24 July 2008

Denver's Disappearing Act

Next month, when (or if) you tune in to watch the Democratic National Convention, you need not worry about seeing a potentially "offensive" side of Denver. Nay, Denver has plans to clear downtown streets of homeless people, an effort motivated by supposed security concerns. The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless plans to hand out free tickets and arrange transportation to the movies, the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, among other cultural facilities. Day shelters will have expanded hours and big-screen TVs are being donated so the homeless can watch the convention without being harassed. Those who favor the plan have maintained that it is a more humane way to attend to people, while others believe it is just a cover for sprucing up the city.

Now, perhaps all is not as it appears to be, and we all know what the media can do to a well-intentioned plan, but seriously? Appearances count, and let me tell you Denver/DNC, you're not looking so good. If it's true that this effort is motivated by a desire to treat the homeless humanely and provide them with options, then it is guileful. Apparently, it is only important to provide options when you're bathing in the national media spotlight. If, on the other hand, this effort is truly motivated by a need to sweep the streets of anything that wouldn't make grandma proud, then government is missing the point.

It is the role of government (of any party) to be for the people, ALL people. And this isn't just what I think--this is what the politicians (and the Constitution) tell us! So I find it ironic that at any convention, and especially at the DNC, there would be a felt need to present a facade. What's the point?

Remember what Lady Liberty tells us? "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Sorry Ms. Liberty, they'll be at the movies.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amen sister! Oftentimes I don't know about this government. They say one thing and do something different. "Let the people's voices be heard" and yet make sure there is nothing offensive standing in the way! Agghhh,... Great observations Amy!

Anonymous said...

I second the AMEN!

I must say Amy, I've heard other people say this before but it seems apropos to mention it here..."You're one smart cookie!!"

Gordon

Anonymous said...

Well said, Amy!

Thanks for letting us in on this.

Karen said...

I heard about this too and was outraged! Unfortunately it didn't really surprise me that on the national stage a city would want to "look good". I think our government needs to take a step back and look at what is happening in this country each and every day, national media or not. Make a difference then! Not just when it suits them and how it will "look"! Great job putting this up for all of us to really see!

Sarah said...

This is too weird! Is Denver so overrun with homeless people that they need to hide them? Very bizarre ... thanks for sharing.

simplicity said...

Very well put Amy. And very shocking and makes me feel confused. Interesting that Denver can afford to do something like this during times like this but not all the time? Thanks for the heads up!