Terrible Solutions

I consider it an outrage that the city of Atlanta (among other cities) think that they can solve panhandling and homeless difficulties by simply putting a meter up for people to donate their "charity change." It's disgraceful. An article by the NPR discusses Atlanta's solution and never once refers to the "panhandlers" as people on the streets or the homeless community.

It is obvious to me that the Mayor of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin, doesn't understand that she's missing the human element of homelessness. Granted there are men and women on the streets who may be con artists or may get in your face. But my experience is that, on average, they just need a friend, a moment of time. They, like any other insecure human being, need to be treated like a person.

The homeless community needs resources to help them take the next step, get a job, contact family and so on. Hoping that they'll just "go away," is not a solution. They will only populate another city and do the same thing. Why? Because it is all they know. They are survivors.

People need hope. Homeless people need to know, more than anyone, that they are not just scenery. They are not trash. They are not bothersome objects that cross the street. And they won't really go away.

As a citizen of the city, as a human being: if you encounter a homeless person on the street- tell them hello, "look them in the eye and be nice." If you don't want to give out cash, offer them a sandwich, a coffee or maybe just your time. Ask if their day is going well or where they are from.

Telling them that they are only worth your "meter change," is sad. You've belittled their existence. The fact is- Atlanta does not want to help solve poverty. They want it to disappear. They think that by ignoring people on the street or threatening to arrest homeless and warning compassionate citizens, the problem will be solved. It will not.

Problems can only be solved using creative thinking. It would be more beneficial for individuals and governments to do research, find out the true needs of the homeless and create initiative programs for assistance.

The poor are despised everyday. The poor need a voice. Are you listening?

Project Homeless: A Job and a Bench

His name was Eric. He moved to Atlanta to take care of his mother years ago. When she passed away he had to sell the house just to make sure all of her medical bills were paid. He now sleeps on a bench outside. But you wouldn't have known that just looking at him.

My boyfriend and I had gone to Little 5 Points for the afternoon. It was such a perfectly beautiful day outside. When we decided to rest, Eric walked up to us and told said he wanted to show us a picture. He must have noticed that I'd had my camera with me b/c he told me it would make a great photograph. He claimed that the picture had been painted by an elementary school kid in 1996 and that it was a picture of a plane between two towers w/ peace signs all over it. He thought it was ironic that the picture was drawn five years prior to 9/11.

While I don't know much about the superstition, it was interesting enough.

We found out that even though Eric had no place to sleep; he was able to lock down odd jobs around the area and that it was important to him to look presentable. Eric told us that he spent his earnings on making sure he ate and looked nice. He just didn't have enough money to afford a motel each night, didn't even know where one might be and certainly didn't have enough to afford an apartment.

Eric told us that homeless people just need to be given a chance. They need opportunity to be trusted, given jobs. When we asked about how hard it is get things like an i.d. card or a permenant address, he told us those were definitely some of the most difficult challanges. It's a catch-22, he state...you need money to make money in order to survive. He hates that the cycle is always continuous.

When we walked away he let us know he appreciated the conversation and our decency. I hope and pray that Eric will be given enough opportunity to afford an apartment one day soon.

From the Perspective of a Bum

Something is seriously wrong when we as a society, as a people have no interest in taking care of our neighbor. There is a balance of personal responsibility that certainly must be acknowledged. However, whether it be a friend, a colleague, or acquaintance in a distressing situation or the homeless guy on the street, where are our manners, where is the golden rule? I see it less in a society where I should see it more.

Mike Yankoski, and his friend Sam, traveled the country for six months on the streets. They had enough of just hearing and believing they should care for the poor, they need to experience it, they needed to practice it.

What they found were people who were hopeless. They also found people who were bitter toward the world and others who were trying to keep their above ground. Some of their fellow homeless friends were drug addicts, perhaps had made bad decisions that led them their state or just some who'd run out of luck. And like any other despised street monger; Mike and Sam slept on cement, panhandled with guitars and ate from the garbage.

They found that people, of all kinds, -even people who claimed to have faith- snubbed them, avoided eye contact and turned them away. Nevertheless they persisted in their journey and more often than not; their positive attitude and trust in God spoke peace and comfort to their friends on the street. They roamed through Denver, D.C., Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego- which of course led them back home.

I was uniquely impressed with their growth as young men and how their perspectives on the world changed when the chose to live with nothing. They were still able to stay honest and true to the core of who they are and yet find out what that poor are really like and become one of them, that they might minister TO them.

Under the Overpass was an amazing story. I recommend it to anyone, particularly if you've ever wondered what the people on the street really see. I hope you will find out more for yourself.

I think the book is a lesson in humanity. It is a lesson in loving our neighbor, doing good to those who hurt us. It shows what a community should look like when they care for one another, esp in the most difficult circumstances. Mike and Sam inspired me. And they confirmed what I believe- that giving to the poor is one of the greatest gifts and certainly one of the most humbling experiences in the world today.

Plugging In

**Blogs--
Matt Barnes lives in the UK. His journey as a homeless man is interesting to read. He calls his blog The Hobo Days and updates it whenever he's able to get internet access. Check it out.

Leah Tan wrote a good note on photography copyright.

**Recommended Read--

Currently I am working my way through a book called Under the Overpass. This true story is about two young men, Mike and Sam, who spend five months on the streets of America...by choice. Their goal was not only learn what it really meant to be poor but also to reach out to the homeless as they went. They find themselves discovering what it really means to have faith in dire circumstances...to go hungry, to see the world through the eyes of someone with little. They slept in the streets, ate garbage and wore clothes that got more and more ragged every day. They often played their guitars to panhandle in the streets, sometimes making enough for a meal and bus ticket and other times not a single dime...it is amazing to see how they put themselves out there to learn and be part of life they often brushed passed themselves, everyday. I highly suggest you pick up a copy!! More of my thoughts on this book coming soon....

