In my youth this republic had a 'War on Poverty'. It was an attempt to make this the first country to abolish want. The Vietnam War took all of the funding. It was never tried again. Such is unthinkable now. Want has been allowed to fester and grow. There is actual contempt for the poor.
We now make war not on poverty but on the poor themselves.
There are now Homeless Encampments the size of small towns all over this republic. There is no desire to do anything about it. Other than to periodically disperse them. Sometimes violently. Shades of 1930's 'Hoovervilles" Google them.
Boston yesterday like many cities passed an ordinance allowing the police to destroy the tents of the homeless. It got applause. Dickens would recognize this. Folks interviewed said it will make the city look better. Businessmen said it clears the streets for customers.
The poor were not asked.
They were busy being removed as the police and Sheriffs immediately began the destruction of hundreds of tents and the dispersing of near 300 homeless. Boston authorities said they have temporary shelter for ...30. Problem solved.
Such are our times.
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