A Ray of Hope on a Cold Day
As we all continue to endure this bitterly harsh winter, we must remind ourselves that not everyone in our community has the luxury of a warm home. We may not notice them as often as we would in Denver or San Francisco, but there are real people in our own communities who are without homes. Can we turn a blind eye to those in need?
While we are making progress in terms of public services (i.e. Dorothy Day House, Churches United, and the controversial Gladys Ray “wet” shelter), we as individuals must make it our civic duty to lend a helping hand. Given the direction our economy is headed, we all may very well be needing one another’s help soon.
Our local government is making an incredible effort to help the homeless. The new Gladys Ray shelter is truly a ray of hope for the less fortunate. While Fargo already had homeless shelters, there is always a growing need for more, and the ones that already existed turned away intoxicated individuals. There is an incredibly high rate of alcoholism among the homeless population, but does that mean we turn them away in 30 below weather? Gladys Ray answered the dire call from such individuals.
This shelter serves as an icon for compromise in the name of helping our fellow man. We are moving forward as best as we can, but true compassion must begin with all of us as individuals. As we all begin to feel the economic pinch, we must be mindful of the well-being of those who surround us. If a friend loses their job, make an extra effort to help them rise up again. Volunteer at a shelter or pantry. Get involved.
Even beyond helping the homeless, extend a helping hand wherever it is needed. Before we see the worst of what lies ahead, this will be the glue that will hold us together. So much is unsure about the future of our nation, but through brotherhood, we will all rise from the ashes.
What’s the Rubber Chicken?
You may have noticed our newest addition to the Reader, the “Rubber Chicken” section. This section was created exclusively for satire. Through irony we can see the folly of our ways, and through humor, we can learn to laugh about it. The “Rubber Chicken” is not for everyone, but maybe it should be.
Humor can be an incredible tool for finding a common ground. If we can laugh about our petty differences, we may all be better off. If we don’t push one another’s buttons, how will we ever learn one another’s boundaries? When we are too afraid of offending one another, it inhibits us from discussing issues that must be brought to the table.
Satire has served as a means to arouse discussion for centuries. Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” stands out as one of the most famous examples. In it, Swift discusses the cannibalization of Irish babies to solve the economic woes of Ireland. Eating the Irish babies would make less mouths to feed, and more food to feed them, along with exporting clothing accessories made from baby hide.
“A young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout,” he said. As grotesque and disgusting as his words may have been, Swift effectively got people talking about the greater issue, and in that regard he deserves praise.
Calling All Conservatives
This may come as a surprise, but some have called HPR a liberal publication. A lot of these criticisms have been directed towards the Gadfly in particular. We believe strongly in providing an open platform for political discussion from all points of view. If an anti-Gadfly is what we need to balance the equation, then so be it.
The problem is, a lot of the conservative population seems to shy away from contributing to this publication. Not only do we challenge conservatives to come forth and speak their mind; we demand it from this community. Send us your thoughts. We hope to hear from you soon.
Happy Birthday Raul.
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