#homeless veteran

[sweetemilybowl]

My boyfriend is being evicted. Please donate and help!

Please reblog!

[fuckyeahchinesefashion]

OP: What is the one thing that broke your mind when the Americans came in? Let's talk about it and see if it's different.

Cnetizens and tiktok imigrants begin to exchange facts mainly in clothing, food, housing, transportation, and people's livelihood. They realized that things were very different from what they had heard before. So they call it 对账单dui zhang dan, lit. checking accounting items with eachother (a chinese accounting term). XHS has a trending tag 中美对账 (chinese and americans check account), if you click in it, you'll see a lot of posts both by cnetizens and tt imigrants. And most cnetizens are shocked by what americans told them, and vice versa.

video translation cr 阿美莉真卡

Cnetizens comments

Some Cnetizens don't believe it and feel that the Americans in the video are trolling, these Cnetizens say that when they were studying and working in the US, they saw many Americans were doing very well, living in nice apartments or neighborhoods with villas. Other Americans tell them that it's because either these people's parents are just rich, or they became upper middle class by working hard. They explained to cnetizens that the state runs on debt and loans. If you get a great job at a big company, then you can work for a few years and pay off your loans all at once and your quality of life leaps and bounds, and a lot of people have succeeded that way, so there will be people who keep trying. But if you lose your job, can't afford to pay those taxes that last a lifetime, deplete your savings, and can't pay off your debt, you're likely to lose your house and become homeless.

And then this is how Cnetizens comforted Americans

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - October 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles on Patreon!

1. Industrial wastelands to wildlife oases: Five nature wins that have actually worked

“[An archipelago in the Indian ocean] experienced a major whale comeback after signing up to a debt for nature swap[….] In Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo, local efforts have transformed what was once a rubbish dump to a wetland teeming with [wildlife….]”

2. Louisville launches America’s first 100% electric garbage truck fleet

““These innovative EV collection trucks will fulfill our trash, compost and recycling needs, reduce noise pollution, and include larger windshields to increase each driver’s field of vision and lower greenhouse gas emissions[….]” [The trucks are equipped with] audible devices that alert nearby drivers and pedestrians to compensate for their quieter operations.”

3. How a nearly extinct crocodile species returned from the brink in Cambodia

“By the late nineties, [Siamese crocodiles] were thought to be extinct. […] Today there are about 1,000 Siamese crocodiles in the wild[….] The first crocodiles were reintroduced into the wild in 2012 and they have begun breeding in the wild: over a hundred eggs were discovered in the forests in July, the most so far.”

4. Before his death, this conservative combat veteran filmed a PSA advocating for his transgender son

““Eric [“a conservative South Carolina U.S. Army combat veteran and father of a transgender child”] believed in the importance of freedom for trans kids — the right to live authentically and without fear,” [his widow] said. “He saw this not as a political issue but as a human one, recognizing that every child deserves the chance to thrive and feel whole.”” [Curator’s note: obviously, utmost condolences to Eric’s family; I’m including this as good news because it’s impactful to see a respectable member of the political party more often known for transmisia instead publicly advocating for his son’s human - not just political - rights]

5. Azores to create largest Marine Protected Area in North Atlantic – and a 'blueprint' for the rest of the world

““The Azores’ waters are a hotspot for marine life, hosting a third of the world's whale and dolphin species,[…” and harbouring] “cold-water corals and sponge fields that act as nurseries and feeding grounds for countless species, from deep-sea sharks to commercially valuable fish stocks.””

6. ‘It’s a big lever for change’: the radical contract protecting Hamburg’s green space

“Citizen power forced Germany’s greenest city-state into a binding agreement balancing housing and nature[….] The authorities signed an agreement with the citizen’s initiative to protect 30% of Hamburg’s land area – 10% as untouchable nature reserves and 20% with a looser conservation status – and ensure the share of public green space in the city rises over time.”

