Quote:
Originally Posted by 12thMan
I've had this happen to me too many times here in D.C.
But if you think about it, no really ends up homeless overnight. I mean, sure there could have been some life changing event(s) that took place, but if you've ever talked to some of these people, they did receive help or had people reach out to them many times, but somewhere down the line they just got "tired of holding on" and just let go; It became easier to just let things run it's course rather than continually fight uphill. And then on the other hand, some had no one to turn to at all.
I'm not supporting this or making excuses, I'm just saying this is the mindset behind how many people end up in these situations. Many of them suffer from chronic depression and other mental illnesses that are either debilitaing or, quite frankly, make them difficult to employ, and they simply can't afford to treat these issues because of a lack of healthcare.
Some are angry and bitter about what life has dealt to them, but you know what, so are gainfully employed people that enjoy the everyday luxuries of life we do. I'm not really sure what I'm trying to say in all of this, but the old "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" saying just doesn't cut it for me.
I think the vast majority of homeless people need some degree of compassion and for someone to lift them up, so to speak. And for those who don't want to be lifted out of despair, fine, but I think it's right to help those who need it and want it, and not be discouraged by the few bad apples in the barrel.
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I've heard this argument before and I can understand it. Having never been homeless or anywhere near it I can admit my perspective is certainly dubious but then again so is everyone's here. I will add that many/most people in the worls making these arguments have just as dubious a perspective as the rest of us. With that said I:
I am pretty tired of hearing this argument. Yes, many homeless people have mental issues. How many have self inflicted mental issues though? I don't know but I think I am smart enough to know that it isn't an insignificant portion. Not sure of the number but I do know an astoundingly high amount of homeless people are alcoholics/drgu addicts and many attribute their place in life to alcoholism. No matter what some would have you believe alcohol is a choice. No one makes you drink to the point of self-destruct. As for drugs well they were a stupid decision when you started and if you can't bring yourself to do what is necessary to kick them then why should I?
My problem is with the portion of the homless that simply are looking for handouts, not helping hands. This is not a small portion. Ther are plenty of homeless that deserve help but to get help you need to show that you are going to use it for the better. You are going to advance your place in life. Otherwise it is simpy a drain.
I agree the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" doesn't get it done most of the time. I want everyone to help them "pull themselves up" But they need to be pulling too. If they aren't then they don't deserve help.