Newspaper Article

A Chance to Help the Homeless

By Mike Lowry. Mike Lowry D-Wash. is chairman of the

1987

Overview

SIX YEARS of domestic budget cuts and survival-of-the-fittest social and economic policies do have consequences. Putting aside the rhetoric and posturing of the Reagan years, the consequences of these policy choices can be seen in the massive waste of human beings who have been thrown into the streets and abandoned. There are now so many homeless and dispossessed people and families that we can no longer ignore them or pawn their problems off on charities and missions. The homeless and our nation can't wait. Homeless people are far too vulnerable and too much is at stake for the well-being of our nation. While this legislation is long overdue and far too modest, it can be made the first step toward a new domestic agenda to strengthen efforts to solve the overwhelming problems of poverty and social injustice. Homeless legislation must not be allowed to be made this year's passing fad. Basic human needs will stay at the top of this nation's agenda only when Americans stand together and say, \"Enough is enough: We must take care of all of our people.\"

• Publisher: Newsday LLC