“Sweep” has become an ordinary word to describe one of the most common encounters between the homeless and the public.
We sweep trash and garbage. The dehumanization that is created by this single word is devastating.
What it means, to be a “human being” has been lost and sacrificed.
The consequences of this, in history and these present moments, can create irreparable harm and trauma.
Contributing to both mental illness and drug addiction.
We extend our compassion and support to victims of the Camp and Park fires, who have lost “everything” while at the same time we intentionally create this same devastation daily and repeatedly for the homeless.
For the homeless, we have become the fire 🔥!
Too often without remorse or compassion.
What is judged to be “legal” does not equate to what is moral and ethical.
Homelessness will go on until solutions originate from ethical and moral imperatives. There are no legal solutions that will work separate from ethical and moral values.
“When we deny the humanity of others, our own humanity begins to erode, until we lose what it means to be human… compassion.”
Thank you.
I live near a river in California where a number of homeless people camp. When I’m walking I make a point to acknowledge them.
Three times when I have extended my hand to a homeless man, and said “Hi I’m Michael”, they have begun to cry.
I really don’t have words for the power and dignity and presence that we hold in our humanity.
This is absolutely gorgeous Michael! 🙌
There is an abundance to our humanity
Something I think you will appreciate:
The Power of Words
“Sweep” has become an ordinary word to describe one of the most common encounters between the homeless and the public.
We sweep trash and garbage. The dehumanization that is created by this single word is devastating.
What it means, to be a “human being” has been lost and sacrificed.
The consequences of this, in history and these present moments, can create irreparable harm and trauma.
Contributing to both mental illness and drug addiction.
We extend our compassion and support to victims of the Camp and Park fires, who have lost “everything” while at the same time we intentionally create this same devastation daily and repeatedly for the homeless.
For the homeless, we have become the fire 🔥!
Too often without remorse or compassion.
What is judged to be “legal” does not equate to what is moral and ethical.
Homelessness will go on until solutions originate from ethical and moral imperatives. There are no legal solutions that will work separate from ethical and moral values.
“When we deny the humanity of others, our own humanity begins to erode, until we lose what it means to be human… compassion.”
Michael Tscheu