7. Behind the Scenes at the Federal Bee Lab Powered by Native Plants

“Once native plants reappeared at the lab, he says, the impact was dramatic. In the first year, many of the region’s 200 native bee species arrived in droves. [… B]irds Droege had never before seen on the premises began to turn up to feed on the native plant seeds[….]”

8. Atlanta neighborhood hired case manager to address rising homelessness. It's improving health and safety for everyone

“Michael Nolan, an Intown Cares social worker, is trained in an approach that emphasizes individual autonomy and dignity, recognizes that being homeless is a traumatic experience, and prioritizes access to housing. [… H]iring a social worker has enabled East Atlanta Village to resolve conflicts gently, through conversation and negotiation.”

9. Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nests Make a Remarkable Comeback in Greece

“As long-lived and migratory species, [loggerheads] contribute to the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are vital habitats for many marine organisms. Their nesting activities also contribute to beach ecosystems and help promote biodiversity.”

10. Rapid genome analysis of a Whippet sighthound sets new standard for biodiversity research

“[Scientists] have sequenced and analyzed the complete genome of a Whippet sighthound in less than a week. […] Rapid analysis is increasingly important for the conservation of endangered species, [… giving] insights into their biological relationships, evolution and adaptations to environmental conditions.”

October 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[icarusredwings]

Remember. It's not illegal to be Trans.......YET.

Trans youth are one of the most subject homelessness around this time of year, including trans veterans who were abandoned by their country after serving.

Talk to your local politicians.

Sign petitions.

Spread cited and scientifically correct information only from trusted sources.

If you have extra food give it to those in need instead of the garbage.

Invite a trusted SAFE unhoused person to sleep in your garage or couch these holidays.

Please do not out any of your friends, family or even strangers without their permission.

If you have a trans family member or friend please check up on their mental health.

Please protect our past, present, and future trans youth.

"To protect the kids" Please remember that ebery trans person was once a kid themselves.

Do not be shocked if your trans family members/ friends suddenly don't want to speak to you anymore if you vote to harm them.

These are scary and unknown times for us all, be kind, be careful, you are loved.

Donate to your local homeless shelter!!!

Here's a quick list of things to donate to those in need esspecially if they are unhoused for the winter:

Non perishables

Can opener

New and gently used men and women’s clothing

Brand new in package underwear, bras and socks

Blankets

Sleeping bags

Tents

Backpacks, drawstring bags and reusable grocery bags

Travel bags and luggage

Bikes, bike locks and brand new helmets

Winter coats

Waterproof gloves, scarves and brand new winter hats

Brand new hygiene items

New hairbrushes, hair ties and combs

Feminine hygiene products

Flashlights

Umbrellas and rain ponchos

Sunscreen and bug spray

Reusable water bottles

Things to donate to your local animal shelter because they're homeless and in need, too (as someone whos worked rescue for a decade)

Canned or soft dog or cat food

Hard bag of dog or cat food (reminder that some places won't take open bags, give it away on facebook or to a friend, DO NOT trash it unless you have too)

Larger bath towels and beach towels are great. Please no face cloths or hand towels. (Dogs eat/ shred them)

Large blankets & unstuffed bedding.

Large crates, collars, leashes, or any other dog/cat related items in good useable condition.

Pet medication that you no longer need (not expired)

ASK!!! Ask your local shelter what they need!!!

We love durable toys like kongs and nylabones, as well as medium/large interactive toys, it makes the dogs stays in the chain link cells much more enjoyable :)

If you're feeling fancy? FOSTER! A home for a week is better then nothing.

[nyierys]

Land back doesn’t mean you loose your houses, farms, businesses etc. it just means land is granted back to indigenous communities and we’re the ones in charge of taking care of it. This betters the climate resulting in better crops, healthier live stock and soil, healthier native wildlife and flora, decreased air and water pollution, and lower prices in natural resources like gas and oil.

Gun control doesn’t mean taking your guns away, it means stricter laws on who’s allowed to carry, what kind of firearms they’re allowed to own and carry, as well as making the process to own a weapon longer and more thorough. It’s providing proof of a hunting license, it’s providing proof of firearms training and safety, it’s providing proof that your firearms will be stored securely away from prying hands and eyes. Civilians not even hunters need military grade assault weapons. 

