I recently watched the movie, “The Soloist” which was a good reminder for me of the state of our nation’s homeless and I truly sympathize with anyone who is or has been homeless. But for the Grace of God, there go I.
Today I read an opinion article on Fox News titled “Could L.A.’s Jay Goldinger Hold the Key to Defeating Homelessness?”
You can find this article at http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/08/20/could-las-jay-goldinger-hold-key-to-defeating-homelessness/?test=faces
A few stand out quotes from the article that I am like minded with . . .
- Indeed, British Prime Minister David Cameron summed up the fears and frustrations of many when he asked; "Do we have the determination to confront the slow-motion moral collapse that has taken place in parts of our country these past few generations? Irresponsibility. Selfishness. Behaving as if your choices have no consequences... Reward without effort.”
- To date, Food-on-Foot boasts an 89% success rate; roughly the reverse percentage of success enjoyed by government-funded programs. Oh, and did I mention that from Day 1 Jay has refused any and all government funding?
- These simple acts challenge people clinging to the lowest rung of society to validate their self-worth and to realize that victimhood isn’t a coat that protects you from the elements but a straitjacket that locks you in to a cycle of misery.
- His tough-love approach is one that works to motivate people to take responsibility for their actions. Participants start by sweeping the streets.
- Jay told us that when a new group of workers sign up, he provides each with a mirror and offers this admonition: "Take a good in the mirror. You are looking at the enemy; the only person holding you back from a bright future.”
Like bullet two above - I believe our government programs are far less efficient than many of our community programs. As your Board of Supervisors representative, I would strive to reduce government social programs while teaming with and increasing the community programs we have. I would encourage and cooperate with local volunteer organizations to care for our down and out for a win – win outcome.
David Ross – your best choice for Courtland Board of Supervisors
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