I love kittens but life has some less comfy topics, like this, that need attention. Thoughtful ppl think about the big picture and poverty is a BIG picture. We need kittens though so that we don’t descend into despair for too long. It’s why I don’t think I could ever live without animals of some sort. They are spirit lifting and can help with mental disorders.
Public policy should always accommodate those members whose circumstances render them unable to gain the traction needed to overcome them. It’s possible to set public policy with built in limitations/parameters to avoid exacerbating other problems or magnifying existing ones. That was the focus of welfare form reform in the 1980’s. Rather than cut off assistance sending ppl back to the end of the line if they needed a backup as was the standard, there was instituted a more graduated system that helped ppl with the process of becoming more self sufficient. Most changes are a process and not an event. Some people may need assistance in one form or another most, if not all, the rest of their life. Of course there used to be charitable organizations to help mitigate the burden from the public coffers and services. Perhaps appealing to state legislators might illicit more help.
In any event the plight of the impoverished has been a concern the world over from time immemorial.
In a more perfect world these problems wouldn’t even come about. Frickin humans....
The same principle applies here in NYC as well, as you know. An empty lot in the East Village has been chosen as a spot to build much-needed housing for the elderly, but the neighbors don't want to lose the "garden" that has been created there. I love those scrappy ad hoc "gardens" in the East Village, too, but we have to build housing somewhere.
I know you are right and am very fond of that garden. Also carol loves it and many people have put their hearts into it. In this case, I dont believe that we will end up with affordable housing, there are other plots that could be used, and city people really need somewhere quiet and green--Vermont is overrun with greenery. here we need a few messy apartment buildings. high-rise ones, but i didnt dare write that! but i take you point and really cannot argue with it.
You know what? It MATTERS to fund good design. The new buildings do NOT have to be ugly, even if they do need to be high-rise. (In Vermont, do they really need to be high-rise?)
That is the conundrum. Public funding is required to manage the various causes of homelessness. And public will is required to accept some of the solutions in their locales.
I love kittens but life has some less comfy topics, like this, that need attention. Thoughtful ppl think about the big picture and poverty is a BIG picture. We need kittens though so that we don’t descend into despair for too long. It’s why I don’t think I could ever live without animals of some sort. They are spirit lifting and can help with mental disorders.
Could not agree more! Thanks for commenting. On to the kittens, for a break from the gloom
Public policy should always accommodate those members whose circumstances render them unable to gain the traction needed to overcome them. It’s possible to set public policy with built in limitations/parameters to avoid exacerbating other problems or magnifying existing ones. That was the focus of welfare form reform in the 1980’s. Rather than cut off assistance sending ppl back to the end of the line if they needed a backup as was the standard, there was instituted a more graduated system that helped ppl with the process of becoming more self sufficient. Most changes are a process and not an event. Some people may need assistance in one form or another most, if not all, the rest of their life. Of course there used to be charitable organizations to help mitigate the burden from the public coffers and services. Perhaps appealing to state legislators might illicit more help.
In any event the plight of the impoverished has been a concern the world over from time immemorial.
In a more perfect world these problems wouldn’t even come about. Frickin humans....
Terry, your words along with your photos are illuminating and profound. You open my eyes and mind every day.
Thank you Nancy. Too kind. Literally. (and I do know how to use that word). :)
Thank you!
Terry this is invaluable. A letter to the editor or a guest opinion piece in the local paper? Keep writing, this is great stuff.
The same principle applies here in NYC as well, as you know. An empty lot in the East Village has been chosen as a spot to build much-needed housing for the elderly, but the neighbors don't want to lose the "garden" that has been created there. I love those scrappy ad hoc "gardens" in the East Village, too, but we have to build housing somewhere.
I know you are right and am very fond of that garden. Also carol loves it and many people have put their hearts into it. In this case, I dont believe that we will end up with affordable housing, there are other plots that could be used, and city people really need somewhere quiet and green--Vermont is overrun with greenery. here we need a few messy apartment buildings. high-rise ones, but i didnt dare write that! but i take you point and really cannot argue with it.
take a listen to this if you have a few minutes.
https://www.rumblestripvermont.com/episodes/end-of-an-era-at-the-heartbreak-hotel
You know what? It MATTERS to fund good design. The new buildings do NOT have to be ugly, even if they do need to be high-rise. (In Vermont, do they really need to be high-rise?)
So true...the damage that is done by all folks with different intents but same outcome. Thank you.
Ah, refer to Louis Carroll's Walrus and the Carpenter
Terry, once again you have hit the nail on the head!
But will it hit back? Thanks Tom.
Funny. To my eyes,Montpelier looks forlorn in that picture as well as the homeless man. Guess it all seems too much to bare-bear?Which word do I want?
That is the conundrum. Public funding is required to manage the various causes of homelessness. And public will is required to accept some of the solutions in their locales.
yes. it will not be easy.