Immigrants are not illegal on stolen land nor are they criminals. Mexicans are not illegal they’re indigenous they’re coming home, immigrants from other countries seeking asylum, help, medical, education, a better life are not illegal or criminals. They’re also not taking your jobs or getting government help, they’re taking the jobs Americans don’t want to work because the pay and conditions are shit. Section 8 housing is one step above being homeless ask anyone who’s on it, the apartments are not always livable. The majority of people committing crimes saying they’re Mexican are white people, this is a fact you can look up.

Homeless people are lazy. Wrong a majority of homeless people in America are US military veterans and their families. People who fought for a country seeing the worst the world could offer and being tossed aside when they came back, people who were promised mental and physical care for their service and didn’t receive it. Those who aren’t veterans are people who were in debt from medical bills, lost their jobs missed rent, thrown out due to differences or difficulties, those who paid a debt to society and now are only seen as criminals.

America has trillions of dollars in its budget we can afford to rectify all of these things and yet your tax money goes into the pockets of billionaires, into the hands of war mongers, into the hands of cooperations privatizing your constitutional rights of who’s allowed medical care, housing, food etc.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Judd Legum, Rebecca Crosby, and Noel Sims at Popular Information:

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump as the co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite its name, DOGE is not a department or part of the federal government. But it appears that Trump will look to Musk and DOGE to determine what government programs are essential and what should be eliminated as unnecessary. So it is notable that, on Tuesday, Musk posted on X that homelessness is a "lie" and a "propaganda word." He suggested that most unhoused people are "violent drug addicts" who cannot be helped.

Musk was commenting favorably on a post that claimed providing shelter to unhoused people was counterproductive. The post ostensibly cited a San Francisco Chronicle article published in April 2022. The article does not support the contention that providing shelter to people who need it is fruitless or that all unhoused people are criminals. Rather, the article details how the converted hotels in San Francisco were "underfunded and understaffed," leading to substandard living conditions. The city outsourced the management of the buildings to non-profit groups, but failed to provide any oversight. The safety issues resulted from inadequate maintenance and "a small group of tenants who do not receive the support they need." If Musk is going to advise the president on government spending, he should educate himself on the reality of homelessness. These are five key facts to get started.

[...]

17% of unhoused people are children

A reality that Musk did not mention in his post is that a significant percentage of unhoused people are children. According to the 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on a single night in 2023, “roughly 186,100 people” or almost “three of every 10 people experiencing homelessness” was “part of a family with children.” The same report found that in a single night in 2023, 17 percent of unhoused people were children under the age of 18, amounting to 111,620 unhoused children.

Tens of thousands of unhoused people are veterans

Veterans also make up a significant portion of unhoused people. According to the HUD’s 2023 report, on a single night in 2023, “35,574 veterans were experiencing homelessness,” or “22 of every 10,000 veterans in the United States.” But, according to the report, the “actual number of veterans experiencing unsheltered homelessness could be larger than reported.” Black veterans were disproportionately affected, and “comprised 36 percent of veterans experiencing sheltered homelessness and 25 percent of veterans experiencing unsheltered homelessness,” despite making up “only 12 percent of all U.S. veterans.” Veterans experience homelessness at a higher rate due to multiple factors. Frequent and extended deployment can make finding and maintaining stable, affordable housing more difficult. A large number of veterans also live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggle with substance abuse.

[...]

Unhoused people are much more likely to be crime victims than perpetrators

In Musk’s post, he calls unhoused people “violent.” But, in reality, unhoused people are more likely to be a victim of a violent crime than to commit a violent crime. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, an unhoused person “is no more likely to be a criminal than a housed person,” with the exception of camping ordinances, as unhoused people “break that law merely by being homeless.” In 2023, the New York Times reported that it is "relatively rare” for “homeless, mentally ill people” to commit a violent attack.

