, his statement is ridiculous.
If recent history has taught us anything its that political pundits like Rush Limbaugh will use any disaster to serve their own gains. We haven't forgotten that hurricane Katrina was because of Gay people and that America's Haiti relief effort was a way for "President Obama to get closer to light-skinned and dark-skinned voters" in this country. (.... Long Pause). I'm not sure what God Mr. Limbaugh prays to but its obviously not the same compassionate, color-blind, accepting entity that I do. It is one thing to voice your political differences over the airwaves but I'm pretty sure that Rush's comments violate every semblance of journalistic integrity that he claims to have. (I could have sworn that Rush said he was going to stop broadcasting and leave the U.S. if "socialist, health care reform passed." He must have just been blowing smoke again). I could go on ad-infinitim about Rush and his crazy mouth, but the heart of the issue is that Rush has one quality that he shares with fanatics around the world: They all use tragedies as a platform to re-enforce their views and create some form of credibility from coincidence.
To demonstrate this point I would like to reference an article about the previously mentioned volcanic eruption by another lunacracy (that's a made up word, but if you think really hard it makes sense). This story comes straight out of Iran, you know that country that is run by fanatical, religious clerics that call God by another name but deploy the same propagandist methodology. Apparently Islamic fundamentalists (including the Ayatollah) think the Icelandic Volcano erupted because their "women are having too much pre-marital sex."
Apparently it doesn't matter what natural disaster occurs, all that matters is how you want to spin it. Its sad that Rush doesn't like Islamic extremist because they have so much in common they would probably have a great time hangin' out, spreading fear and oppression.
I would like to take a second to preface this blog with a quick disclaimer on my own political/religious views. As far as, politics are concerned I'm an independent and as for religious views I have a background in Christianity but would consider myself a spiritual being. When I pray it is to the Creative Force behind the universe not Jesus, Allah or any other name most religions chose to call their version of God.
Over the past several years Rush has been known to make outlandish claims about all sorts of topics. In his recent rantings, Mr. Limbaugh has been extremely vocal about his dislike of our current administration and what he considers "socialistic undertones." We've gotten used to his exploitation of his position of public trust and unfettered access to mass media. However, Rush's latest statements about the volcanic eruption in Iceland are beyond strange. Yesterday on his popular radio show Rush said:
Let's take a moment to pause and let Rush's words sink in... Okay, if you have half a brain your head should be throbbing with frustration, or at the very least, astonishment. Does he really believe that God is punishing the world for a Law that was passed in the United States? Is he that American-centric or is he back on Oxycontin? Either way, his statement is ridiculous.
If recent history has taught us anything its that political pundits like Rush Limbaugh will use any disaster to serve their own gains. We haven't forgotten that hurricane Katrina was because of Gay people and that America's Haiti relief effort was a way for "President Obama to get closer to light-skinned and dark-skinned voters" in this country. (.... Long Pause). I'm not sure what God Mr. Limbaugh prays to but its obviously not the same compassionate, color-blind, accepting entity that I do. It is one thing to voice your political differences over the airwaves but I'm pretty sure that Rush's comments violate every semblance of journalistic integrity that he claims to have. (I could have sworn that Rush said he was going to stop broadcasting and leave the U.S. if "socialist, health care reform passed." He must have just been blowing smoke again). I could go on ad-infinitim about Rush and his crazy mouth, but the heart of the issue is that Rush has one quality that he shares with fanatics around the world: They all use tragedies as a platform to re-enforce their views and create some form of credibility from coincidence.
To demonstrate this point I would like to reference an article about the previously mentioned volcanic eruption by another lunacracy (that's a made up word, but if you think really hard it makes sense). This story comes straight out of Iran, you know that country that is run by fanatical, religious clerics that call God by another name but deploy the same propagandist methodology. Apparently Islamic fundamentalists (including the Ayatollah) think the Icelandic Volcano erupted because their "women are having too much pre-marital sex."
Apparently it doesn't matter what natural disaster occurs, all that matters is how you want to spin it. Its sad that Rush doesn't like Islamic extremist because they have so much in common they would probably have a great time hangin' out, spreading fear and oppression.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
SHARE
SHARE
Posted using ShareThis
The linked article above is directly from the Fox News Website. For those of you who don't care to read the article itself I will briefly recapitulate its content:
- The Health Care Bill is now Law
- Joe Biden used the "F" word (Holy Fuck.. He used profanity in public, we should stone his Fucking Ass)
- Attorney Generals from 11 States are filing suit based on constitutional issues (that number has since risen to 13 according to another article).
- Tea Baggers are VERY unhappy (what's new?)
- We now live in a socialist nation run by bureaucrats hell-bent on helping Americans instead of destroying other nations (okay the article doesn't say that but it doesn't take someone with a PHD in English to read between the lines).
