I saw some video from a shelter for refugees in Poland this morning that gave me hope in the future of mankind, as well as making me very angry. First, what makes me hopeful?
In 48 hours, Poland took a shopping center and turned it into a shelter for 800 Ukrainian refugees. What they did in 48 hours is nothing short of amazing. They installed showers and toilets. They got a catering up and going, so everyone gets good, hot meals every day, plus set up a snack room where refugees can go in a make a sandwich when they're hungry. Best of all, they have a medical center that is staffed by a doctor 24/7. Their effort puts us to shame as to how, and how fast, we respond to crisis. Cut the red tape, think creatively, and do what has to be done!
The part that makes me angry is when I think about our homeless situation in America, and how long it takes to get even the simplest thing done. Specifically, in Los Angeles, the VA land was needed to house hundreds of homeless living in tents in Brentwood, right on the street. It took at least a year to get the homeless moved inside the VA grounds, get bathrooms installed, and get social services involved. That is simply unacceptable. It's the same in San Diego. I think it was two mayors ago that a plan was enacted to get more housing for the homeless. Where is it? The problem just gets worse and worse. Where is the will to get this problem under control? Everyone is so concerned about bureaucratic red tape, permits, archaic laws and so on, and no one is solving the problem. Do Americans have the will to solve our homeless problem? It's clear that the Polish people understand what it means to help neighbors in need and are doing it, often to their own detriment. Will, creativity and sacrifice, that's what the Poles have got. Do we have it too?
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