Many people lose housing to escape domestic violence

While Musk implies that homelessness is the result of a moral failure by people with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder, the facts show that there are many factors contributing to homelessness that can affect anyone. One of those factors is domestic violence. Each year, more than 7 million people in the U.S. experience domestic violence and among those people, 500,000 need to find new housing as a result. It can be difficult to accurately track how many victims of domestic violence end up experiencing sheltered homelessness because shelters that exclusively house domestic violence victims do not report information about their clients.

[...]

Affordable housing is scarce, even for people with jobs

Another factor driving homelessness in the U.S. is a severe shortage of affordable housing. For people making extremely low wages (either at or below the federal poverty line or 30 percent of their area’s median income), there are only 34 affordable rental options per 100 families in need of housing.

Elon Musk is so clueless about the issue of homelessness and unhoused people.

A sizable chunk of the unhoused are veterans who served our country with honor, being a victim of domestic violence is another condition that leads to homelessness to escape to safety, and a sizable chunk of unhoused children identity as LGBTQ+ were evicted from their homes due to familial rejection.

[godisarepublican]

[remain-humblee]

Patience, compassion, & understanding

[castiellawolfkissed]

I am currently homeless. I am trying to go through the VA to get housing and I'm taking care of three kids and three adults. I just started this job and right now the pay situation is messed up and I'm afraid I won't even get paid Friday. If anyone can pass this around or donate i would be very grateful!

[paddysnuffles]

I used to be pro-assisted suicide being legal. I’m not anymore.

Why? Because it’s not used for just terminally ill patients. 

If you’re disabled? You’re pushed to sign up for assisted suicide. Tim Stainton, director of the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship at the University of British Columbia, told the Associated Press that Canada’s MAiD policy is “probably the biggest existential threat to disabled people since the Nazis’ program in Germany in the 1930s.”

When I say that assisted suicide gets pushed on disabled people I’m not being melodramatic. One otherwise healthy veteran with PTSD was told by a caseworker that MAiD (Canada’s assisted suicide program) is better than “blowing your brains out against the wall.” It’s worth noting that the individual in question had not been looking into assisted suicide, he just wanted help dealing with his PTSD and other ailments. Dude was doing perfectly fine and lovin’ life until he was told that he should consider assisted suicide. The call bothered him so much that he left the country.

Paraplegic Olympic competitor corporal Christine Gauthier spent five years fighting to get a wheelchair ramp from veteran’s affairs. They kept refusing her requests, but they did say that they’d be happy to supply her with the necessary equipment to commit assisted suicide instead.

This year (2024) a perfectly healthy autistic woman in the next town over from where I live was granted the right to assisted suicide. Another perfectly healthy autistic woman in the Netherlands was also granted assisted suicide. 

If you’re poor? You’re pushed to apply for assisted suicide. In fact, one third of Canadians support assisted suicide as an option to combat homelessness.

And, if you’re poor and disabled? The Canadian MAiD hotline guarantees that they can have you dead in 90 days.

A study on the MAiD program has found that it’s extremely problematic,has a lack of oversight, and that assisted suicide is being proactively offered to patients as though it is one of many standard treatment options.

[cator99]

I always get detained at da border because PROFUNC never ended but basically I'm like if a targeted individual didn't even care

[the-girl-so-communist]

help me pay off this debt and reopen my checking account before christmas please

cashapp:

$nadelynking

[moodymisty]

requests are open???????? oh??????? okay okay hear me out, I know this might seem weird but I just love how you write for our clones and since I know you love him as much as I do..... what about "finding out they have a momento of you somewhere on them they bring everywhere" + Tai? 👉🏻👈🏻

Author's note: -yanks a barbie-like doll version of Tai from your hands- He's mine to play with now >:3 and I shall make his life perfect and full of fluff as he deserves. I can't be mean to him on my first time writing him xD

Also Wrecker, since you mentioned him in another message. His is a small bonus featured at the bottom ;3

Relationships: Tai(homeless clone veteran from Kenobi to anyone unawares)/Gn!Reader, Wrecker/Gn!Reader

Warnings: None

Your friends had always insisted you had a bleeding heart. But you never really got why it was always considered something you say about someone to insult them.

