Let’s talk a little about sacrifice. History contains numerous examples of those sacrificed; chosen ones cast away to appease the current negative forces or grand acts done to protect and inspire. But what about all of life’s little sacrifices borne out of responsibility and love. The extra effort parents put in to make sure kids don’t have to learn about the world the hard way. Folks working extra hours, making sure the job is done with a smile to get the tip to pay the bills, and buy the food. Cleaning your home, clothes, and dishes; historically worked by women. Planning and preparing meals, every day, for the rest of your life. One thing these sacrifices all have in common is a desire to ease the suffering of others, whether they are strangers or even your future self.
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These people have been sacrificed to the dragon of capitalism, their meager fortunes sucked up by our various oligarchs and their enforcers. How would you want to be treated if you came home to a surprise eviction notice and to find there’s nowhere you can afford to move to? Grabbing your tent and relying on your camping skills to find safe places for the night sounds stressful! You’ve probably heard of the Golden Rule, you may have even heard of the Platinum Rule; I think, in this case, what we collectively do to help or hurt these people will fit both. Let’s start thinking about our potential future, and ensure those who can’t afford a comfortable roof to shelter under, can still find a safe one!
There are legitimate paths to humanely solve our city’s needs. We could pass an ordinance requiring churches take people in at night; provide free, unbiased shelter to these folks that need it, and we’ll continue not to tax them. We could have the city use eminent domain on golf courses to convert them into campgrounds that a person could register at, and thus have an address to apply for work. We could impose a wealth tax to enable the city to fairly rent out rooms at local hotels and motels as temporary options for people needing a place in between personal residences. You don’t like camps in parks? Instead of making more criminals, let’s make a campground in town for those in need to safely live and have easy access to public services. Homelessness has risen 30% in the last two years. Let’s ensure that our neighbors can bounce back from bad luck and have a system to protect our possible future selves. Our fellow Missoulians deserve a little dignity and need a helping hand. I urge you to contact your city councilor, tell them how you’d want them to help you if you lose your security. I doubt you will tell them you’d like to be thrown into our obscenely overcrowded prison system. I hope you will say that we’re all interested in calling on those who can most afford it to sacrifice a bit to help the marvelous city they live in…