Thursday, May 31, 2007
Child Killers - Boy, 10, is convicted in beating
Last Thursday marked the opening of another Disney version of life – “Pirates of the Caribbean At Worlds End.” This fanciful children’s movie contains enough swash buckling violence for any normal 10 year old boy. Why then do we have a 10-year-old boy recently convicted in the beating of a homeless Army veteran that left the man so severely injured he required reconstructive surgery?
What was so missing in our society that a 10 year old boy would feel these actions were Ok? And more outrageous, why would a 17 year old stand by and watch it happen?
Has fantasy really emulated real life? Or has real life taken on emulating fantasy with profoundly human consequences. I recall having to read Lord of the Flies for an English class. The group-think, anything goes survival theme in that dark novel seems only too familiar on the streets of Daytona Beach and so many other cities across this country.
Maybe we need a Hollywood marketing campaign to promote real values. “The boy, who appeared in court in shackles and an oversized jumpsuit, could be held in the juvenile system until he turns 21. If the judge considers him a habitual offender, or he could be given probation or counseling.” Guess he will have plenty of time to watch all the reruns of Pirates 1, 2, 3 and any future sequels.
Too bad he won’t be out on the beautiful beaches in Daytona building sand castles and playing fanciful pirate games, body surfing and goofing around with boys his age.
We at the Los Angeles Mission are committed to breaking the chain of violence that occurs on the sidewalks of Skid Row one life at a time.
--Herb Smith, President
What was so missing in our society that a 10 year old boy would feel these actions were Ok? And more outrageous, why would a 17 year old stand by and watch it happen?
Has fantasy really emulated real life? Or has real life taken on emulating fantasy with profoundly human consequences. I recall having to read Lord of the Flies for an English class. The group-think, anything goes survival theme in that dark novel seems only too familiar on the streets of Daytona Beach and so many other cities across this country.
Maybe we need a Hollywood marketing campaign to promote real values. “The boy, who appeared in court in shackles and an oversized jumpsuit, could be held in the juvenile system until he turns 21. If the judge considers him a habitual offender, or he could be given probation or counseling.” Guess he will have plenty of time to watch all the reruns of Pirates 1, 2, 3 and any future sequels.
Too bad he won’t be out on the beautiful beaches in Daytona building sand castles and playing fanciful pirate games, body surfing and goofing around with boys his age.
We at the Los Angeles Mission are committed to breaking the chain of violence that occurs on the sidewalks of Skid Row one life at a time.
--Herb Smith, President
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
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Highlight of My Day
I just finished spending about an hour with 3 men in our program. The conversation started because a 13 year old kid in trouble was invited to attend their group meeting and to hear the stories that brought each of them to the mission.
It was so refreshing to hear how the young man was impacted by these stories, and the on-going changes that are occurring in his life. An additional benefit was the reactions of the men who shared their stories. They were able to confront issues of the past. More importantly they were able to share how the LA Mission program and God had changed the direction of their lives. They felt equipped to confront head on the issues that caused them to stumble into addiction and were able to talk about how they would react when confronted with bad choices in the future.
Now its back to the paperwork, the endless need for resources and the bazillion e-mails.
But I feel so much more invigorated after spending time with the guys, offering a few suggestions and listening to stories of changed lives. Not just self focused, but on how they might help someone else avoid the pain and agony of addiction and loneliness that they experienced.
It makes me remember why I love this job so much.
--Herb Smith, President
It was so refreshing to hear how the young man was impacted by these stories, and the on-going changes that are occurring in his life. An additional benefit was the reactions of the men who shared their stories. They were able to confront issues of the past. More importantly they were able to share how the LA Mission program and God had changed the direction of their lives. They felt equipped to confront head on the issues that caused them to stumble into addiction and were able to talk about how they would react when confronted with bad choices in the future.
Now its back to the paperwork, the endless need for resources and the bazillion e-mails.
But I feel so much more invigorated after spending time with the guys, offering a few suggestions and listening to stories of changed lives. Not just self focused, but on how they might help someone else avoid the pain and agony of addiction and loneliness that they experienced.
It makes me remember why I love this job so much.
--Herb Smith, President
