Way back in December, we wrote about the growing trend of cities criminalizing homelessness. As was the case then, churches continue to be on the front lines of this fight. The past few years has seen the number of homeless people surge nationwide, and in many cities, it is church groups who have taken the lead in caring for them. Churches help provide all sorts of services, such as shelter and free toiletries. Many also feed the homeless an admirable and kind-hearted undertaking. Or so it would seem.
"Feeding the Problem"
As it happens, not everyone agrees that handing out free food is helping. Among a growing contingent of dissenters are officials in San Jose, who recently took the drastic step of placing a ban on feeding homeless people at a large city park, citing public safety concerns. A city spokeswoman explained the reasoning:
"The first thing is that the food isn't licensed or prepared in the appropriate manner. Secondly, the homeless aren't starving. They have places to eat across the city, and lastly and most importantly, it's making an absolute mess of our park."
Neighbors say that giving out food attracts more homeless, which contribute to public littering and increased in crime. "Right now, we have homeless that ride through the neighborhoods on bicycles, they scope the neighborhood out," one local resident said. "I have caught them at night trying to break into cars."
"Our Duty to Provide"
But local church groups are defiant they've been feeding the homeless at St. James Park for decades, they say, and have no plans to stop now. In the wake of the decision, church groups have been holding "granola bar protests," events that include handing out free snacks and water to the city's homeless population and essentially daring the police to issue fines.
"What we're saying is that we have an inherent right as churches to practice our constitutional rights to ensure that homeless people get fed," argues homeless advocate Pastor Scott Wagers. "Right now, this city and other large cities are simply sweeping the homeless out of sight and out of mind."
A Growing Wave of Resentment
Indeed, San Jose is not alone. Over the past few years, city after city has begun cracking down on feeding the homeless. As of last year, over 70 cities had banned the practice entirely. In many places, panhandling has also been outlawed. Proponents argue that such activities only keep the homeless in limbo surviving, but still without housing or the ability to contribute to society. Plus, an abundance of services in an area inevitably attracts more homeless. If it's only been making the problem worse, they argue, why keep doing it?
Struggling for a Solution
The homeless crisis clearly won't go away on its own. Even with an improving economy, the problem has gotten worse in many cities around the country. Apparently, a rising tide leaves some boats behind. When it comes to dealing with the issue, however, there seem to be conflicting ideologies at play.
Social services for the homeless do great work, providing shelter and comfort to those who have none. While opposing such services might seem cruel, in reality there's more to the story. For example, many cities only outlawed handing out food after it became clear from years of evidence that it was not a long term solution. Intended to help people turn their lives around, too often these services simply promoted a culture of dependence.
Enter the "tough love" advocates. This group wants to cut back on social services and force the homeless to fend for themselves in the hope of provoking a life-altering "reality check" of sorts. As one might imagine, such opinions are regularly denounced as "heartless" and "mean." This viewpoint is understandable -- after all, who could possibly be opposed to feeding the hungry?
But perhaps, to this extent, they have a point: if what you're doing now isn't working, why not change strategies?
Where do you stand?
141 comments
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Aaronvicky
jesus was see in all around the world and put in the world for some reasons so don't worries about nothing at all things. believe "GOD"
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Joanne Martin
But remember that even if their intentions and representation is less than honest it is our dharma that requires is to be the best person we can and do what we can to help others. Of our intentions come from a place of compassion and empathy then we have still done good.
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Alease
Food stamps is given to all homeless now!! They don’t even need an address. They can also get a free cell phone because they have EBT. I have a brother in law who was homeless by choice. Enjoyed the free everything. He also told me they have a program for the homeless to get them their own home and jobs they just have to pass a drug test...most didn’t including my brother in law. He refuses to believe he has a drug addiction and just goes back to being homeless if we give him grief about it.
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John Maher
OBVIOUSLY ALEASE HE NEEDS HELP and HE is YOUR FAMILY, GET on the INTERNET find HIM HELP, DOES the SOUL GOOD, YOURS that is, @ LEAST you TRY to GIVE a LITTLE !!!
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Joanne Martin
~~Treat others as you wish to be treated~~
I hope that if I found myself in such a dire situation where I did not know where I would get my next meal or be able to feed my family, that someone would show some compassion. They are not asking for money, just being offered a meal.
For all who think that it should be criminal to feed the homeless I will pray each night that you never find yourself in this kind of situation; however if you do I pray others will not be as ignorant.
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John Maher
RIGHT on JOANNE MARTIN, DO NOT READ or WRITE it, EXPERIENCE IT, OPEN and CLOSE YOUR EMPTY MOUTHS, TOO MANY PERSONS on the BLOG are TOO FULL of THEMSELVES to EVER BE HUNGRY.......
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John Maher
DO it or DON'T, BUTT SHUT UP ALREADY, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARD CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A......................DO NOT GIVE them MONEY, BUY them a LUNCHABLE, CASE FRIGGIN CLOSED...............
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Rev paul
I agree feed them but don't give them money because you have noway to know what they did with the money
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John Maher
I KNOW WHAT is TRUE BOOGER OWINS and I SPEAK for MYSELF UNLIKE U TRYING to IMITATE the NAZI tRUMP,ALL of U KNOW it MY ARSE, WATCH the REAL NEWS NOT the VILLAGE IDIOT CHANNEL, F O X, the DUMBEST FOX I EVER SAW or HEARD !!! DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, the EXALTED WHITE PIMP.................
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minister, howard scanlan
if politics is the forefront of these bans, shame on the politicians! if this is just a group of folks who want to "look good" in their circle of friends, shame on them! when boasting "look what i did", the deed that was performed should be one of compassion, not hate. we are all children of god and the job given to us is to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. i for one do not care about political parties and, in my opinion, think we should rid our country of them. while reading through the chatter in this blog i saw so much anger that was politically motivated. does anyone check the status of these "homeless" before fining the good samaritan? as i see it, we are all "homeless" until we are in gods arms, sitting in heaven. i myself will continue my practice of helping anyone any way i can with their needs. my wife and i have done this for many years and have instilled this in our children. to all of the angry people in here, relax, take a deep breath and exhale all of that bad energy.
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John Maher
UP the IRISH SCANLAN, GREAT COMMENTS like this WE NEED to CHASE the SMELL of the SHYTEHEADS that POST only HATE and then say the BIBLE will PUNISH YOU for BEING a GOOD PERSON, VILLAGE IDIOTS ALL, if ANYONE DOES NOT AGREE SUCK TOURETTES, I THANK BOOGER OWINS for that ONE, HI BOOGER !!!
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John Owens
Maher, I'm flattered that you are so crazy about me. I think it's so sweet.
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John Maher
BOOGEROWINS YOU ARE a FLAMING BOOGER EATING VILLAGE IDIOT, STILL LIKE ME HONEY BUNNY, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A, the DOMINOE EFFECT is in PLACE for the CRIMINAL tRUMP
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John Maher
HEY BOOGER OWINS HOWs UR UNCA' DONALD tRUMP DOIN ??? the NAZI WHITE SUPREMIST DAWG, MAKE the VILLAGE of IDIOTS GREAT AGAIN, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A.
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John Owens
That's all BS and all of you know it. If you don't you are too stupid to argue with.
