Unfounded hate continues to take lives

I’ve grown weary of all this “what-aboutism.” There are not always two equally culpable “sides.”

In nearly every society and religious tradition, there is some variation of the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This is the closest we come to an objective morality.

What is happening in our community violates this most basic human tenet.

When homeless people were evicted from their tents in the middle of winter, with no shelter accepting new clients, it was immoral. (It was also a violation of their civil rights, something most Americans claim to hold dear.)

When someone videotapes homeless people, refuses to stop when asked, and then posts videos of the encounter to demonize them by showing how “angry and aggressive” they are, it’s immoral.

When someone suggests that the “scumbags” living outdoors should be “purged,” it’s immoral.

When homeless people are shot, it’s immoral … and an obvious consequence of the normalization of immorality in the community.

When someone mocks a vigil for the murdered man, calling it an “enabler’s protest,” it’s immoral.

At least 16 homeless people have died since the current city council was elected, and yet they refuse to speak out, even to condemn outright murder. It’s an abdication of leadership, particularly given that the people who supported them are the primary offenders.

At what human cost, what injury to our collective souls, shall we continue to act as if what specific people are doing is not objectively wrong?

— Angela McLaughlin, Chico