Mr. President,
In your final State of the Union address, you didn’t even use the words “homeless” or “homelessness.” You didn’t even insinuate how problematic this epidemic is.
That’s a very hard slap in the face for the outrageous number of homeless men, women and children in this nation. Don’t forget those who are elderly, mentally ill. Or our veterans. Or the dead, 53 of which were mourned here in our city, the nation’s capital.
How could this be! Our homeless are apparently invisible in the rhetoric of your speech, but hopefully not in your heart.
I voted for you and I know you are aware of this national epidemic, particularly in our nation’s capital. I noted your pride in increasing funds for the armed forces, as well as acknowledging the inequality of the distribution of wealth in our country. But where do we fit in? How embarrassing and ridiculous!!!
If you’ve ever been homeless, or in transition, then at least a natural empathy would seem appropriate through legislation to eradicate this disease. You’re not a lame duck president to me, and I hope you put some muscle power into ending homelessness.
You’ve done many wonderful things in your seven years. Sell that!!!
Respectfully,
Michael Craig
Michael Craig is a Street Sense vendor/artist.