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Scott Barton
If love and compassion are absent from your awareness you yourself are homeless. You yourself have chosen to leave home with what you think holds value. Sound familiar? You yourself have fallen in want. How far will you travel this path that leads away from home before you realize what holds true value? All of us make this error every time we choose but love. Can you imagine a world where compassion for your brother ruled your heart. To love him as you love yourself. We cant communicate with one another if we see ourselves as separate. We cannot know our value if we believe our brothers is less. He is a mirror of our self. In him you will either find yourself or lose yourself. What we can do is feed each other. Love is the bread. It is the word.It is the truth. It is the life. Every encounter lies the opportunity to know yourself in your brother. Offer him kindness instead of judgement. Our salvation, our healing of the belief in separation is to return home. Home is Heaven. Heaven is love. It is who we are. Heaven is not only in us but is us. There is no doubt in truth. If you condemn anyone it is because you do not know him. And you do not know him because you do not recognize yourself first. You are homeless in self imposed exile.
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Sandy
John Mather-- you don't sound like a minister to me-- more like a madman--why are you ranting and raving and not making sense?? Take a chill pill!! God Bless!
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John Maher
SANDY R U WHAT ??? ALL U CHICKEN SHYTE COMMENTATORs why do U not put UR NAME UP, F..KT..D COWARDS ALL, tRUMPIES for SURE, I MAKE SENSE to ME if it ain't to U TS, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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Geneva Blake-Jaco
We Can't Feed Our Homeless but we are supposed to take in Migrants by the Thousands with Our Tax Dollars when they get Our Jobs,Houses Money Grants, Medical,Tax free immunities,Food stamps and so much more! They use the Food stamps to fill the Store Shelves that we purchase from!! Talk about Double Dipping!!!! Wise Up People! Many of the Homeless are VETS and Families that lost jobs that moved to other Countries! We Need to find a way to Feed them without Fear of Prosecution! Yes there are Users and Lazy Worthless people in the World but they Need to Eat! Deny No Man Food or Water! If we used what we send overseas that is Not given to the Hungry in their Countries we would not see one person with an Empty Belly! The Lord Knows and Sees what is Going On! His Will be Done!
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John Maher
VERY, VERY NICE COMMENT GENEVA BLAKE - JACO, ....... DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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John Owens
Amen, Geneva.
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eric k
Geneva, you made good points
In the USA no one should be without housing and food. We are a rich country and we send too much overseas and do too little here at home, and whether feeding and housing people makes the more dependent is subject for debate.
BUT the bottom line what good does food do other than sustain life before ending up HELL when a person dies without Jesus
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John Owens
I am not familiar with San José's local politics, but I'd be willing to place a small wager that the City Council is predominantly Democrat. Having said that, I believe they WERE using a little bit of common sense about THIS PARTICULAR CASE. The homeless in San José ARE being fed. They just don't want them to be fed in the park. Here are quotes from the article, since most of us didn't bother to read it:
"As it happens, not everyone agrees that handing out free food is helping. Among a growing contingent of dissenters are officials in San Jose, who recently took the drastic step of placing a ban on feeding homeless people AT A LARGE CITY PARK, citing public safety concerns. A city spokeswoman explained the reasoning:
“The first thing is that the food isn’t licensed or prepared in the appropriate manner. Secondly, THE HOMELESS AREN'T STARVING. They have places to eat across the city, and lastly and most importantly, it’s making an absolute mess of our park.”
Now, this ties in to the blog about church and state, and while MANY of you on here criticize the churches WITH ALMOST EVERY COMMENT, it is not organized atheist groups that are feeding these people. It is churches, and not MOSLEM or PAGAN churches, either, BUT CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. The article continues:
"But local CHURCH GROUPS are defiant – THEY'VE BEEN FEEDING THE HOMELESS AT ST. JAMES PARK FOR DECADES, they say, and have no plans to stop now. In the wake of the decision, church groups have been holding “granola bar protests,” events that include handing out free snacks and water to the city’s homeless population – and essentially daring the police to issue fines.
"WHAT WE'RE SAYING IS THAT WE HAVE AN INHERENT RIGHT AS CHURCHES TO PRACTICE OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS TO ENSURE THAT HOMELESS PEOPLE GET FED," argues homeless advocate Pastor Scott Wagers. “Right now, this city and other large cities are simply sweeping the homeless out of sight and out of mind.”
I'm just saying, this is not a totally black and white issue, and though I think any Democrat has a reprobate mind, these city council members ARE using some common sense, and at the same time, I admire the churches for wanting to do good. I think if they are really serious they can feed them at their own locations instead of the park. I mean, nobody wants their park to look like Occupy Wall Street or those protesters up at Wyoming stayed there. Those people were nasty. Homelessness is not a picnic. I've never been homeless, but I've backpacked and camped more than most people, and sometimes was well-equipped and sometimes not. I am all for some kind of safe habitat locations for them, with showers, toilets, tutors, police protection. The problem is, if a city does that, the homeless will gravitate there and overrun it. You cannot make it comfortable for them. That's not theory. That's fact, and everyone knows it. There isn't any solution. Never was, won't be. I'll help them out once in a while, and I hope others do the same. I also hope the homeless that are helped appreciate it, and most of them do. When I lived in the Caribbean, I saw vagabonds that wanted to demand food and cigarettes, and a roof under which to sleep, water. I can't tolerate that. In red China and in Mexico, I've seen people with deformities or amputations begging. I've seen young people forced to beg by parents or some other adult. I never passed one without contributing. I couldn't adopt them, but I was moved with compassion.
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eric k
anyone in their right mind would be in support of helping someone homeless and hopefully not hopeless, even though a lot of the home are.
Every person who thinks that helping would be wrong needs to be sent to Rio De Janeiro for a week with $100 in their pocket and the clothes on their back
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John Maher
NOW that is a COMMENT eric karukin, WE NEED more INTELLIGENCE and LESS VILLAGE IDIOTS like OWINS,SHADEY,ADAMS and U, WHO U ???... DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP and his SHEEP DIP FOLLOWERS, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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John Maher
eric karukin the the GREATEST PROBLEMS of the WORLD START from the HATEFUL MOUTHS of the KNOWABSOLUTELYNOTHINGS that READ EXSERPTS from THEIR ANTIQUATED BOOKS that they CANNOT THINK or SPEAK WITHOUT CONFERRING with SAME and they SPEAK as THOUGH the ALMIGHTY SPEAKS THROUGH THEM and THEM ALONE, JESUS CHRIST WHERE ARE U NOW ???
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CW
Look at that another Democrat party City punishing those that voted them in for asking for hand out. I hope everyone that thinks this is okay to do to homeless and starving, Has a special place in hell and the homeless get to laugh at you and ask you how does hunger feel. You look down on them from your high horse, when you should look at what you been blessed with and what you can do to help others.
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Linda same
Perhaps Every One not living on the streets or homeless could "walk a mile" in the actual footsteps of those who are homeless! Commit yourself to 2 weeks of having NOTHING but the clothes on your back and walking the footsteps of those/with those who are homeless, with or without shelter. Upon completion of that journey, then join with others who have also completed this same journey and discuss solutions. Oh, by the way, No One on the street may know you are NOT homeless! And NO CELL PHONES! NOTHING BUT THE CLOTHES ON YOUR BODY . . .