You care for other people; Is that so bad?

Well, here maybe. There's no shortage of individuals looking to take advantage of that. But you're careful, it's not like you would've gotten far if you hadn't been. But sometimes you can't help it. You'd lost count of how many times you'd come out to give him some food, as he sat camped out close by the entrance to your work.

"I," He hadn't heard you at first, your voice filtered into the crowd and was carried away by it. You spoke again, louder; With more confidence, you had thought.

"I brought you another."

When you'd finally caught his attention he turned to you, the brightness of his eyes contrasting against the still somewhat disheveled nature of his hair and beard. He'd trimmed some of it not too long ago, but in the situation he was in, it was difficult to find the proper tools to do so.

You'd handed him one of the two mealboxes in your hand- it's still warm on the bottom as your fingers brush over his gloved ones. He had hesitated, but after the last few times where you had, and quite aggressively insisted, he take the food, this time he just takes it.

"You're beginning to make a habit of this," His thumb fiddled with the tab to pull up the lid and take a peek at what was inside. "You know you don't have to."

He makes good company, and you don't hesitate to say as such.

"There's some storage crates behind the store; Do you maybe want to eat together?"

You were never able to stop the expectant look on your face, maybe hoping to puppy dog eyes him into joining you. It had seemed to work, but who knows if it was the pleading tone of just the offer of some company.

He went to haul himself to his feet, so you reached out a hand. He didn't exactly shove it away, but he didn't take it; Standing fully and giving you a small smile. It still surprises you sometimes how tall he is at full height, especially with those thick plastoid boots adding another chunk of height.

"I'm not that old." Putting the hand back on your mealbox, it had been hard not to teasingly roll your eyes.

"You said it, not me."

To think, that felt like so long ago.

It really hadn't been, but time passes so wonderfully slow sometimes when you're around him. And how lucky you'd ended up, now getting to say 'good morning', instead of 'good night'.

The blankets still cover your legs, looking to the side as you watch him dump out his ratty old bag all over his side of the bed. You can tell he still doesn't think he should be here, but you were quick to give him his own little spaces of his. He deserves it, and you want him here.

Various little things come tumbling out out his worn rucksack; Some credits, a roll of bandages, a piece of candy and an empty blaster mag, even.

He's such an early riser- you're not even out of your nightclothes and he's up and moving. Already gave you a kiss and made a cup of caf.

You'd bought Tai a new satchel when you noticed the rips and holes in his current one, that were making it nearly unable to fulfill it's purpose as a bag. The one you'd bought wasn't anything fancy, but part of you had been concerned about implying he replace the old one and finding out it had sentimental value. Thankfully it didn't seem to, and now he's eager to make use of your gift.

Shaking it once more a piece of foil also comes tumbling out with his various doodads, and given it looks looks like nothing else he owns, you decide to curiously reach for it. He doesn't vocalize that you shouldn't touch it, but you still hesitate just a moment to make sure you aren't snooping.

He looks at you and then the foil in your hands, before giving a soft smile that shifts his grey speckled stubble.

"Open it."

Carefully the crumpled metal makes noise as you unfold the edges, before revealing what's inside on your lap.

A flower is pressed and dried, wrapped up in the foil. The stem is cracked from being folded to fit in such a small pack, but it's still secured with the actual petals.

"Is this," You question, even though you think you know where this is from. Not too many plants have the chance to grow and blossom in this sort of smoggy, dirty city.

It must've been blown down from a rooftop garden not too long before you'd both walked by, it late into the night and both your bellies full from some hot, cheap food. The flower had been a bright blue just like the fading paint on his armor, and picking up off the ground you managed to save it from getting stepped on- holding it up to his chestplate. Commenting on the color match had made him smile, before he stuck it in the hair right above your ear.

