The Bones of the Homeless by Judy Jones

Jones's writing is a gift of genius; shocking and moving you to tears; touching the deepest inner part of your humanness and spirit.

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What would Dr. Martin Luther King have done?

The United States Congress proposed future budget cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, low-income housing as well as medical clinics offering services to the poor, if passed, will put millions of elderly, physically and mentally challenged individuals, children and families on the streets.  Where are the voices for truth and justice?

If each person in the White House, Senate and Congress were asked to tell about themselves, members of their families, relatives and friends who were recipients of the social services the United States provides, whether receiving them directly or by providing the services to the people needing them, would there be even one that would remain silent?  Haven't they become who they are because of the laws enacted to provide for the most vulnerable in our society?

Putting these budget cuts into action, will eliminate the safety nets which include many of our social services.  Can you imagine a ninety year old person on Social Security being offered a voucher instead of their monthly check?  Most would not be able to get through the first page of instructions or know where to turn for help.  If the budget cuts eliminate heating assistance to low-income individuals, we will find many bodies frozen to death inside homes.

Can a civilized nation accept the draconian measures being put into laws by the Congress of the United States at this very moment?  Is a Congressional budget that demands those without die instead of helping them one we can support?

Why hasn't there been one elected official willing to resign rather then take part in the barbaric methods being used by our government, determined to rip everything from the poor they need most to survive?  The institutions were created as safety nets to support our needs, not harm those that cannot help themselves.

What would Dr. Martin Luther King have done?  Would he have spoken fearlessly for the millions about to die in unmarked graves if the United States Government approves the pending budget even if it meant his own life?  He did once and I believe he would do it now.

Dr. King's last days on earth were spent organizing a Poor People’s Campaign to pressure the U.S. government to provide affordable housing, full employment, health care for all, and a decent income for those unable to work.  He gave his very life in fighting the economic injustice of poverty and homelessness.

In his last speech the night before he was assassinated King said; "I've been to the mountain top and I've looked over and seen the other side.  Tonight, I'm not fearing any man because mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord"

Martin Luther Kings voice for freedom and truth was so powerful it shook mountains and the whole earth listened.  Millions rose that had never walked and those with no hope left rejoiced and started back up the mountain because once more the top was in sight!

President Jimmy Carter and his wife Roslyn, both in their latter years are building houses around the world for the homeless.  They are choosing to put their love for others into action.

We are the peoples of this precious earth and each of us deserves to be treated with loving dignity which includes food, shelter, clothing and medical aid.

Would God's voice ever guide us to put boulders in front of the most vulnerable in society, causing them to stumble and fall?

Dr. Martin Luther King heard Gods voice loudly and clearly when he helped us remember who we are and what we are created for; greatness.

Published in Street Spirit & Street Sheet Newspapers