I deliberately haven't posted since Monday, June 9. Wanted to see if the petition to remove the anti-homeless spikes in London would see them removed.
The outrage, worldwide, was clear demonstration that there are still plenty of people who do care. Who understand that becoming homeless, a rough sleeper, can happen to any of us.
The petition has reached in excess of 130,000 supporters. The reaction to the cruel, callous situation of placing spikes to ward off the homeless at an apartment block and a Tesco supermarket in London, has been nothing short of overwhelming. I'm heartened. The thoughtful interaction via the comments in my previous post has made me believe that peaceful protest can make things happen.
I'm thrilled to report that the petition has worked! The offending spikes have been removed from the entrance to the London apartment building. The spikes you see below in the photo have gone.
If you want to find out further information about this triumph, here is an informative link : 'Anti-Homeless spikes' removed.
The offending London Tesco supermarket before.
And the results of the petition.
This is fantastic news! Sad that it even has to exist - but it's heartwarming to know that so many people do in fact care about such issues, and enough so to sign petitions and share stories.
ReplyDeleteThose who thought it was a good idea to put those spikes up will hopefully have been enlightened, seen the error of their ways. And for all those who spoke out against such inhumane actions, kudos for a successful resolution!
Thank you for bringing us some good news, Gary!
Peace :)
Hi Kim,
DeleteFantastic and encouraging news. I was amazed and joyous over so many people getting outraged at such inhumanity. I'm glad I could, in my own small way, bring awareness of this.
They'd better be enlightened and start understanding what compassion is all about. They also realised that it was a lawsuit waiting to happen. Bravo to everybody who showed they cared about our vulnerable brothers and sisters.
May we continue to have good news in this beleaguered world.
Thank you, dear lady. Enjoy the rest of you weekend.
In peace,
Gary :)
Awesome news, glad they made each spike take a hike
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
DeleteSpikes take hikes. You're a good dude. Thank you.
Gary :)
Just a very quick word because I'm just heading out the door ... BRILLIANT ... BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI shall be back later. A very big congrats, Gary. The world needs more people like you.
Big (hug)
Gidday Wendy,
DeleteHope you had a good time out, Wendy. This is such incredible news in the name of common sense.
I only did my small part of trying to bring further awareness of the immoral audacity. The world needs more decent folks like you, Wendy. I believe enough of us can make a difference.
A big hug to you, my dear friend.
Gary :)
As you say Gary, it is a fine line between having a home and being homeless. This is brilliant news. There is always another solution and pity efforts weren't channelled in that direction.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
DeleteFor sure, Carol. We never know what the future will hold. The news should inspire those who think it's not worth bothering to voice outrage and anger. Providing those a want a warm place to sleep would help. So what does the British government do. Close down government bed placements that were vital to the most vulnerable in society.
Thank you, dear Carol.
Gary :)
Thanks for letting us know. Willy Dunne Wooters has been homeless a couple of times, but he was fortunate enough to have a car he could live in. He's had a very good job for nine years now, and he's the most generous person I've ever known.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hi Janie,
DeleteAlways glad to share good news. Willie sounds like one of those decent people who feels blessed to have turned life around. You often see the most generous of heart have had some really tough times. Thank you sharing that.
Love and peace,
Gary :)
Power to the people!
ReplyDeleteHi PT,
DeleteRight on!
Gary :)
Tears of joy from this corner of the world. That is an absolutely brilliant start. And start is all it is. Next step (world wide) is to treat the homeless, and those at risk with some compassion.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
DeleteThe tears of joy shall cleanse the whole world. We have such a long ways to go. What a start. Now to treat the most deprived in our world with the dignity and respect they deserve. Time for our government's to stop turning a blind eye to the reality. Often a reality caused by their austerity measures that have destroyed lives.
In peace and hope,
Gary :)
This is great! I haven't lost hope on humanity.
ReplyDeleteSonnia
Hi Sonnia,
DeleteIt sure is. It proves that the finer aspects of humanity can win out. Have a lovely rest of your weekend.
Gary :)
Great news :-) x
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa,
DeleteAnd didn't we need some great news!
Hugs and hope,
Gary :) x
Well done Gary. Any suggestions on what they could do with the spiked panels? What's that you say - stick them where? Oh, you naughty boy!
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Barry,
DeleteAll I did was make mention of this horrible situation in my post. I'm just a small part of a growing number of people who will not take it any more. I know you of a like mind, good sir. Bend over, David Cameron!
Gary :)
Great news! I'm so glad they got rid of the spikes. I remember when I used to work for a pest management company years ago, we'd put spikes to keep pigeons from defecating and nesting on monuments and churches.... I never would have imagined they'd use similar methods for people. :( I know there is still a lot of work to be done for the homeless, but this is a significant step in the right direction--peaceful protest can and does work.
ReplyDeleteHi Elise,
DeleteIt is indeed! Coincidentally, what you alluded to, was what some folks thought about the way those poor souls were being treated. More like they were inconvenient pigeons. Plenty of work to be done. I know that some homeless make it a life choice. I also know a lot who would dearly love a safe, warm environment. Here's to hope and the power of a peaceful protest. We shall make this world a more caring place, dear lady.
Gary :)
Well, congrats Gary?
ReplyDeleteHi Donna,
DeleteNo, not me. Congrats to all who were angered by this and decided to take peaceful action. All I have done was make mention of it in my posting. Thank you, dear Donna.
Gary :)
It is wonderful to know that someplace in this world, peaceful protests work and the right thing is done.
ReplyDeleteHi Arleen,
DeleteIt's heartening. Peaceful protests. Lets make the a worldwide cause for the good. Thank you, dear Arleen.
Gary :)
Fantastic result. Congrats Gary.
ReplyDeleteHi Delores,
DeleteIt surely is. Congrats to everybody who showed they cared about our fellow humans who are having such a struggle.
Thank you, dear Delores.
Gary :)
That's awesome! The voice of reason was heard.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex,
DeleteThe voice of reason, I hope, grows louder in peaceful assertion.
A peaceful rest of your weekend, kind sir.
Gary
Sense and humanity prevails. Great result.
ReplyDeleteHi Annalisa,
DeleteAbsolutely. Sense and humanity spoke to those who didn't want to understand. A powerful result for good.
Thank you, dear Annalisa.
Gary :)
I'm glad that the petition and protest worked!
ReplyDeleteHi JoJo,
DeleteIt fills me with renewed hope that we can still make this world a more understanding reality.
Thank you, dear JoJo.
Gary :)
Hurrah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The power of the people. *beams at everyone.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
DeletePower of the people who care. The world feels your positive beams, dear Michelle.
Gary :)
Pleased to hear the good news.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne,
DeleteGood news is warmly welcomed. Thank you, my dear friend.
Gary :)
I only heard about the spikes through your blog so you can take credit for my signature on the petition as well as yours!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad it worked.
Hi fairyhedgehog,
DeleteThat's excellent that you found out via my blog. I'm so pleased the awareness made you sign the petition. I singed it as soon as I knew of it.
Here's to a positive result.
Thank you, dear friend.
Gary :)
Hi Gary. That's great news.
ReplyDeleteI do believe in the power of peaceful protest. I am not going into details here but, yes. It does help.
In certain complex social situations the changes happen gradually. But they do happen, and that is why I don't stay silent.
Thanks, Gary.
Hi Julia,
DeleteI was so glad I could share some great news.
You embrace the ideals of a peaceful protest. It's written in your heart.
Change and your voice amongst a sea of hopeful voices can be truly profound. