Trump’s War on the Homeless
Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart
The statistics about the homeless in America are totally
inaccurate. The estimates are far below the facts. I know this because in the
2010 Census, I was in a unique position to learn facts about homelessness in
America few others will ever know.
I met weekly with members of the Reno Area Alliance for the
Homeless. These kind and caring people know the truth and from them I learned
the reality of why and how men, women, and families become homeless. I was
surprised that a percentage of our nation’s homeless population choose to remain
in their situations.
I believe that most people think that housing, clothing, and
healthy food are all these disenfranchised Americans need. I was invited into
the shelters. I was impressed. It is clear that my city cares about all of its
people. There are separate shelters for men and women, and family shelters for
the growing number of men, women, and children who no longer have a permanent
residence.
I also toured “tent city.” It was mostly what you might
think. However, the reason for living outside and not in the shelters forced me
to think about the entire situation my fellow human beings faced: the freedoms
they are denied, and many of the things I take for granted are unavailable to
them.
The shelters do not allow non-married couples access to the
family shelters. The most important reason many of the men and women were not
living in the shelters was because their “best friends” was not welcome: their
dogs.
Let’s look at some of the statistics and reasons for
homelessness in America. As you read them, be aware that much of the “facts”
are incomplete.
The last study, made in 2024, reported that about 800,000
Americans are homeless. The numbers in 2024 reveal an increase of 18% from
2023.
Black and native Americans are experiencing the largest growth
in homelessness. All men and veterans reveal larger growth than most. Women
with children are becoming a greater problem than ever before.
There are many reasons why Americans become homeless. All of
these reasons involve the failure of our government to develop economic
stability for all demographics.
Seven percent of all Americans control 90% of our nation’s
wealth.
The number one reason for homelessness has become a failure
to establish affordable housing for all. Personally, If my wife and I had not
purchased our home in 1998, we would be homeless today. The Reno area housing
market prices are prohibitive for most Nevadans. The rent on a one-bedroom
apartment is about $200 a month higher than our house payment. We survive
exclusively on Social Security.
Income inequality is a growing problem ignored by all
professional politicians. The 2.5 percent increase in our Social Security
checks means nothing. Our receipts from the grocery store are 50-60 percent
higher than they were a couple of years ago. Republicans call it inflation. The
truth is, the reasons for inflation do not exist. This is pure “Greedflation.”
Republican’s super-rich owners simply want more of your money.
The people of the United States are plagued with the most
expensive healthcare in the world. Once again, a personal note. One year ago, I
was hospitalized for 3½ days. I was bedridden for the entire time. Not once did
anyone come into my room and ask if I needed anything. When I did press the
button informing the staff that I needed a bed pan, I waited for long periods
of time: once nearly 45 minutes. I received no therapy, forced to endure an
unnecessary number of tests, and was visited by a doctor once for about 10-15
minutes. My bill was over $26,000. I cannot afford Medicare Part B. However,
because I was admitted, Medicare Part A paid for most of the bill.
Health emergencies, especially surgery or extended care for
cancer or some other life-threatening disease, continue to force families from
their homes. A single surgery, not including other costs and outpatient
treatment, averages about $100,000. Without sufficient insurance, which is all
too common in America, hospitals can take your savings accounts and foreclose
on your homes.
Donald Trump’s excuse for sending military into Washington
D.C. was “uncontrolled crime.” Of course, this was a lie. Residents in our
nation’s capital claim that the only thing his gestapo is doing is removing
homeless people from their encampments.
Trump has no soul. He hates anyone who is not outrageously
wealthy and white.
Finally, politicians constantly claim that “America is the
greatest and richest country in the world.” Both are brazen lies.
Our country is infested with racism, bigotry, homophobia,
and sexism. Domestic terrorism is now the greatest danger to our nation’s
people. We will never be a great country until these unforgivable situations
cease to exist.
For more than one-half of all Americans, our income is totally
insufficient. We struggle week to week, hoping we survive another month.
Trump’s 902 oligarchs are the only people in our nation who
enjoy the “American way of life.”
Op-ed by James Turnage
Follow my blog and be informed
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