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Bill Fox
I support organizations that help feed, cloth, medicate, and find shelter for the homeless. The solution in Atlanta has been to buy the biggest homeless shelter, and close it down, because the homeless are discouraging tourism between Peachtree Street and the King Center, where taxpayers have purchased a 2.5 mile railed, trolley, for $100 million. A lot of homeless people could have been seriously helped for $100 million, even in a city the size of Atlanta. That said, there is a lot of corruption in collecting funds for the homeless and poor in Atlanta. The sponsors collect millions of dollars while all the food, cooking locations, and labor are provided free and voluntarily which begs the question of what, exactly are the sponsors doing with the tax exempt millions they are collecting? A city has to keep order, and it has to make public facilities available to all members of the public. Making it against the law to feed the homeless is a bad response to a problem that should be resolved with public centers to make such free services available.
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Minister JR
Feeding or not feeding will not solve the homeless problem. Society has abandoned out mentally ill and drug addicts leaving them to fend for themselves. We should be ashamed of ourselves. When Oregon closed our mental hospitals, the homeless population exploded. We would rather put drug addicts in jail than in treatment. Nothing will change until society is willing to put their money where their mouth is. This is not an easy fix but it can be done.
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Servant of Christ
The President Ronald Reagan's Administration ended All Federal Funding to All States' Mental Hospitals in the 1980s. Our current homeless citizen crisis began then. Reagan created homelessness earlier in California. San Jose's challenges began in the 1970s, amazing it only took 40 years for folks there to forget their own city's history. City, County, State, Nation and Planet - Homeless solution is simple - create jobs for healthy people caring for those in need of mental health support, education, housing, employment, etc. Rehabilitate those who can be, care for those who do not recover from serving our country in Wars, or being molested/abused as children ! Heal the victims of our caveman, might makes right, violent, profit driven, slave labor, dehumanizing, competitive rationalization of the blessing of human life our creator entrusted each of us with. I know we can all do better than we have so far ! Thank you for expressing your understandings of life and God and learning from each other's perspectives. May God truly Bless us All with Love, Healing, Forgiveness, Redemption, Salvation, Eternal Life in Soul and Spirit and Food, Shelter and Health Care each day and night of our Free Will exploring Lives !
"Many of the board-and-care homes in California, as elsewhere, were clustered in city areas that were rundown and thus had low rents. In San Jose, for example, approximately 1,800 patients discharged from nearby Agnews State Hospital were placed in homes clustered near the campus of San Jose State University. As early as 1971 the local newspaper decried this “mass invasion of mental patients.” Some patients left their board-and-care homes because of the poor living conditions, whereas others were evicted when the symptoms of their illness recurred because they were not receiving medication, but both scenarios resulted in homelessness. By 1973 the San Jose area was described as having “discharged patients…living in skid row…wandering aimlessly in the streets . . . a ghetto for the mentally ill and mentally retarded.”" (from salon.com, simple internet research)
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Servant of Christ
Please post as a reply and comment, thank you.
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John Maher
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, GREAT, GREAT COMMENT SERVANT of CHRIST, BRAVISIMO !!!
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Deidre
Well if it's legal to refuse service to groups you don't like because it's your "religion," then you ought to be able to do something positive in the name of your religion.
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RevRuss
This is the first time I have read, much less posted, comments here. To say I am surprised is an understatement. Reasonable people can disagree about almost anything reasonably. By way of example, one commenter references The Law, while others reference the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament was a god of retribution, of punishment. The God of the New Testament was a god of love and forgiveness. There are conflicts between them. I respect followers of either, when their lives and their claims are consistent. Those who follow all components of The Law practice their beliefs throughout their lives. Those who demonstrate love for all, can turn the other cheek, and remember "whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers, that you do unto me" also live in congruence with the New Testament. Much here is filled with judgement. Look inward first. Judge not, lest you too shall be judged.
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John Owens
Your statement about two different Gods is misled and misleading. Jesus said if you have seen Me you have seen the Father, and in another place, I and my Father are One. Read John 1 and Hebrews 1. The very idea of a New Testament being a book is mistaken. He didn't shed blood for a book. He shed it for a Covenant. If the New Covenant did not begin until the blood was shed, then the Gospels should not be in the "New Testament" except for the part of the execution of Christ and His resurrection. The rest should be attached to the "OT". I know you won't understand this, but I have to inform you. Old Testament and New Testament are fictitious names applied to sections of scripture, in order to further deceive mankind. The words in the Bible translated Testament mean Covenant and have nothing whatsoever to do with literature.
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RevRuss
John, I'm sorry but you either failed to understand my references or have chosen to write in a misleading manner yourself. The use of the word "book" in reference to the Bible is common among most (if not all) religious. The Book of Matthew, The Book of John, The Book of Luke. And describing the Bible as made up of at least 2 large books/sections - the Old Testament and the New Testament - is certainly common and accepted usage among Christians. The stories and writings of The Torah, The Bible, of any book, were written to attempt to describe God in a way that could be understood at the time they were written by the audience for whom they were written. In fact, they were written after the fact based upon oral tradition and stories. There is a clear difference in the way God is described in what is considered by most scholars and Christian religious to be the Old Testament, and the way God in Christ is described in what is considered to be the New Testament. "I and my Father are One" can be and is interpreted in somewhat different fashions, and certainly it is part of the concept of One God in Three Persons, the Holy Trinity that goes beyond human comprehension and is a matter of faith. One can accept the Holy Trinity and still accept that God was depicted in the Old Testament, the focus on the First Covenant, quite differently than He was depicted in the New Testament, the focus of the New Covenant which was sealed with the blood of Christ at the Crucifixion. In the most simple way, Yahweh demanded obedience and punished those who failed to obey; Christ lived love and forgiveness. He did not rule out punishment, but did say it was the province of other than He, as while on early He lived as man. This has nothing to do with literature, but recognizes as man we have limits in our abilities to understand and explain.
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John Owens
You fail to grasp what I am telling you. There should be NO division between Malachi and Matthew except the name of the book of Matthew. Old Testament does not ACTUALLY describe the collection of books we know from Genesis to Malachi. It refers to the Covenant given at Sinai. The physical books we now use are divided that way, but it is deceiving. People think that if a commandment is not repeated somewhere between Matthew and Revelation, it is no longer pertinent. Yet, THERE IS NO SCRIPTURE WHICH SAYS THAT.
When the characters in the Acts "searched the scriptures daily, proving these things were so," what scriptures were they searching? It had to be from Genesis to Malachi, because nothing else existed. When Paul told Timothy, "I thank God that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation," he was referring to Genesis through Malachi.
People now think all they need is from Matthew through Revelation, yet there is NO SCRIPTURE which says that.
There is no Holy Trinity in Scripture. That is a pagan doctrine followed by Catholics and mainstream babies of the Catholic church. Jesus said, I and my Father are one. He didn't say, I and my Father and the Holy Spirit are one. When the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and said, "This is my Son, in whom I am well-pleased, " that Holy Spirit WAS the Father, as evidenced by Him saying, THIS IS MY SON. Jesus said, My Father and I will come to him (that person) and make our abode with him. He did not say, My Father and I and the Holy Spirit will come to him... So many places. Was Jesus the Son of the Father or the Son of the Holy Spirit? Had to be the Father, yet Mary's child was of the Holy Spirit.
