By Kenneth McCrae Santa Monica
On behalf of Santa Monica’s homeless population, I humbly extend my deepest apologies to the Santa Monica community concerning the death of the homeless man at the YMCA, who had the termidity to die there instead of in the streets.
The police report the deceased was apparently the victim of an assault. By whom? Skinhead neo-nazis? Drunks from one of the local bars? Just someone who doesn’t like homeless people in general? It really doesn’t matter — just shame on the victim for not crawling out onto public property before passing away. I’m sure he’ll try harder next time.
Even here in Santa Monica, it is a rough life living on the streets every day wondering where your next meal will come from, if you’ll be hassled by the police, where you’ll sleep at night, and if you’ll be safe sleeping there.
Please forgive the homeless, they’re only human. Homeless people are attacked, beaten and die. Some drink themselves to death. Homeless people do get ill and die, neglected by society. Some simply give up hope and stop living.
If you must blame someone for Santa Monica’s homeless problem, don’t scapegoat our City Council. Instead, blame our dear departed President Reagan who closed mental facilities across the nation, forcing those in need of treatment to receive it at their local clinic instead of a government run facility. Guess what — there are no local clinics. If those who need and deserve treatment were to receive it, the number of homeless would be cut by half and the number of antisocial incidents would decrease tenfold.
Or blame President George Bush, whose policies have forced many Americans into poverty and homelessness during the last four years while he spends billions paying Haliburton to provide housing and social services to Iraq. Even full-time American workers often cannot afford to keep a roof over themselves and their families. Many low paying starting-position jobs require a knowledge of Spanish but not necessarily English.
Don’t lump all homeless into the same basket — each soul has traveled a different road to reach the streets. Instead of whining, how about doing something positive to help them out of the abyss?
Ever wonder why public urination is such a theme among homeless bashers? It’s because nearly all retail operations, including Barnes & Noble, have closed their restrooms to the public, including the homeless. The human body is not designed to just “hold it.” A few porta potties strategically placed where the homeless could use them would go far towards relieving the problem of people relieving themselves. And, speaking from experience, signs in languages other than English would help.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 6, 2004. Read the original PDF.