Local Governments Regulate Compassion

  Homelessness Now Criminalized

Those who follow activism closely are aware that the internet is often awash with hyperbole utilized to stir support for causes related to social justice. In this deafening symphony of notes demanding attention it is nearly impossible to discern which causes deserve support from the average activist with limited resources.

Generally, social justice advocates come to adopt individual causes by following their compassion, which in turn leads to discovering their passion.  Incredible advances in social justice have been realized through this focused approach.

There are times, however, when activists recognize the urgency of a specific cause and join in unity of action.  An example of this is the profoundly successful effort by the Human Rights Campaign to “Turn The Internet Red”.  Organizations across the globe engaged in other social justice causes set aside their own focused interests and manifested an event that changed the very nature of the conversation about LGBT rights.

Across our nation laws are being enacted that effectively criminalize the homeless.  Among the activities now legally restricted are sleeping, setting down ones possessions, and feeding the homeless.  These laws are being sold under the “false flag” of safety issues.  Our nation is marginalizing our most at-risk population in the interest of supporting the activities of the very corporate interests that are at the root of the problem of poverty in America.

We, as activists, have the opportunity to act before it is too late.  All social justice advocates involved in other issues need to recognize the profound change in our national character that such laws will establish. We know that LGBT youth, people of color, veterans, abuse victims and many other marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by homelessness. 

Today lets call for a national event to focus the social justice community on confronting these immoral laws.  It is time to speak up or let the very idea of social justice go quietly into the night with barely a whimper.  Lets select a date and focus the entire nation on this issue. Non-Profits, bloggers, writers and activists can and should band together and make a difference.

Americans should not allow our nations character to be re-defined with the first principle being that “people of power and privilege have the right to marginalize and regulate to the shadows those who are most in need.” 

Let us, through our actions, manifest a world where we refuse to grant governments the right to regulate actions that reflect our compassion for all of humanity!