When Elohim said, "Let us make Man in OUR image," how did that turn out? Male and female. No third gender. We have TWO arms, TWO legs, TWO of each finger and toe and hand and eye and kidney and lung and ovary and testicle. Some parts, we have one and only one. If you have three and only three of anything, it is a deformity. Nature declares the handiwork of God. Elohim said, let us make Man in our image---The image of the Father and Son. John 1, Hebrews 1. There is no third entity. The Holy Spirit is manifestation of EITHER the Father OR the Son. It is not a third entity.
Even Baptism is not understood. "I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Ghost (or Spirit)." That's not really what we are supposed to do. First, the Father has a name, and the Son has a name. What is the name of the Holy Spirit? How can you baptize in the name of someone or something, when YOU DON'T KNOW THE NAME? If we know the Father and Son's names, why don't we use them?
There IS a lot of myth and superstition. Baseless custom. No wonder we have atheists.
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dotwilson@comcast.net
Jesus, or any savior from any religion, would be pleased if we fed the poor and nursed the sick.
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Susan
I think we need to be careful not to incite more devisiveness amongst ourselves. Food is provided but how is it distributed and where? Feeling vulnerable and interdependent on others, no matter who we are (rich, poor, in-between,) can make us fearful and angry; Especially when we feel like we have no control.
Often, we - humans - are short sighted in resolving conflict when we don't look at the causes underneath it. In movies, it's called "subtext" - the unspoken truth; "what's really going on." It's much easier to stay focused on trash in the park and finger-point than find the solution.
Providing food in my opinion is not an either/or situation. Do or Don't we? Is it right or wrong? I don't believe that's really what we are talking about here. Does feeding people with less money actually create greater dependence on government resources? Is that honestly the issue? The human body needs food to function - each and every day - so as a civil society lets continue to help deliver 3 square meals daily in the best way possible and in the most dignified manner.
And, at the same time, keep working very hard on the specific causes of why people in our country in 2017 do not have access, by there own means, to eat. I think we could all agree, the problem is not because we don't produce enough food and so not enough to go around.
Seems beneficial for all sides to stay focused on how best to deliver food now, AND find authentic solutions for why it is critical we do. It's no ones fault. Not necessary to blame. No need to judge. It simply is. God would want us to solve it in love.
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Deborah J
Thank you Susan and some other beautiful comments on here as well from others. But thank you for saying it so well. "Not necessary to blame. No need to judge. It simply is. God would want us to solve it in love." Yes. Thank you.
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Scott Barton
Nice.
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revbarbarajadams
You are so right, Melissa. We are dropping the ball when it comes to mental illness. The great thing is that if you can use the internet, there are jobs to be had online. There are also places that can help you get an education to be able to get a better job to support your family? Doesn't the father of your children pay child support? As someone who has had to move to get jobs, I would suggest you consider moving to another state that might be more helpful for you to get a job. Go to a church and ask for assistance or at least have them direct you where you can get assistance. You are not alone. I see good things in your future. It just takes one step.
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Melissa Griffin
Many of our homeless community are mentally unstable. They are incapable of surviving without help. The crisis will never change for these persons. I am so very saddened by the tough love theory. It doesn't work for anyone. I am currently homeless with my 2 sons. It is due to trying to survive on disability and rent rates are not affordable. The poor are definitely getting poorer. Keep feeding the homeless. A meal hasn't hurt anyone!!
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Elizabeth Bailey
It's difficult to see the homeless or hungry and to know how to help them. I once stopped at a red light where a young man was standing with a sign asking for work- a job- any kind. People were leaving him money. I told him Shaw's right there is hiring today- now- and they give you uniforms and paychecks weekly. He gave me three reasons as to why he couldn't work a regular job. I feel that education is one of the only ways to help this issue to be understood and perhaps overcome. There was a woman who told me that she doesn't contribute to a food shelf because she "didn't know what THOSE people ate." I showed her my groceries and my food stamp card and explained what was needed and why. The cashier was red faced but I didn't mind answering the woman. Maybe she learned something. If we can educate the public (and those needing help) about the issue, I think it would help. I am not a life time slacker dependent on the Government but I do use food stamps and need help with health care at this point in my life. I have gifts I can use to pay back the community as much as I can. I don't see this problem going away soon, though.
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John Maher
ELIZABETH A BAILEY, that DEAR WOMAN is a COMMENT WORTHY of READING, LISTEN UP John OWINS, U may LEARN something, OWINS stop COMMENTING and START GETTING an EDUCATION OBVIOUSLY UR job is doing NOTHING for U, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP,GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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John Owens
Have it your way, Maher. I was trying to be nice and convince you to actually contribute. I really can't figure out why you would be interested in being here, unless your personal little flatulent demon just gets a kick out of making you look severely damaged. You can go back to iggyville, now.
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John Maher
I will ALWAYs have it my WAY OWINs, do not try to be NICE be SMART and get SOME LEARNING and of COURSE a GOOD JOB so asNOT to SUCK the LIFE OUT of the PEOPLE AROUND U,.....SAY HELLO to SHADEY, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARD TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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revbarbarajadams
Thank you, Elizabeth. There is no shame in getting help when you need it and passing on your blessings to others. Knowledge is one of those blessings. It should never be against the law to contribute to someone's wellbeing. If feeding someone helps them feed themselves one day, then that is what we need to do. Sounds like you have a sweet soul.
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Joe-Elder
At first take I have to say "wow" this is posted in what is supposedly a spiritually associated site and the dialog has nothing to do with knowdge and understanding, regardless of the trolling commentary. Communities across the globe are struggling with how to deal with rampant homelessness. It is not a Republican or Democratic issue, it is a human issue. Shame on anyone splicing it otherwise. Understanding where homelessness comes from, as in corrupt businesses abusing employees, government turning it's back on servicemen with disability, health system not supporting mental health and a myriad if other causes should be addressed by ALL. No, I am not my brothers keeper but I should. through the love and compassion of creation, be willing to help another in need. Telling a homeless person to "love Jesus and your life will be better" is simply ignorance in truth and at all not helpful, nor "Christ like". I do not believe feeding the homeless is a crime, but not actively doing something to abate it is.
The question is always how.... How do you help people who can't or don't know how to help themselves and those who do not have the means? Answer that and you'll answer many other questions.... Peace ....
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John Maher
SHADEY speaking of MINDs WHERE is URs, I HAVE BEEN saying FEED the HUNGRY ALL ALONG, PRAY for UR self D A , DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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John Maher
HEY JOHN tRUMP OWINS YOU SOUND JUST LIKE YOUR LOVER, YOU MUST be tRUMPs MONICA bLEWINSKY, MAYBE YOU and tRUMP can get a CAKE with YOUR TOGETHER FIGUREs, WHAT LOVE EH' JOHNNY BOY, WHERE do U go for HANDOUTs ??? a TRUE HUMAN BEAN WOULD NEVER MAKE STUPID COMMENTs LIKE U and UR SUGAR DADDY tRUMP, ...DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A,,,,,,, WHAT is YOUR JOB OWINs ???
