Ever since I moved to Northridge, I have seen a lot more homeless people then I have before. Whenever I got to the grocery store I see them sitting outside. Sometimes I feel really guilty and feel bad. Especially if they have a dog or if the weather is really bad. On the other hand, sometimes I do not feel any remorse because I think a lot of people choose that lifestyle. I do not feel sorry for the homeless people that I see drinking alcohol or doing drugs. I feel sorry for the ones who are truly trying to make their life better. I rarely give homeless people money because I feel like they will just spend it on the wrong things and I do not want to encourage that. However, if I see a person who looks like they truly want to make a better life, I will give them food or some money.

            John Derbyshire writes “Throw the Bums Out: But Do So with Compassion-Coolidge-Style Compassion” and it’s about his experience during a trip to San Francisco. He clearly was very uncomfortable with the homeless and did not want to be around them. He was going to a museum and on his way he passed through downtown. He described how uncomfortable he felt around them and thinks it’s cruel because most of the homeless are mentally disabled. He described how they would give them monthly allowances up to $300 but they reduced it to $65 and provided more food and shelter.  I think that is a better idea other than just giving them that large amount of money because they can guarantee the money is getting used for good.

            In “Brother, Don’t Spare a Dime” the author does not have very much compassion for the homeless. He has the idea that if they tried hard enough to get off the streets they could, and the ones that live on the streets are lazy. He does say there are some exceptions and really resects the people who overcame homelessness. He gives an example of an older homeless man who tried to change but just went back to living on the streets and drinking.  The author thinks that we should not waste our time or money helping some of these people who do not take full advantage of it.

            In the article “The Meanest Cities” the author explains how some cities do not encourage homeless people and have laws to make their life almost impossible. Most laws were made stating that the homeless could not sit or sleep in public areas.  The article also describes how some cities do not allow for volunteers or organizations to help the homeless. This makes it almost impossible for them to be able to stay out of jail, and then therefore, not get a job in the future.