There are two main issues when it comes to health care reform that baffle me. The first being the fact that the people complain the most are those who already have health insurance. The second is the lack of substance to the argument that a national health care plan is socialism. Lets deal with these issues in order.
- Our current health care system allows for individuals to remain on their parents health insurance until they are 25. It also allows for government subsidized programs for the individuals who have no means to pay for their own health coverage. This is a good thing. (Unless of course you feel that college kids and poor people are a plague on society and should die, but then you probably aren't reading this blog you're out searching for a bell tower and cleaning your sniper rifle). What our current system doesn't allow for is those of us, myself included, who make too much money to qualify for government assistance, are over 25, and don't work for employers that offer full benefits. I think we're called the working poor. We are those who pay taxes but yet do not utilize government services or receive any assistance. Some would say we have been forgotten by the system. The New Health Care Law allows individuals like myself to get the health coverage we need at a price that we can afford. The "price" issue serves as a nice transition to point number 2.
- The underlying idea behind the new Health Care Law is one based on economies of scale and probability. By charging people certain rates based on their age and a few other factors costs are evenly spread amongst millions. Some would say that this notion is just another attempt at "distribution of wealth," and I would be inclined to agree with them but then we'd both be wrong and our country would be seen as a bunch of bumbling idiots (oh wait, that is how most of the civilized world sees us). The truth of the matter is that the younger you are the healthier you are. As you age the likelihood of serious health issues rises, in most cases exponentially. By charging everyone a "flat rate" healthy people are helping sick people afford their treatment. That is a good thing (if you believe in altruism or ascribe to the belief that all persons are created equally). I could go into much more detail on the economics of health care and the show you probability charts and formulas that would demonstrate my point but I won't bore you with the details. The truth is that unless you understand (and I mean beyond what you learned in ECON101) the way our economy works you should have no opinion on this issue and should leave it up to the well-meaning, well-educated, well-spoken and well-qualified individuals that we elected to do whats in our best interest even if you don't "understand" it.
The vast majority of right wingers and some tea baggers claim to be Christian. Christianity was founded on the principle of the helping people. You might recall that Jesus went around healing people, feeding the hungry, and hanging out with the "scum" of society. He preached a message of peace and understanding, equality and grace, compassion and love. In his day, Jesus was called all kinds of names and I'm sure that if the term "Socialism" didn't exist until the day of Karl Marx he would have been called that as well. If supporting the United States governments efforts to protect its people from disease and injury opens me up to being called a socialist than fire away! The God of my understanding told me that "to whom much is given, much is expected." I cannot say that I am a religious person or that I believe in one form of religion but what I can say is that I believe that whomever created this wonderful world that we live in would be proud to see people helping people (even if it is government sponsored).
My final thought is this: "Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you might become." (Author Unknown)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Camping Ban Goes Into Effect. Message Well Received by Homeless Community
The sarcasm in this blogs title can be reinforced by focusing on the term "Homeless Community." The newly enforced 'camping ban' is uprooting communities of homeless people and relocating them to more hospitable living arrangements, as deemed by the City Council, the Colorado Springs Police Department, or the City appointed homeless advocacy group run by Bob Holmes. Including moving 46 of them out of town (According to Rick Montanez of KKTV News).
The City's "Homeless Outreach Team" plans to have many of these illegal camps cleaned up by the end of the week. Rick Montanez also discusses in his news story that the options for much of the homeless community are easily accessible and have plenty of room. If you're interested in seeing/reading the entire piece please click on KKTV below (because the rest of the content is going to be my own personal opinion about the current situation, that's a disclaimer so that you can distinguish who to direct your comments at!): KKTV
The question I would like to pose is what purpose does cleaning up homeless camps serve? Does it make OUR community better? Does it increase the scenic nature of already ugly highway roadsides? Will it help us feel more safe at night knowing that those darn homeless people are in a motel or in someone else's city (there was a ton of sarcasm in there, your sarcometer should be off the charts right now)? Or is it just another excuse for us to force a solution on a group of people who do not fit the social mold that we have worked so hard to create?
In my personal dealings with members of the homeless community, the general consensus is just that: they as if they have been stigmatized and in many cases ostracized from a mainstream community to which they once belonged: the working class. These are the individuals who are homeless by circumstance and not by choice and jump at the opportunity to pull themselves up by their boot straps and rejoin the rest of us.
While that description covers the vast majority of the homeless community there are those who do not want to find a job, get an apartment and spend the rest of their days working just to make ends meet. These are the individuals we are harming through our camping ban. They are everyday people like you and me who refuse to believe in the "punch clock promise" and are content to live off the land, yet smart enough to do it in close proximity to edible food and medical care. Why do we feel its our need or right to disrupt their way of living.