You don't remember ever taking it out, so it must've fallen sometime during the night and he'd snatched it back up. There had been so much happening; The smell of food and booze, Imperial troopers chasing a mugger, Tai had an arm around you the entire time, and it had tightened with they came a bit too close. That warm feeling had made your stomach turn in knots.

"Why'd you keep it?" You're curious, gently rubbing one of the petals between your thumb and index finger. It's so soft, even the slightest touch and you're nervous you'll ruin it.

He must've had this safely in his satchel for weeks now, and you'd never even known.

"Thought that even if you didn't stick around, I'd still remember having fun that night." He didn't get many of those sorts of days, not after everything that's happened. So much of his life has just been survive to the next day; Next hour, next minute.

"You know," Gently folding the flower back up in it's foil you still hold it in your hand, glancing towards him. "I was already in love with you when you gave me this."

There still exists a small degree of self doubt that exists in him; That he's not the right man for you. Though after vehemently denying it and insisting he stay when he tried to beat himself into leaving your home, you do everything in your power to make sure he has no reason to think those things.

Your confession made him falter for a moment, as you look at him with those sweet, irresistible eyes.

Putting his knee on the bed he moves closer to you, eyebrows raised as his slightly hooded eyes stare you down. He's still a little bit sleepy since the caf hasn't quite kicked in, and neither of you have eaten yet. He's been wanting to make it, he says to make up for all those meals you gave him.

"Did it make you love me more?" You put the flower down safely out of the way, so it isn't as risk of getting crushed when you lean forward and meet him at the middle; Nose just brushing against his. You want to kiss him so fucking bad, feeling his beard against your skin when you mutter your answer.

"There's no words to describe how much it did."

✦ Bonus! Some Wrecker goodness ✦

Wrecker always runs so hot; On a cold planet like this, it's particularly nice.

He makes this sort of heat bubble, that radiates around him like the burning sun of a solar system. Warming up your thighs with the arm leaning across them, he does so as well with your back and side as he uses his other arm to pull you against his chest. Sitting sideways in his lap is nice, especially as you watch the stars.

This is the sort of thing normally makes you quite sleepy- though it doesn't help that Wrecker insists on being the most comfortable sleeping spot. At least this time it won't be terrible if you end up falling asleep, because at least he'll be here to wake you back up. Or keep an eye on everything for you.

He occasionally has to check the scanners, leaning forward to do so when he feels enough time has passed without taking a glance. The continuously snow obscures vision outside the viewports of The Marauder to a degree, but it's not bad enough that you can't see the sky. It is however, bad enough that you have to keep an eye on the scanners to check if anything is getting close, lest you end up noticing only when something's right on top of you.

Not that anyone or thing, other than maybe what little wildlife can survive out here anyways would; It's just Hunter being cautious.

When Wrecker tightens his grip on your thighs a bit an leans forward to check, you notice something underneath the armor of his wrist, and gently reach to grasp his arm. Wrecker doesn't resist and lets you have his arm but he is a little confused, until you expose the thin chain that's wrapped around his body glove but underneath his gauntlet.

"I didn't know you kept this."

You remember way back when, on your first what you would call an 'official date', your necklace had snapped. It wasn't one that had any sort of extreme sentimental value, but you had really liked it; Though when Wrecker had picked it up off the ground to see multiple links were ruined, you elected to trash it.

Apparently Wrecker hadn't done that, and had instead used the long chain and tied it around his wrist with a haphazard double knot, the small little gold pendant long since having been lost.

"I, uh," Wrecker takes his arm away from your hands, and rubs the portion of his neck just below his ear. The chain is easily hidden underneath the plates of his armor, which more than explains why you'd never spotted it up until right now.

"It reminded me of that first date." He looks at you oddly for a moment, his brown eyes trying to read your expression. "It isn't weird, is it?" You shake your head.

"No, not at all. Maybe I can use some of Tech's tools so we can fix it? Then it won't fall off."

He noticeably perks up at that. His hand goes right back to cupping the side of your thigh, his gloved palm covering a good portion of it.