**Sites for Sore Eyes--

Words Without Borders is an online magazine that brings together literature from around the world. I have often come across exerpts from books and articles that I would not otherwise know about had WWB not existed. Their website updates once a month promoting various events, holidays and writing from all over the globe. This months theme? Reversals.

**Photography--

This week, fellow photographer, Stacie Ann from Minnesota posted an incredibly amazing picture. Not only is the tattoo on the guy's arm beautifully done, but it's message reaches a modern audience. I recommend you check it out. Well done Stacie!

My friend, Amos, has posted some pretty cool pictures of his weekend w/ friends and fellow artists...AND he has also recently been able to display his work in local coffee shop in Hood River, Oregon.

**Video-
And finally, if you didn't catch Tina Fey's marvelous performance as Sarah Palin- here it is:

Project Homeless- He Gave me a Smile

"Do ya like coffee?" I asked him.

He smiled, "You bet I do!"

I handed him the ten dollar Starbucks card I had in my pocket and told him he could at least get two or so visits out of it. He thanked me and told me he'd put it to use. His tall figure was slumped. He wore a Creative Loafing t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants that were tied together at the bottom. He seemed sad, but his expression showed me that he was really trying to catch the good in each and every day.

Sitting on the ground next to Bones, I asked him how he ended up on the streets. He told me that it came down to keeping his job or his apartment...and in one day; he lost both. That was in 1996.

Bones looked younger than most I had seen. If he'd had a shave and a hair cut...I'd say he was in his early thirties...I couldn't have really known.

Bones admitted that he didn't know what he wanted society to know about him. But he did say that he wished it were easier to get an i.d. card. One of the most difficult parts of this life was not being able to get a job or qualify for government benefits due to the simple fact that he does not have an address. If he had an address and/or an i.d. card, things would be simpler.

I told my new friend that I would tell people that he's "here" and that if they should see him walking by, a friendly hello and a conversation would mean the world. He thought that might just help.

Bones- you're in my thoughts and prayers....

The Republican Jesus

That's what Ben coined himself yesterday afternoon as we laughed over coffee. Hey, call it sac-religious, but the truth is sterotypes exist for a reason. My dear friend, Joseph Thompson, recently observed "that to be Christian is to be Republican… if you’re white" and that "historically, black people have largely voted Democrat."

But why ARE there such gross sterotypes? Since when were we, as Americans, supposed to fall under a defined demographic?

The problem here isn't necessarily religious or non- religious groups. The problem is the fight of a two party system and the groups that have each chosen to side with only ONE of TWO equally problematic parties. From where I sit- demographics matter less than agenda. They are simply used as a mask to parade the party lines.

The coming election will be historic one, certainly, but is it only historic because we have forced the system to choose a female VP and a black presidential nominee? I think we can all agree that the Democratic and Republican parties have chosen their platforms and candidates based on what should look good. Either way, both parties- the politics themselves are simply about money, prestige and power. Will it really do anyone any good to just "vote for the lesser of two evils" when we've seen nothing but disappointment from the running Republican President and a Democratic Congress?

What about the other parties? The Independent party, the Green party, the Libertarian party and let's not forget Ron Paul's "Revolution of the Republic," are all trying to squeeze their voices in. But as far as I can tell, the Independent party hasn't made signifcant dent since 1992. Ralph Nadar is running for the Independent spot this year, but since his run with the Green party, he's not even a different voice. Bob Barr landed the Libertarian spot...but who's gonna know?

Finally Ron Paul has certainly staked a claim in leading the largest sub-culture following this election. And I wonder, how many Americans are really hungry for one but have given up hope? I'm not talking about following Paul, but the idea of REALLY changing the country we live in happens to be smart one.

In the 1960's and 70's- the entire nation challenged the government. Every issue, from Civil Rights to Feminism, to the war in Viet Nam to keeping a president honest; the politics that ran this country were suddenly being address BY the PEOPLE.

If we are to be a country that is "by the people for the people," then why are we allowing only two parties to make a difference? Where are our voices? I don't think that Americans should be afraid of the word "revolt." That doesn't mean to perpetrate treason, but it does mean that we should have the freedom to call out our government when changes need to be made. Have we forgotten Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanamo, taxes and a dumb downed education system? It seems like Americans have decided to focus on scandals, color and gender, than the real issues that our generation is facing.

It seems like Americans would rather vote on what they feel is the lesser of "two evils," than what they belive is right...and the choices are slim my friends- either we go beyond Dr. King's dream and put an elite black man in office or we put a man- in the White House- who is living on war hero legacy. They're not bad men of course, but they are caught up in their party's agenda...just like the demographic voters.

I encourage all of you this year to go to the polls and vote for what is right...not just "what is best for now." Fight for what is good and beneficial and profitable for future generations. Make head-way into a system that has plateaued rather than charged forward. There's nothing wrong with Revolution...and if enough people demand, the government will have to listen.

My First September Friday...

Ahhh, the weekend!! It was nice to put my feet up...

And spy on my boyfriend...

Sit out under the trees.... Visit the friendly neighbor cat...

Get her to pose for me...(wink)
My boyfriend came out to play...(photo inspired by Alyssa Anders)
And make me the star of the show....