Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Hope Gardens – Finally
I cannot believe that the Union Rescue Mission and its supporters have had to endure such a long, arduous and expensive journey to help put women and children into a safe and loving environment.
What really strikes me about this situation is how judgmental the opponents are. The idea that one can decide before they even move in, the actions of women and children who, except for a couple bucks in rent, might live in the neighborhood anyway. To suggest that they might burn down the forest is just plain stupid. I know some pretty wealthy well educated college students who set fire to the Angeles National Forest some years ago because they tried to burn toilet paper in a makeshift toilet. Does that mean we close down public land to college students?
No. The problem that persists here is one of perception and discrimination. We at the Los Angeles Mission face this problem on a daily basis. I suggest the neighbors (and Michael Antonovich who abstained?!) try something lost in this era. Be neighborly. Take a walk over to Hope Gardens, drop off some cookies or treats and get to know the staff, women and children of Hope Gardens. Maybe offer to play some sports or games with the kids to reduce the boredom and free time that gives them the desire to smoke in the first place.
I bet if you do you will find like I do that my prejudices and preconceived fears are unfounded. I bet you will find a bunch of women and children that will ultimately touch your hearts.
Way to go Andy Bales and team. Our congratulations on this milestone!
--Herb Smith, President
What really strikes me about this situation is how judgmental the opponents are. The idea that one can decide before they even move in, the actions of women and children who, except for a couple bucks in rent, might live in the neighborhood anyway. To suggest that they might burn down the forest is just plain stupid. I know some pretty wealthy well educated college students who set fire to the Angeles National Forest some years ago because they tried to burn toilet paper in a makeshift toilet. Does that mean we close down public land to college students?
No. The problem that persists here is one of perception and discrimination. We at the Los Angeles Mission face this problem on a daily basis. I suggest the neighbors (and Michael Antonovich who abstained?!) try something lost in this era. Be neighborly. Take a walk over to Hope Gardens, drop off some cookies or treats and get to know the staff, women and children of Hope Gardens. Maybe offer to play some sports or games with the kids to reduce the boredom and free time that gives them the desire to smoke in the first place.
I bet if you do you will find like I do that my prejudices and preconceived fears are unfounded. I bet you will find a bunch of women and children that will ultimately touch your hearts.
Way to go Andy Bales and team. Our congratulations on this milestone!
--Herb Smith, President