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Rev. Gary Shade
Seek help Mr. Maher. Mental illness is nothing to be complacent about. You are one sick individual. I will pray that you get the help you so desperately need.
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John Maher
DO N O T WASTE UR PRAYERs SHADEY I WILL STAY as INSANE as I am for ETERNITY, BEST PRAY for U and the OWINS and of course the TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A, N O T any COWARDLY PRESIDENT lick tRUMP
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Rev. Gary Shade
Sad. So very sad. It's been said a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Yet somehow you have accomplished exactly that. I will continue to pray for you Mr. Maher. it's the Christian thing to do much like it is to feed the homeless.
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John Maher
SHADEY GARY another VILLAGE IDIOT Email TOUGH PERSON, W O W, YOU SPEAK as THOUGH UR TALKING to UR KIDS, YOUR FATHER or YOUR MOTHER, TYPICAL VILLAGE IDIOCY, ...DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP and ALL HIS VILLAGE IDIOTS, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A, .... SAY hello to BOOGER OWINS
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John Owens
MAHER, you are only criticizing to be criticizing. My statement above was sincere and thoughtful and balanced, and I know it and if you have at least half a brain, you know it too. Stop being such a pain and try to actually contribute something. You might really help someone if you try.
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Brother Sir Guy
In Proverbs 31:20, one of the positive attributes of the good wife is that "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” Matthew 19:21 says “Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’” In Galatians 2:10, the apostle Paul writes, “Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” When Paul came back to Jerusalem after his conversion, the disciples cautiously welcomed him. After a short time, they realized that he had been called to preach the gospel to the gentiles, and they encouraged him in that call. And he states that the only thing they asked of him was that he remember the poor. The disciples obviously thought that it was important to do this, as they themselves had chosen seven Godly men to oversee the distribution of food to the poor in Jerusalem as mentioned in Acts 6:1-7. Interestingly, it is this mention of taking care of the poor that Paul shares with the Galatians in his retelling of the story. And Paul tells them that he had been eager to comply, as he had a heart for all of God’s people everywhere. In the Beatitudes, Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. " And of course, the greatest commandment of all next to loving your God whole-heartedly was to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In he Old Testament, a tenth of the crop was to be left unharvested for the poor to glean so they would not starve. To Bernard Moleman's ignorant comment, it was Jesus who said, "The poor you will always have among you." Love, charity, selflessness are all attributes of God fearing individuals. The insensitivity of so many here disturbs me. How can you claim God's mercy and refuse to extend it to others?
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John Owens
Still, Sir Guy, if EVERYONE sold everything they had and gave it all to the poor, very soon, everyone would starve or freeze. Jesus was testing the man, and the man did not pass the test. We cannot, should not all sell everything we have and give it away. That would be a violation of the advice in Proverbs about laying up (accumulating wealth) for our grandchildren.
The Commandments in Leviticus DO tell us when we harvest, not to pick the grain or vegetables THOROUGHLY, but to leave a little here and there for the poor, the orphans, the widows, which is how Boaz (great-grandfather of David) met Ruth. The Law does not tell us to pick it all and DELIVER it to them, but it does say to leave some for them. There is also a third tithe on the third year of the seven year cycle, which was to be collected for the orphans and widows and other needy people. Hardly anyone knows about these now, since even in Israel, people do not widely practice obedience to the Torah. Jesus practiced Torah and said that people should practice and teach it if they want to be great in the Kingdom of God.
While I hope I would never hold back from someone that I can SEE is truly needy, I think a lot of us just get the feeling that the IDEA of the truly needy is being exploited every day to use guilt as a bludgeon to bilk honest working people out of their earnings, and all too often, those who actually NEED the help never see it. Kind of like the donations to the Clinton Foundation for the people of Haiti, where millions of dollars were donated, but only a small few people were helped.
Also, I have been asked for cash, and offered the people food instead, and it turns out they weren't interested in food at all. The custom here for pan-handlers is to say they lost their wallet or their car broke down and they spent their little money on repairs and now need money to buy gasoline to get someplace. Usually they will go straight to the liquor store.
People could afford to have softer hearts, if more people were honest.Nowadays, people act as though being poor gives one license to steal or be otherwise dishonest. I completely disagree with that, because a lot of poverty is caused or exacerbated by corruption and crime. Poor neighborhoods could more easily attract investment if the crime was low and security risk was less. I would never say that all poor people or homeless people are lazy or stupid or crazy, but we all know that some people really are. Those people make it more difficult for the others. There are plenty of able-bodied people being paid not to work. It is sickening.
Still, I do not think it should be illegal to feed the hungry, ever, as I said, as long as you don't create a public nuisance doing it.
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revbarbarajadams
Tend to others but teach them to tend to themselves. So many today expect that they should be cared for instead of caring for themselves. And the same people that I have cared for would probably walk right by me if they had extra and I needed help. Here is an idea: only have as many children as you personally can support, not be supported by a government. Raise them to be self-sufficient and independent. Help people that need it, and encourage others who need it. Know the difference between the two. Love your neighbor as you do yourself. Be kind to one another and yourself. See a need, fill a need.
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David Garcia
I totally agree with you..Sir...you are a God Fearing individual...your comment touch me...I truly believe that Jesus is among us in the flesh to see who really believe in his word and live by it...He can be living as a homeless person himself we never know....We expierance this on daily basis...our faith gets tested everyday...Pray for the homeless help them...feed them...give your blessing cause in return the homeless, poor they always reply with God Bless You...Show your mercy as you stated...Because all Blessing come from above...God Bless you and continue God work...
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John Maher
BEAUTIFUL COMMENT, DAVID GARCIA, GRACIAS MIL.........................
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biblical scholar
If the homeless had God's blessing they wouldn't be poor. Why feed those God doesn't LOVE?
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John Owens
Interesting point of view, Bernard. It might be a means of negating the blessings/curses of God for certain behavior. Of course the commies here will tell you Jesus was a democratic socialist who wanted to just give everybody everything so nobody has to really work. I don't believe in ADOPTING them or even making them dependent. There are laws in wildlife habitats and state parks about not feeding the animals, because it makes them dependent, yet half the population thinks that is what we are supposed to do for people, only not just feed them, but house them, clothe them, educate them, give them free medicine and cell phones. Do you suppose that might make them DEPENDENT? Socialism for dummies.
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Willy
What thoughtful commentary, John.
To paraphrase, "Animals in state parks and homeless people are basically the same so we shouldn't help them".
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John Owens
That's YOUR takeaway, Willy, but having said that, a principle IS a principle, and it IS the same principle. Any sociologist will tell you that the human is another animal. Do you think that people magically learn to take care of themselves? Instinct just kicks in at some point and they know how to hold a job, manage their money, shop for the best deals? HOW MANY HOMELESS PEOPLE HAVE YOU ADOPTED? If you read any of my other comments, you will see I do help homeless people and beggars, out of compassion. But I don't adopt them, and I don't have them lining up beside the road for freebies every day. I guarantee if I had a special handout spot and went there on a schedule, they would be there and they would multiply because EVERYBODY LOVES FREEBIES. How do you think the Democrats keep getting elected? They keep promising more freebies to people who are selfish enough to vote for more freebies, which are taken from other people.
