Personal responsibility, less ‘granny government’

Homelessness is a rampant in the U.S. The public’s attention appears to be centered on how we can solve this problem, rather than on how to prevent it. It took two generations to get us to this point; it may take two more for a turnaround.

Compare our responses to how we have addressed the COVID-19 pandemic and homelessness. Our efforts to address the virus has been two-pronged: initiate measures believed by some to contain the spread of the virus while rushing to develop a vaccine to protect us from acquiring the “bug” in the first place. Our focus on homelessness has been to provide more “soup kitchens” and shelters of various designs; outreach to potential clients for services available. The latter is the same as providing hospitalization and conducting funerals without vaccinating the population.

Merely mitigating the problems associated with homelessness is not enough. We must identify the true sources/causes of homelessness if we are to achieve any meaningful reduction of “infections.” Once identified, appropriate actions must be instituted to “inoculate” against the cause. Failing to do so is akin to “shoveling sand against the tide.”

I have a theory as to the origin of the homeless problem. It is the result of non-stop efforts by the government to be a granny. Efforts to make us all “victims” and “deserving” have resulted in less personal and familial accountability. “Woe is me”; lack of consequences for poor choices; failure to demand acceptance of responsibility. “Granny Government” needs a funeral.

— Tom Neill, Chico