Having been "down and out" more than once (in spite of my bourgeois history), I will quibble about the smoking issues. First of all, cigarettes are expensive. How can the poorest people always afford the?

I know there are answers to this, but there are people on the street who are there becuase they have suffered from chemical sensitivities which have ruined their lives, which are made even more impossible by the usual habit of incessant smoking among street people - some of whom have chosen the "lifestyle" rather than having had it forced upon them.

Most people who are homeless are not that way because of their addiction, but unfortunately the majority in society treat them as if that's the case, especially liberals. But the most pernicious among the homeless are the ones who will spend their last dime on a bottle of booze and a pack of smokes - thus making life absolute hell for the non smokers and drinkers among the homeless who are demonized along with them.

I've suffered enough to know this is true - and some of your friends, Bob, are very assertive with their smoking to the extent that it threaten the lives of others who are homeless.

If there really is to be solidarity among the homeless - well, lets just say that the ranks have grown to the extent that they are a very diverse group, and need real leadership. There are members of this group who intentionally oppress and exploit others who are as poor as they are. An the non-smokers suffer the most, because they become targets of the "in crowd" among the street people, especially when they are seen to suffer as they result of someone else's luxury. So it become a microcosm of the larger world - those who can inflict suffering while enjoying themselves continue to do so. It's time for a wake-up call, and I hope this is it.

It is extremely difficult to "maintain a respectable front" while homeless, but I will tell you that it has been done.
To the extent that the bourgeois targets of homeless rage feel threatened, the oppression will worsen, and it has. That's the challenge, and in spite of all your good work, Bob, I think you need to consider this in a constructive way.

- David

ROKNICH WRITES: "Most people who are homeless are not that way because of their addiction, but unfortunately the majority in society treat them as if that's the case, especially liberals. But the most pernicious among the homeless are the ones who will spend their last dime on a bottle of booze and a pack of smokes - thus making life absolute hell for the non smokers and drinkers among the homeless who are demonized along with them."

BECKY: First, let me thank you for your well thought out post. Few take the time to ponder the issue of smoking and the houseless with such depth. Smoking helps to sooth the nerves of those under extreme stress. Hence soldiers on the battlefield and homeless people smoke more than the average person. But while second hand smoke is unpleasant, it can't really be quantified as a health hazard.

I've posted a very persuasive and well-documented article "The Myth of Second Hand Smoking" on my blog at: http://beckyjohnsononewomantalking.blogspot.com/2009/10/myth-of-second-hand-smoke.html

And Linda Lemaster, who suffers from COPD and asthma, has also written her own thoughts "An Asthmatic Against the Smoking Ban" here: http://beckyjohnsononewomantalking.blogspot.com/2009/10/asthmatic-against-smoking-ban.html

Becky, tell people who are homeless that homelessness is a myth and you'll get just about as much mileage as with your statement above.

In other words, try telling those who suffer that they are not suffering.

Merry Christmas. Peace on earth and goodwill toward all.

David

Hopefully this isn't a repost, but the lyrics to some of the carols can be found at...

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/12/19/18633181.php?show_comments=1#18633339

Today (Dec 21 2009) the Homeless Persons Health Project released their annual report on homeless deaths in the past year. While in 2008, only 20 deaths were reported, this year a shocking 47 deaths occurred, 31 in the City of Santa Cruz alone!

See the entire report at: http://beckyjohnsononewomantalking.blogspot.com/2009/12/2009-annual-report-on-homeless-deaths.html