By Charles Springer
Dear Santa Claus, I would like to have certain neo-conservative individuals gain a heart with which to better facilitate compassion. That they might be able to see that the over the past 20 years of this type of thinking has caused more harm than good in this country. That they might see that human beings of all types and forms have a right to exist and live in this country anywhere they choose.
That this is their right under the Constitution of the United States. That they do not have to live in heavy drug-and gang-controlled neighborhoods and risk their lives and the lives of their own children. That rich and poor can co-exist side by side in harmony and even learn a thing or two from each other.
That these people learn from those of us who are most affected by this type of thinking; learn that it’s not what you have materially that makes you a person, but what you have in your heart that makes us human and separates us from the animals. And that compassion and understanding is the key to the survival of humankind as a whole. That we are all in this boat together and should not do things to sink it.
That all human beings should be at peace with each other and no one is any better than his or her neighbor in this country. That no matter what you have, we are ALL the same and no one is elite. I wish that the ones who speak harshly about the homeless situation would be able to experience it fully to appreciate the extremes we, as homeless, go through on a daily basis.
I wish that we could all make the money we need to have housing and that the landlords see that these INFLATED rents imposed upon those of us who can’t afford it only harm everyone, and even themselves in the long run. I ask that those of us who don’t have what we need to get our lives together get it, and become productive members of society. And that those of us who cause problems for the whole of the homeless population realize that they are only hurting themselves with the insults and sexual harassment on the Promenade.
I wish that those of us who are on the streets who need help in getting better employment receive it, and those of us who need medical care have it. I wish that the people of this country as a whole would reclaim the country from the corporate types who have usurped control of this country from the people. I wish that our country would take care of its own instead of trying to dictate how others rule their country.
And last, but not least, I wish all who have read my column, whether you agree with me or not, a very, merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Charles Springer, who is homeless and lives in Santa Monica, is a regular columnist.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 23, 2002. Read the original PDF.