DATELINE UKNOWN -- I'm on the road again for a job interview.
If you've read this blog before, you'll know I consider locations proprietary so that's why the dateline shares no information.
As hopeful as I am about this opportunity, this has been a particularly stressful trip, partly because of my situation. (That sounds like I'm an unwed, pregnant teen in the 1950s -- "my situation.")
It turns out in order to rent a vehicle, one needs a major credit card. I stopped at three places one recent morning and that's the industry standard. I had a receipt from my debit card in my pocket to show I had some savings but common sense rarely beats policy in the word of rock, paper and disenfranchisement.
Of course, hotels require the same unless, it turns out, it's a hotel that accepts cash and rents by the hour. (Honestly, who needs an hour?)
And I'm a lucky disenfranchised person. I have savings left. I'm nominally kempt although that's never been my strong suit. Nor do I have a strong suit -- or a suit at all.
Even as Bloomington continues to clean out Seminary park of the disenfranchised homeless, I wonder why city leaders don't address the underlying causes rather than the symptoms.
Imagine one of these folks in a nice set of clothes, cleaned up, trying to find a job, go to school -- hell, just be respected.
If I face obstacles, with the help of friends and family, imagine why some homeless are described as "chronic."
I understand most people have dug their own holes more deeply.
But doesn't anyone have a longer rope to help them out.
I seek thoughts, prayers, vibes, karma and a couple of New Glarus Spotted Cow beers from you, my friends.
Peace and help unto all of you my brothers and sisters.
I love your self-deprecating humour and playfulness, as always, Rich! I wish you all the best on this job interview adventure!
ReplyDeleteQuestion to your Question: "Even as Bloomington continues to clean out Seminary park of the disenfranchised homeless, I wonder why city leaders don't address the underlying causes rather than the symptoms."
ReplyDeleteRich, IF you were a Bloomington leader how would you address the underlying causes? What are they? How would you address them? Do you believe Bloomington leaders aren't trying? After all, does Bloomington have a lot of very rich liberal people? What did you do when you were editor to address these issues and educate your Bloomington leaders?
Does your financial institution offer pre-paid credit cards? These cards have the appearance and function of a major credit card. It simply draws from a pre-funded account, as opposed to an bank/finance company extending credit. Car rental/hotels would neither know or care the difference.
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