Homelessness in Philadelphia and eslewhere in North America

"Philadelphians have a nerve. After all, during the last quarter of the 18th Century, at the founding of this nation, London was called 'a graveyard for the poor', and Philly 'a warehouse for the poor.' "

Dear friends,

When I either hear or read about "homelessness", I'm always confused about the language. After all, there are many more players/culprits who are never discussed in this issue of “homelessness”. They are: 1) A market economy that thrives on power and greed. 2) Greedy landlords. 3) Media outlets that serve as opinion-makers.

Moreover, “homelessness” is a condition – not an identity. The same logic that was used to get ordinary people to accept slavery as an identity has been transferred to those who were/are, for whatever reasons, in a condition of homelessness. In other words, people were called “slaves”, when, in fact, they were captive workers in a condition of slavery. Worse yet, ordinary citizens have the nerve to go along with the notion that so-called "homeless" people do not “deserve” the same rights as everyone else. Yet, between government bailouts and subsidies for an inflated housing market, it is the landlords and banks who are really "getting over"/subsidized.


Nevertheless, a more pernicious aspect of being in a condition of "homelessness" is: Many young children, not of their own choice, are thrown into a lifestyle that often makes poverty a vice, as being "rich" already does. Hence, just as the wealthy have others wash their houses and butts, many "poor" people become content with their oppression and seek no way out of the mess, instead, living not only accepting handouts, but expecting them. And their favorite mantra is: It's free!


However, if our social and community workers begin helping folks recognize their many inner powers like both creative and productive energy, discipline, concentration, and memory, to name a few, fewer people will allow themselves to remain in the state of "homelessness".

Finally, Hollywood tends to show scenery of days gone by, as if we are looking at Hallmark greeting cards. Yet, the real 18th Century was a time when animal feces were everywhere. There were no graveled streets or cement sidewalks. People "tipped through the tulips", so to speak, when walking down the street, just to avoid stepping in the aforementioned putrid matter. As well, today, Philadelphians have a nerve scoffing at people who are in a “homeless” condition. Yet, during the last quarter of the 18th Century, at the founding of this nation, London was called "a graveyard for the poor", and Philadelphia, our first capital, "a warehouse for the poor". That’s why the British sent so many people to Philly back then, in the first place. Please go to the literature! The “homeless” problem was far worse then.

Cheers!

G. Djata Bumpus