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John Maher
JOHN BOOGER OWINS WHAT has the DNC taken AWAY FROM YOU, YOUR VIRGINITY, YOU are EXACYLY as tRUMP a WHINEY LITTLE BITCH,YOU SAY YOU HAVE a JOB so THEN YOU MUST ONE of tRUMPS WHINEY LITTLE BITCHES, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDly TRAITOR tRUMP GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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John Owens
Did you finish making your ball, you tumble-turd?
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John Owens
So, you must have finished your tumbling, eh, Mr. Dung Beetle?
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John Maher
@ LEAST YOUR STILL SUBORDINATED TOTALLY as to REMEMBER to ADDRESS ME CORRECTLY as YOUR SUPERIOR, BOOGER OWINS what to do with YOU ??? BEST U STICK with the tRUMP HE is @ UR LEVEL 000%, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A.... YES BOOGER the BEATLES WERE a GREAT GROUP !!!
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John Owens
Glad you still have your sense of humour, Mr. Maher. You are a funny guy.
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John Maher
BOOGER OWINS, THAT I have a SENSE of HUMOR is the ONLY WAY I can READ the B S from PERSONS such as U, if U knew 10 % of WHAT YOU PROFESS to KNOW tRUMP WOULD NOT be in OFFICE , GOD HELP the VILLAGE PEOPLE, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP,GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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John Owens
Did you see this weekend, that professors are saying that teaching algebra is discriminatory? People like me do not think that way, because we know people tend to live up to expectations. Expect stupid, you get stupid. Expect hard work, you get hard work.
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John Maher
THAT BOOGER OWINS is EXACTLY WHAT I EXPECT from YOU and YOUR BUTTIES, HUMONGOUS STUPIDITY and YOU ALL SHOW it in YOUR COMMENTs, its TOUGH BEING RIGHT ALL the TIME FORGIVE ME for I do KNOW WHAT I DO....DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP,GOD is GREAT so is the US of A, I am ALSO POSITIVE U NEVER WORKED HARD, SMALL SMOOTH HANDs of tRUMP EH' BOOGER, SMALL HANDs SMALLER BRAIN, SOMETHING like THAT.....
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John Owens
If that is how you want to interpret it, Willy. The principle IS exactly the same, Willy. EXACTLY. However, if you read my other comments on the subject, you will see that what you are taking from this one comment is not the whole picture.
It is not I who think that people are so stupid they cannot learn to hold a job and manage money and control their sex urges and rent a house. I think 99% of them can. It is democratic socialists who think that MINORITIES are too stupid and helpless to do those things, and they have convinced half of our voters of that, by handing out freebies, which they take from working people.
Just curious, Willy. How many homeless people have you adopted? How many puppies for that matter? I allowed three guys from Michoacán to stay at my house for three months, once, while they were looking for a job. I allowed a Cuban to stay there for over a year. Do you know that was the worst thing I could have done for him? This particular guy is just shiftless. That's all beside the point. A LOT of people think free is better than cheap, and they will line up for freebies. Some are even selfish enough to vote that way, just to get more freebies, and they tell other people that they are selfish because they don't want to keep giving more and more freebies.
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revbarbarajadams
What? Whoa, you were being facetious, correct?
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Ben
Facetious words, right? You couldn't possibly be serious.
God loves everyone.
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Cindy
Where I live there are a lot of homeless people. Feeding them I see no problem with it. There is a group that feed the homeless and busybodies condem the efforts. Same excuses they dirty up the locations where they were fed, blah blah blah. This group picks up and cleans the area before they leave. They (the city)wants tgem to switch locations. There is a stigma about homeless that they are lazy or crooks and scopes laces to break in. Poppycock and there is a lot the city organizations can do to help with the problem. A medical clinic provides showers for them to clean up and get clean clothes. They deposit the dirty close get showered up and clear clothes. Those code are washed and distributed to another. Going back to when my mom was a young girl, my mom and grandma would feed the hobo's they never once broke into homes or even came into my Grandma home. They would get beans or soup whatever grandma coded. They drank water from the hoseetc. When grandma was in her 90's her house caught fire and she parishes. The hobo's came to my uncles whom lived actresses the street from grandma. They did not enter the home but ask if they would be aloud to pay there respects. They did so and spoke highly of her. That's my story continue to feed them no harrgere
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Rev. Gary Shade
Yes. Feed the homeless.
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John Maher
GARY SHADE get out of the SUN, YOUR another KNOW it ALL THAT KNOWs N O T H I N G @ ALL, I AM COMMENTING on FEEDING the HUNGRY so W T F is YOUR PROBLEM SHYTEHEAD, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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Rev. Gary Shade
John Maher you said: "GARY SHADE get out of the SUN, YOUR another KNOW it ALL THAT KNOWs N O T H I N G @ ALL, I AM COMMENTING on FEEDING the HUNGRY so W T F is YOUR PROBLEM SHYTEHEAD,"
Well let's start with the fact that the article specifically references San Jose as have an ordinance against feeding the homeless, but ignorant you in the post above blames "tRumpies" (learn how to use a keyboard ignoramus) when in reality the city has been and is run by Democraps.
And then you wrote: " KKK DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP," And I tried, apparently unsuccessfully, to wise up a chump: You. By telling you that the KKK was founded by Democrats and that you need to read up on your history or you will continue through life, bumping into walls and acting like an uninformed ass.
You ask: " so W T F is YOUR PROBLEM SHYTEHEAD," Quite simply you and other libtards/progressives/statists/socialists/communists/Democraps who don't stay on their meds and make the rest of us suffer with your drivel.
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John Maher
DRIVEL on SHADEY,DRIVEL on, JOIN the OWINS and tRUMP CLUB SURELY they can FIND ROOM for U aTOP their CAKE, E S A D, MENAGE' E TOIS
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Lee
Just curious John; are you an American or an illegal alien?
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John Maher
HEY LEE, SUFFER UNTO ME SAYETH I and I REALLY do not CARE to ANSWER UR QUESTION BUT R U an AMERICAN or ANYTHING ??? A tRUMPY MAYBE ???
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CW
are you a fucking moron? These city that are outlawing feeding the homeless are are all 75% or greater Democrat. Trump has nothing to do with this you fucking Idiot. Wake the Fuck up the democrat elect are only in it for power and the money they can steal. But you are so fucking stupid you believe the NEWS, and don't even know the law was change during Clinton's administration so that they could report opinion as fact and not just the facts. You have no clue and were taught by teachers that are now allowed to talk politics while not even teaching facts. The young will destroy the earth while being blinded to the truth. all the information in the world and you can not see the forest because of all the democrats shouting lies. Fucking Morons.
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revbarbarajadams
Feed a man a fish and he lives the day; teach a man to fish and he can live a lifetime. That goes for women and children, too. Here's a thought, teach them to garden. It takes dirt (and we live on a dirt ball) and seeds that are cheap. Growing your own food is better for you and teaches you independence and a sense of pride. Birds have it right. They feed the little ones in the nest but once they have flown, the bird parents feel that they should learn to feed themselves or suffer the consequences. I am all about helping people when they are down but I work for a living. Actually, I have 3 jobs. If they worked as hard as I do, they would have food for themselves and their families.