I personally have been blessed to have a job I enjoy that gives me the ability to: pay my bills, drive my car, shop at the grocery store, give to charity and maintain the quality of living I chose. The key to that is that those are the choices I made. Why is it not okay to chose a different way of living that doesn't harm other people. Do we truly think that if we hide our cities homeless in shelters, motels, detox and sober living facilities that we will create individuals who think, act and feel the same as we do? I would venture to say that these "feel good" measures that our beloved City Council has created will do more harm than good. I can see (not in my magic crystal ball, but in my rational mind) increased violence at shelters, overcrowded detox facilities and another 6 month process of how to solve the issues that the camping ban has created.
You may be asking yourself what motivation does this guy have to write about homelessness? The truth of the matter is that as a long time resident of downtown Colorado Springs I have had the opportunity to interact with the homeless community on a daily basis. I have been blessed to meet some amazing people over the years who just so happened to be homeless. My experiences are so vast and interesting that they would be worthy of their own blog. What sparked my latest sadness regarding the issues we're discussing was the "cleanup" of a camp on the Northwest corner of Cimarron and I25 yesterday. As I watched volunteers gathering up people's personal belongings while CSPD officers stood watch with hands on hips I found myself moved to the point of tears. My tears were not just for the individuals whose sole belongings were being disturbed but for the community that our city leaders are responsible for alienating and degrading. Every man, woman and child is deserving of their dignity and it pains me to see government sponsored disregard for human dignity.
If you like, dislike, or even hate this blog please comment and let me know what you think! This is our community and all opinions are welcomed. If you feel like I missed any major issues or would care to voice your own thoughts or opinions please do so. This is a sensitive subject that affects our community and this is an opportunity for you voice to be heard.
The City's "Homeless Outreach Team" plans to have many of these illegal camps cleaned up by the end of the week. Rick Montanez also discusses in his news story that the options for much of the homeless community are easily accessible and have plenty of room. If you're interested in seeing/reading the entire piece please click on KKTV below (because the rest of the content is going to be my own personal opinion about the current situation, that's a disclaimer so that you can distinguish who to direct your comments at!): KKTV
The question I would like to pose is what purpose does cleaning up homeless camps serve? Does it make OUR community better? Does it increase the scenic nature of already ugly highway roadsides? Will it help us feel more safe at night knowing that those darn homeless people are in a motel or in someone else's city (there was a ton of sarcasm in there, your sarcometer should be off the charts right now)? Or is it just another excuse for us to force a solution on a group of people who do not fit the social mold that we have worked so hard to create?
In my personal dealings with members of the homeless community, the general consensus is just that: they as if they have been stigmatized and in many cases ostracized from a mainstream community to which they once belonged: the working class. These are the individuals who are homeless by circumstance and not by choice and jump at the opportunity to pull themselves up by their boot straps and rejoin the rest of us.
While that description covers the vast majority of the homeless community there are those who do not want to find a job, get an apartment and spend the rest of their days working just to make ends meet. These are the individuals we are harming through our camping ban. They are everyday people like you and me who refuse to believe in the "punch clock promise" and are content to live off the land, yet smart enough to do it in close proximity to edible food and medical care. Why do we feel its our need or right to disrupt their way of living.
I personally have been blessed to have a job I enjoy that gives me the ability to: pay my bills, drive my car, shop at the grocery store, give to charity and maintain the quality of living I chose. The key to that is that those are the choices I made. Why is it not okay to chose a different way of living that doesn't harm other people. Do we truly think that if we hide our cities homeless in shelters, motels, detox and sober living facilities that we will create individuals who think, act and feel the same as we do? I would venture to say that these "feel good" measures that our beloved City Council has created will do more harm than good. I can see (not in my magic crystal ball, but in my rational mind) increased violence at shelters, overcrowded detox facilities and another 6 month process of how to solve the issues that the camping ban has created.
You may be asking yourself what motivation does this guy have to write about homelessness? The truth of the matter is that as a long time resident of downtown Colorado Springs I have had the opportunity to interact with the homeless community on a daily basis. I have been blessed to meet some amazing people over the years who just so happened to be homeless. My experiences are so vast and interesting that they would be worthy of their own blog. What sparked my latest sadness regarding the issues we're discussing was the "cleanup" of a camp on the Northwest corner of Cimarron and I25 yesterday. As I watched volunteers gathering up people's personal belongings while CSPD officers stood watch with hands on hips I found myself moved to the point of tears. My tears were not just for the individuals whose sole belongings were being disturbed but for the community that our city leaders are responsible for alienating and degrading. Every man, woman and child is deserving of their dignity and it pains me to see government sponsored disregard for human dignity.
If you like, dislike, or even hate this blog please comment and let me know what you think! This is our community and all opinions are welcomed. If you feel like I missed any major issues or would care to voice your own thoughts or opinions please do so. This is a sensitive subject that affects our community and this is an opportunity for you voice to be heard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)