Homeless in Lawrence
21/09/23 05:40
September 21, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 38) - Down by the Kansas River, just behind Johnny's Tavern, is a city-sanctioned 21st century Shanty Town. It is the City of Lawrence, Kansas's, attempt at addressing an issue that has plagued this country from its very beginnings, homelessness. There have always been a group of people who, by either the vagaries of a free-market economy, personal bad luck or (in some cases) by personal choices or actions, find themselves without a permanent domicile. They are forced to either fend for themselves in the elements or rely on the kindness of strangers. In Lawrence, the kindness and compassion in which we pride ourselves is being strained. In either a city-provided shelter or an outdoor encampment (such as that shown in the above Lawrence Times photo), the people of Lawrence have attempted a compassionate response to a human crisis. Unfortunately, there are forces at work that make such a response increasingly difficult. There is the conduct of some of the people the city has tried to assist, misdeeds such as theft, violence and public urination. There is also the cold, calculating and Un-Christian response of neighboring communities that have decided that it's better to give the homeless a bus pass to Lawrence than to deal with the issue in their own communities, much like how the immoral and godless governors of Texas and Florida have chosen to deal with immigrants. And there is the frustration among residents, such as myself, who want to do the right thing, but also realize that offering public shelter hearkens to that famous line from the movie Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come." I don't pretend to have a solution. But, as a historian, I believe that there is much to be learned from past experience. During the height of the Great Depression, the Roosevelt administration created public outlets for channeling the human energy and the power of free expression from those who society had seemed to forget. These efforts went by many names, such as the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. They gave the unfortunate an opportunity to live their lives in dignity and with purpose. In return, America was enriched by the creation of public works and cultural projects that still bring benefits nearly a century later. As I said, I can't provide you with any answers. All I can say is that we, as a people, will be remembered by how we chose to either live by or ignore our stated values. For me, I'd rather by known as someone who did not turn a blind eye to the homeless, refugees seeking asylum, the infirm or the mentally ill. Ignoring problems is always the easiest choice. But it is not a solution. We should also remember that America's greatness was not forged by taking the path of least resistance. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.