"Yeah, I really don't wanna loose it after this long."

Gods, Wrecker is too sweet for you.

"Well now you got to give me something of yours, so we can match. Right?" He almost instantly starts wracking his brain for ideas, his fingers tapping against your thigh.

"I got an idea," Your eyebrows raise, waiting. "But it's a surprise."

Of course it is.

He laughs as you drop your shoulders, having been denied the instant satisfaction of knowing what memento he's going to give you.

"Awww Wrecker come on, please? Tell me?" Your arms raise to wrap around his neck, attempting to pull him for a kiss, but his torso is too tall for you to get anywhere in this position. He pinches the side of your thigh, making you squeal just a bit.

"I'll tell you later. Promise."

[rabbitrah]

One takeaway after my very short time volunteering with people who have recently been homeless, is that you would be shocked how many are veterans.

[remembertheplunge]

If you don't help me, I'll sleep in the trash dumpster

October 27, 1986. Monday

I met a guy tonight as I took out the trash. He had a big chain around his neck. He wore a leather coat, and a dragon ring. It was another sad session of “ I have no place to stay, no food. If you don’t help me, I’ll sleep in the trash dumpster. He showed me a box of record albums that he had been carrying around. Into the box I delved. And, there were his worldly possessions: the records (probably hot ((stolen) but maybe not. “They are original 60’s stuff” he said. Also in the box was a Sony walkman (his pride and joy) and an old plaid shirt. These were his things in life. And, as I picked through, he told me that he was a Vietnam War  Veteran. He had been a prisoner of war for 2 years. He was in the service from 1968-1972. He is 36 years old. He has shaggy, shoulder length brown hair and deep, dark, knowing eyes. A good person. He sang he said. His old lady had just thrown him out. “Do you know where F & M records is?” Will you give me a ride?” He asked. 

I went up to get him $5 for a record. I gave him the money. He refused to give me the record. He was demanding $10. I said “honor is at stake here. Give me the record”. He did. The situation was a bit tense.

Last night a man screamed many times “Jesus Christ, fuck you for leaving me in the alley with no food, and to pick through garbage. Fuck you. Do you hear me?”. This went on for some time.

And, the shopping carts trundle by constantly. Even after the Truckbugs chewed down another crashing good breakfast, within minutes, the street people were there to sift the residue.

Footsterps again pass beneath my window. The alley—a river of pain and endlessness and satisfaction. In its eddys and flow, one man’s trash turns to crystals of value for another, the bloom instead of the field. A sad endless march. But, life—no less—and, don’t be fooled. There is a sweet dignity there, beneath my window, and within them, too.

End of this part of the entry

Notes: 5/23/2024

I wrote the above 10/27/1986 entry in my apartment in Sacramento, California. The apartment was on the second floor. An alley ran directly behind the apartment. It had a steady stream of homeless running ing throuhgh it, especially at night.

I think what I meant by "trash bugs chewing down breakfast" was trash trucks dumping the trash dumpster in the alley.

In 1986, I had little interest in the homeless. I didn't sleep in the apartment the first night or two out of concerns about the homeless in the alley. During my time living in the apartment between 1986 and 1987, I had few direct contacts with the homeless in the alley.

But, by March of 2017, a little over 30 years later, I had changed. I could "see" the homeless and they could "see" me. Meaning, we were aware of one another as equal. We were human beings. I call my homeless meetings encounters. And, I find that in the encounter, the homeless heal me. I'll blog more about my experiences with he homeless in future blogs.

[vintageseawitch]

Project 2025's economic plan is essentially let billionaires do whatever the hell they want more than ever before with more tax breaks, privatizing/stripping away Medicare, social security, & the VA, deporting 10 million people, many of whom have lived here since they were children, turning 40 hour work weeks into 160 hour work months & allowing companies to get away with not paying overtime, etc. i would count what they want to do with LGBTQIA+ people is also part of their economic plan because sending them to concentration camps or simply executing them for existing as they are would probably cost tax payer dollars.