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Ben
I agree that we need to teach the homeless life skills. Somehow, we need to help people survive while we teach them life skills and get them on their feet.
Surely you understand, though, that the homeless don't have gardens to plant seeds in? Not even the poor who are blessed with apartments have a place to garden.
There are many disabled people who want to work but are virtually unhireable because they have been disabled too long. Their resumes highlight lengthy unemployment. I am one of these individuals.
A disabled high school teacher, I cannot find work. My resume shows a block of unemployment, due to disability, that I can't seem to work around. I am working on a masters degree in order to pull myself up by my bootstraps. Unfortunately, my rent and such keeps going up while my disability payments remain the same. Because of this, I am now spending 80% of my income on housing, not including utilities. After paying rent and utilities, I have less than $200 per month to care for myself. So, there are a number of days in any given month that I eat at a 'soup kitchen'.
My point being: the plight of the homeless, disabled, and/or unemployed is complex. Simplistic answers, such as, "If they worked as hard as I do, they would have food for themselves...." don't work.
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John Owens
Of course it should not illegal to feed the homeless or help them with clothing or sleeping bags or small huts or cabins, so long as no one is causing a public nuisance doing it. I'm not a do-gooder, but will never turn down a person needing food or clothing. I keep canned food with me nearly always (not when I'm on a motorcycle). There are many "Helping Hands" type ministries around. Some are just doing it for Public Relations, but the people being fed don't care about that--they just want their stomachs to stop growling. Some have a genuine concern for others. Some do it because they think that is what God would want them to do. Either way, NO. It should not be illegal.
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John Maher
ET TU OWINS # 2 SHYTEHEAD KNOW N O T H I N G F..KT..D, GET in TOUCH with your PARENTs and STOP SEARCHING for the INCUBATOR LIGHT YOU OBVIOUSLY SEE in YOUR THOUGHTs and COMMENTs, HEY, MAYBE INGA can FEED YOU SOME CAKE A H, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A P.S. JOHN OWINS you SMELL of tRUMP
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John Owens
LOL! I don't care what you had for lunch, old gray Maher! That tourettes of yours is really getting out of hand. I wish you well with that. How's the rubber maid?
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Rev. Gary Shade
I see the troll got you too John.
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John Owens
Oh, he LOVES me. I think he has a little man-crush on me. Wants to start a bro-mance with me. I hate to break his heart, but I have always been drawn to females, and I have one at home. Today is our anniversary.
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revbarbarajadams
Congratulations, John. Ignore him. He is someone who has to spew hate to make himself feel good. I can't think of any other reason he has to be so hateful.
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Ben
Sorry, but you aren't making any sense.
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John Maher
BEJAMIN U, revbarbarajadams, SHADEY GARY, BOOGER OWINS, ALL goin DOWN on tRUMP, HOW does it FEEL VILLAGE IDIOTS, I WAS SAVING that for OWINS but YOU ALL BELONG in HIS WHATEVER, the MEETING of the N O MINDS, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR and ALL those that BEND in WHATEVER DIRECTION for tRUMP,GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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Julianna Okike
No. The only concern should be that if your food or the estabilshments food was not up to temperature and someone had gotten sick then the person could attempt to try to take advantage and file a legal suit. Unless they have a policy in place (clause). There are people who will do stuff like that. Also the establishment or fanchise could say I do not know what your talking about if this should be the case they did not force feed the homeless person that person is taking a risk but then again so is the franchise. The homeless person could damage the reputation of the franchise by using slander after becoming ill or sick from the food.
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John Maher
NO, NO, NO, STOP with ALL the STUPIDITY, FEEDind the HUNGRY a CRIME, REALLY, OK tRUMPIES, MAYBE WE can BAR them from LIVING, YEAH !!! I HOPE YOU NEVER GET HUNGRY eric KKK DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP,GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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Rev. Gary Shade
It's not "trumpies" you jerk. San Kose is run by Democrats. Get a freaking clue before you make some assinine staement.
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John Maher
HEY SHADEY, YOU SURELY are a SHYTE EATIN tRUMPY I'M SURE and that INCLUDES BOOGER OWINS U 2 A Hs KNOW SO MUCH that YOU'VE gone BEYOND BEING LEGENDS in UR OWINS MIND, at LEAST U make me LAUGH, the TWO VILLAGE IDIOTs,....... DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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ajwisti
I noticed our statements are rather self-centered and antagonistic. That's ok. Kudos to you for having a steady income and not living on the streets. I do not agree with your expressed point of view, though you have every right to it.
It seems to me that most people and agencies miss the point when it comes to helping the homeless. If the homeless are simply given free handouts, it only makes them dependent. Educate them, integrate them back into society by teaching them how to do daily self-care tasks that most take for granted, and get them back into the workforce with a job or an education with a trade school or college - while making it clear that it's not a free ride. This would only work if the person being offered the help actually wants it and is not playing some sick con game.
For those that want help but legitimately cannot work, there are medical services out there that can provide assistance. The quality of care varies depending on what's available.
In my opinion - as a former homeless guy - each and every person is supposed to be accountable for their actions and should not be afforded the opportunity to receive something for nothing. Most religious texts state this.
What's your opinion, after reading this?
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Rev. Gary Shade
And the KKK was a founded and run by Democrats. Know your history. Talk about ignorant.
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John Owens
Sometimes I think he wrote the textbook on that subject, Gary.
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John Owens
The last part of your statement, I mean.
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John Owens
See what I mean? Hey, Maher, Get thee hence. Watch, Gary. He can't help it.
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Willy
....and those democrats tucked tail and moved to the GOP once the civil rights movement started.
Who needs a history lesson?
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John Maher
WILLY are U INSINUATING that SHADEY GAREY is a VILLAGE IDIOT, WELL UR 100% CORRECT, YEAH !!! SHADEY and BOOGER OWINS BELIEVE they KNOW ALL, LEGENDS in their OWINS MIND...... DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP
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John Owens
That's BS. That's the story your racist leaders tell you, Willy. Sounds like YOU need a history lesson. The great deception of the black people, and boy, do most of them just swallow it, hook, line, and sinker, just like white Democrats, who were totally accepting of Obama promising the Russians he'd be more flexible after his last election, and Hillary selling them 20 % of our uranium. But let the Donald sit across the table from Vladimir, and it's freaking treason. You should try to balance your diet a little better with some actual thought.
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John Maher
JOHN OWINS AKA, BOOGER OWINS is an ARSE KISSER for tRUMP, ANOTHER BIG MOUTH KNOW NOTHING J O,...DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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Willy
John Owens.
Was it not the Southern Democrats that defected from the party after the catholic JFK was elected and LBJ and others championed the civil rights movement?
Where do all the votes go in the South now? The GOP.
I am a Southerner. I know at least a thing or two about our history.
You're trying to tell me comment is BS but have said nothing to prove that.
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John Owens
Willy, JFK died in '63. George Corley Wallace DEMOCRAT was governor after that. Then his wife was governor. When George C. Wallace ran for President, he ran as an INDEPENDENT. Up until the last 20 years, if you wanted to vote for your local officials, you had to vote DEMOCRAT, because they all ran as DEMOCRATS. I was born and raised here, except for a few years overseas and some time I have travelled and worked in other places, but my home has been here since 1963. I will be 60 this year, and have voted every election since I was 18. I know a thing or two myself and you are mistaken and spreading false information. Talk to someone besides your friends. Do a little research. THEN examine what you think.
