“The phrase 'Someone ought to do something' was not, by itself,
a helpful one. People who used it never added the rider 'and
that someone is me'.”
― Terry Pratchett, Hogfather
I stumbled upon a Dallas city council meeting and I applaud Mayor Eric Johnson for his approach to resident who was vocalizing his frustration with the homeless situation in Dallas. I don't know if that was just an act or how the young man actually felt but if that was 100% legit, it becomes a teachable moment.
Disclaimer: What will follow is my OPINION and they come a dime a dozen.
"In complex situations, broad generalizations and categorizations are dangerous.
Rarely is it 'all' or 'none' it's some."
-Paul McNeal
Homelessness is a very complex situation. It's not the only one our world faces (abortion, drugs, crime, etc) and I believe most people attempt to create categories or make broad generalizations about a certain challenge because it becomes easier to address. Why people become homeless span so many reasons, so it is my belief that there isn't a one size fix all solution. I believe it must be addressed on a case by case basis and maybe a trend will reveal itself and a broad solution can be created that will allow the flexibility of the specific situation many find themselves in.
This is a topic that I've struggled with for quite some time. As Terry Pratchett says, "Someone ought to do something, and that someone is me," but what should I do? Should I had them money from my car window? Should I provide them gift cards? Should I sit and talk with them? Provide them coats or blankets? Take them to a shelter? The ideas are endless but what will end people living on the streets? Much deeper and challenging situation as I mentioned previously.
Who's responsibility is it for the homeless? Again I struggle because here in America, I believe opportunity is endless and for whatever reason these people find themselves on the side of the road panhandling, I believe they themselves could find a way out of this situation. I believe the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provides a lot that could help.
Habit #1: Be Proactive is a great place to start. It is the FOUNDATIONAL Habit. If you do not realize that you have the capacity to choose your response, you will not be able to cultivate the other six habits. You are a product of your values not your feelings and you are a product of your decisions not your conditions.
Again, there is no one quick fix solution and some of the people who are living on the street might have medical conditions that truly prevent them from realizing they have the ability to choose. However, even if that is the case, I believe they have enough survival sense to know to stand on the side of the road to ask for money. If a man or woman truly desires something bad enough they will get it.
In the video of the city council meeting the young man was adamant about how wealthy his family was but was standing before the city council asking them what they were going to do about the homeless issue. Is it the local government's responsibility to do something about homeless people? Many would say yes because we pay taxes and that's what our tax money is for. Maybe?
I've been pushing the philosophy of "Individual Responsibility" and "Focus on the Family" (Not of the religious flavor) because wrapped in those two, I believe all the challenges of our world evaporate. If I am fully responsible for myself and ensure my family is responsible and taking care of itself, what challenges will our world face? If I have values that says I will not harm another, If I have hopes and dreams and work to create value and make a difference in the world, what issues will I cause the world? None.
Is it realistic to think that ever person on earth will do this? No, but neither is flying a plane against the force of gravity. I believe if we all, make the effort to be responsible individuals and help our families, it's a start to a better world. I do not have all the answers, but I do want to encourage you to leave me some ideas on what could possibly be done to address the homeless issue across our lands no matter where you are.
"As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Friend Sharpens Another." Be Sharp today!
