I often ponder the illogic of the species that I share this planet with, the human race.We always seem to try to create environments conducive to pleasant living. Pretty yards,

manicured trees, green grass, orchestrated freeways. Yet, when it comes to helping our fellow humans we

constantly lack social grace. When you drive down the freeways in California it is amazing how beautiful the roadways appear. I often wonder how much money is spent by the state to maintain the often glorious landscaping that is evident. Giant trees, incredible flower gardens, acres of space occupied by no one. But if you drive 1 or two miles off the spectacular concrete, you can take an eye opening glance at the preponderance of squalor and pain that our “neighbors”, must tolerate. Take a walk down some of the streets in Los Angeles or most neighborhoods, examine the hidden areas that most folks try to ignore. What you will find is an astonishing array of human suffering. Suffering we as a society accept, and tolerate. Mentally ill individuals cast out of the main stream, spending their days yelling and screaming at phantom ghosts that appear and disappear at random. Elderly men and women who find shelter in cardboard boxes carefully collected out of the refuse of those more fortunate. Shopping carts filled to the brim with painstakingly collected possessions of string, cans, and discarded clothes. Gypsy camps filled with people who have no families to turn to for comfort or peace.

I will never forget the experience I had in LA. I worked as a mobile auto diagnostician. My Assignment was to examine a Ford mustang of vintage quality. I pulled up to the location in downtown Los Angeles, the address was an old firehouse. This building was 5 stories tall. Lining the street were hundreds of the forgotten. Men and women who had nowhere to sleep, just cardboard blankets on the sidewalk. As I got out of my car, I was approached by several street people, hey man you got a dollar I’m hungry. Hey dude how about a quarter. I emptied my pockets of the change I had, and rang the bell of the monstrous building. The large fire doors slowly opened and a very large Great Dane came charging out of the building, barking like crazy. He approached me, and sniffed my pant leg. The owner appeared, a young man in his late 20’s who assured me the dog would not harm me. I entered the monstrous building and saw my assignment. A beautifully manicured 1964 mustang was sitting in the center of this vintage building of the past. The ceiling stretched for miles above me with spotlights gleaming, highlighting the cars spectacular lines. The only occupants of this wonderful firehouse were the young owner of the mustang and his girl friend. I finished my examination of the car, filled out the report, and collected my pay. The young man asked, “would you like a tour of the firehouse?” “Of course”, I replied, it was truly an amazing building. It still contained all of the beds of the hundreds of firemen that used to work there. One entire floor dedicated to showers and toilets they used. The brass fire pole once used on a daily basis was still there. I asked the young man how it came to be that he and his girl friend had this firehouse. He told me that they rented it from the city for an astonishing $400 per month. Yet there were hundreds of homeless, right out front, sleeping in cardboard boxes. I left feeling mixed emotions. I felt grateful that I had work and a home, but I felt incredibly sad that for $400 per month the city left hundreds without shelter so that 2 young people, who could have lived anywhere, could selfishly enjoy this wonderful old firehouse.

I’ve spent most of my life unable to fathom the logic of those left in charge of our government. Children removed from homes and left to institutions that suddenly “Lose them”, as in the recent case in Florida. Hundreds of people bereft of a place to call home, yet 2 people are given a subsidized home, which could house an entire block. Old people cast out of public housing for “drug use” they have no knowledge of, committed by a grand child they cannot control. Fines levied by states for “traffic” infractions equivalent to 3 months pay. Fees charged for “Public” access to “Public” lands. Tax breaks for those that spend more on dinner than some make in a week. Outsiders allowed into our country, trained by us to fly airplanes, which are then used as weapons against us. County facilities like dumps, which are supposed to house garbage, but have become money making enterprises, instead of publicly accessible facilities. It is a sad reflection at my advanced age, that my memories of the past are so glorious. At 20 I was able to earn over $500 per week. The equivalent cash today would probably be close to $2000 per week. Todays starting pay of $7.00 per hour is about the most one can expect.

Housing, food, transportation all cost far more. Our politicians all tell today’s mainstream, how lucky they are, how much better things are. When I look back, I say-you’re a liar. Of course the line “that’s just an old man” looking back on glory days could be used. But I’m a logical man who looks for and perceives truth, that’s my credo.

I am not a politician, I’m not even a good journalist, just a guy with a talent in computing. I’m not rich or particularly powerful. I am a man who looks for truth, I expect justice, I hope for equality, I want a better future for everyone. I hope that my children and grandchildren will have a world worth calling home, but I’m not confident.

Solutions are always difficult. Most people need to make car payments, so they are not concerned about “what is really going on around here”. But it is apparent that the need to wake up and smell the coffee is more important than ever . I plead with you, demand your rights as an individual. Exercise your democratic responsibility as an American. Call to order those that you have placed in charge of our government. Open your hearts and minds to the needs of your fellow citizens. Place in your heart the concept of “us” not just I. Re-energize the once taught concept of what it is to be Socially Responsible.

Make America the light of the world, not its bane, and become a light force at the end of the tunnel.

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