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Ben
Hi John,
I've read a number of your comments. Do you realize, they are difficult to read? Also, it is not always obvious exactly what your point is. I'm sure you have some valid points to make, but they aren't coming through.
What does come through is hate. Lots of hate.
Your comments would be more effective if you would slow down, organize your thoughts, and use caps only rarely when absolutely necessary.
Peace, Ben
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John Maher
Mr. U, did U ever HEAR the ADAGE that U CAN'T TEACH an OLD DAWG NU TRICKs, I KNOW I SOMETIMES GENERALLY get carried AWAY BUTT these KNOW ALLs PISS ME OFF.
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eric k
First off itis the duty of a Christian to keep people from going to hell not to feed and shelter them, but everyone should put forth an effort to help the homeless.
We all should be working to end this situation here in the USA. Take a good look at cities like Denver as an example
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Huckabee
Amen! I don't remember Jesus ever feeding anyone. He did die for them though. Whenever I see a beggar on the freeway exit, I just tell them they will go hell if they keep focusing on being hungry for earthly things instead of the holy spirit. People need Jesus.
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Charlene Newman
Jesus feed thousands with two fish and five loafs of bread.
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J Gayle Gaymon
Matthew 25:35-40
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L
Jesus did see people. The loves in the fishes? Turning water to wine at the wedding? You are totally missing the point of Christianity. I truly hope that you will never have to endure the lack of security and trauma that comes with homelessness in order to understand the plight of your fellow human beings . I hope that your heart softens and opens at some point soon.
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Katia
Have any of you ever been Homeless or no some one who fell on hard times?? There is more to just feeding these people have souls and God cares for them too. Read your word and meditate for real don't just take someone's Word search it out and ask God for his discernment of his Word. Pray for clarity and understanding.
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John Owens
I wouldn't want to pretend to take anything away from the TWO occasions when Yeshua fed the multitudes, but I will just point out that He didn't do it every day, and these people had come out to see HIM and listen to HIM, and He had compassion and fed them.
If I recall correctly, He later instructed Peter, "Feed my sheep." We know He was not talking about providing daily sustenance, but the principle is there, regardless. James later said, "if a person is lacking daily sustenance, and you tell them, 'Peace to you. May you be warmed and filled,' but do not give them what they need, what good is the wish that you made to them?" So, Faith without Works is dead.
I do not believe we can adopt everyone, and they need to learn to care for themselves, but it is still a hard heart who can turn away a hungry person without feeding them.
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John Maher
HEY BOOGER OWINS, SHADDUP ALREADY or OPEN a CHAPEL for MORE VILLAGE IDIOTS LIKE YOU.........WHERE YOU can PREACH your B S
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Lone
John Mayer I will pray for compassion to fill your heart! I was amazed at your hateful post!
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Joanne Martin
What about ~Treat others as you wish to be treated~ again we could get technical and note that Jesus fed thousands with 2 fish. In those times the population was FAR lower than now so seems like as a percentage we may still have some catching up to do.
Are there some homeless people who are there by choice or lifestyle; absolutely. However there are families that have found themselves in scary situations with no place to turn. Not everyone is the same and many have no other options and may only need that one meal before something positive happens. Not all people with money are honest nor did they aquire it honestly, so should we assume that anyone who is not struggling must be defrauding the government or involved in criminal activity?
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Levi
Then why do we need food to survive??????
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Penny Matheson
Jesus did feed the people. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Jesus fed thousands with fish and bread.
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John Owens
He didn't say feed them every day.
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Roderick
Fishes and loaves of bread is what Jesus fed people on one account. I will be unsubscribing from this page. Wow!
Compassion compassion compassion
Brothers and sisters
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Cleo
Gee, you must have missed the Loves and Fishes miracle.
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thomas
Lilly you have never read the Bible I see. Jesus fed thousands more than once.
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John Owens
Twice.
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Joanne Martin
WOW....I am almost sad for you right now. I haven't studies in the Catholic Faith for almost 30 years and I know for sure the Bible mentions numerous times where he "fed" people. I believe 2 fish comes to mind...I also come from a Portuguese family and I sure I have seen many photos of long table and some sort of feast hosted by Jesus **sarcasm
If we want to talk about Jesus dying for them-remember he dies on a Friday and rose from the dead on Sunday so he technically only gave up his weekend for us---
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John Maher
JOANNE MARTIN, DOES ANYONE REALLY KNOW WHO, WHAT or WHERE JESUS CHRIST came from, NO, ALL I KNOW is WHAT I READ and CHOOSE to BELIEVE and that is the WORDS SUPPOSEDLY SPOKEN by HIM, the LOVE, the KINDNESS, the TRUTH, the REST is HYPOTHESIS, DUMP the tRUMP, HE'S GOIN DOWN for the COUNT, IGNORAMUS COWARD CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A.
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Rev paul
Read in Matthew Jesus fed five thousand with to barley loaves and four fish
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Rev paul
I agree churches should feed and help the homeless
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Sharon
The homeless have enough struggles without being allowed to be fed. It is their right to be given food from whomever wishes to give it. Homelessness is rampant in the USA which is supposedly one of the richest countries in the world and we have unfed homeless. This is a huge sin and then some call us a Christian nation. I do not think so as actions speak louder than words. Jesus took loaves and fishes to feed a multitude so we should do the same.
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John Owens
Maher, get thee behind me.
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John Maher
DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY OWINS U can ALWAYS EAT yer BOOGERs, RIGHT BOOGER OWINS, I never stand on LINES BOOGER I HAVE a NICE INCOME, NO THANKS to DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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John Maher
BOOGER OWINS I know of your SEXUAL PREFERENCES BUTT I ONLY GET BEHIND WOMEN, TRY asking one of YOUR BUDDIES or the BOYS ordering the CAKE, SHAME on YOU BOOGER OWINS bLEWINSKY,GOD is GREAT so is the US of A
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Lone
John Mayer why are you so angry and full of hate? Turn to God and ask for help!
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John Maher
HEL LO BURNS I KNOW YOUR BROTHER FAT BURNS, I ALSO KNOW GEORGE BURNS BUTT HE'S to INTELLIGENT TO KNOW YOU ! ALL YOU so CALLED CHRISTIAN BIBLE BABBLERS SPEW is H A T E,WHAT is it ANYBODIES BUSINESS WHAT SOME one else DOES to THEIR OWINS UTERUS, GOD NEVER DID or EVER WILL say ANYTHING on this MATTER so S T F U, WHO WROTE the BIBLE, BABBLERS, NOT GOD !!! tRUMPIE VILLAGE IDIOTS, THe TWO new DOLLS on the BIBLE CAKE, FRY and OWINS, GOOD LUCK, HEY OWINS get FRY a NEW OUTFIT I think HER to BE OUT of STYLE like BOTH YOUR POSTS and THINKING.................
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John Owens
I believe in helping those who want to be helped.
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I have known a few people who just will not work, and will pilfer their families' money to buy pot or beer. Those people need to be homeless. The rest could use some help.