Lessons learned... living "homeless"...
Today is my 50th day of "being homeless" (though I hate that description because it is so misleading and the term is oft' associated with with misconceptions - most especially from those who have condescending attitudes for the "poor people".
I have actually been living in the Salvation Army's "New Hope" Center, here in Colorado Springs (for all but my 1st night). There are actually some specific reasons for me "being homeless" (see my MYSPACE BLOG for details... but that is not the point of this post).
The past 50 days has been an interesting experience with "lessons learned". Due to policies of the Salvation Army "New Hope" Center, I will be "kicked out" tomorrow... and start being "homeless" for real... camping out. One of the lessons learned is that much of the charitable "giving" of the community is to provide a sense of "obligations met" for helping the "poor people". I put "New Hope" in quotes, because it is a fascade of the community at large. Granted, free food, showers, water, electricity, etc is provided free of charge... for that, I am quite thankful... however... to prevent this post from turning into an "editorial" on the social inadequacies of the nation as a whole... I'll move along.
One lesson learned is: take advantage of that which is available; but don't take it for granted. Becoming dependant on "externally provided" provisions, shelter, etc is not being wise. If those things are provided, they can be taken away... or given at a price... most notebly, at the price of freedom and excercising control over an "expendable" portion of the population.
Another lesson learned is that "birds of a feather, flock together". Those in the men's shelter tend to group together, make associations with, and form alliances with those of a similar "bent". The ex-cons would often associate with the other "ex-cons". Those who have a "bad heart" (a reference toward their character) would associate with others with "bad hearts". Those with "good hearts" "have fellowship" or, hang out with, with like-minded others.
And some stay to themselves.. and avoid association with any one else... those are the "unknowns".
Aother lesson learned is that you should listen alot, ask questions, and learn. That would be a great example to follow in many areas of life... even on message board forums. There are some that have "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" and the gotten scars from life - but they never really learned anything. Others share what they have learned... and are willing to learn even more... And then, there are those who are just wasting my oxygen but think that the law of the jungle rules...and try to bluff their way past the masses... until they meet a "bigger" ape.
Yet another lesson learned is that CONTROL is the tool of choice for those who would rule the masses. That applies to the federal government, the corporate CEOs, and the directing staff of "homeless shelters... it is also the tool of choice for those who would prey on the "weak", the ignorant, the fearful, and those who have been dealt a "bad hand" in life.
In these times in which we live... I see a divide occurring. And that divide is growing... that divide is between those who are prepared... and those who are not. Included in that grouping are those who are manipulating conditions for gain... and those who are allowing their control to slip away... for another meal, another night with a roof over their head, another day clawing your way towards that degree of survival that is acceptable to you...
and then... there are those who prepare and refuse to bow down to those who would dictate control...
Overall, these past 50 days have been enlightening... and now... it is time for me to learn the next stage... many thanks to those - here - who have helped me prepare...
