Time to demonstrate our spiritual ethics

“Why aren’t there homeless tents … on Chico Golf Course?” Were we really a Christian community, or concerned about our Constitution, there might be a tent on the back nine. Certainly, every really Christian church in town would be following the successful example of communitysupportedshelters.org, in Eugene and have micro shelters in their parking lots to help attend to the “least of these.”

“No bums …” is a judgment unworthy of an ethical conversation. “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” “Observation without evaluation (judgment) is the highest form of human intelligence.” You can tell me what you see, objectively, but when you interject your judgment, it’s like you’re not interested in the exchange of ideas.

No junk …” Have you ever seen what a city looks like when the trash collectors go on strike? If it is not easy and convenient to dispose of, home owners’ neighborhoods become lined with trash heaps. If you are living, unprotected, outside, and so much of your mental energy is consumed with just survival. A lot that’s civilized gets left by the wayside.

Ice rinks and miniature golf courses are for those with spare money only. Our country is “.. .one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” Opening our plaza to everyone is the patriotic thing to do; the ethical thing to do; and a good measure of our effectiveness in addressing our Shelter Crisis. This is an opportunity for service groups to demonstrate the wisdom of our spiritual ethics. Managed, safe, sanitary campgrounds would help. — Charles Withuhn, Chico