thoughts on the news of the day: street people

hmmm…..

            The Occupy Wall Street protests have developed an interesting twist.  Originally formed to speak out against the actions of bankers on Wall Street, they are serving a new and important service.  Protesters have camped out in the downtown areas of many cities and some of them have taken in the homeless people of the streets.  In Portland, Oregon for example, they offer free shelter, food and medical care.  Since the protest has spread over two city blocks there, it has become a symbol not only of protest against corporate greed but of care for those who are the victims of the greed.

            The tent cities are not without problems, though.  Along with the street people comes some problems of fighting and stealing.  When darkness falls, those who are motivated by something other than making a political statement are causing a lot of trouble.  And it is making it hard for the protesters to stay.

            Some people think the Occupy Wall Street protesters are just a bunch of trouble makers.  Others think they are heroes striving to make a difference.  But irregardless of your beliefs, it is hard to argue the care, concern and awareness the protest has inspired on the streets of our major metropolitan cities.  True, not all protest encampments are generous with their time and their supplies.  Some are only about taking care of their own.  But didn’t Jesus ask us to shelter the homeless and feed the hungry? And aren’t the homeless and the hungry hurt the most by corporate greed in America?  Maybe it is worth taking it to the streets.  And I guess that’s something to think about. 

            hmmm…..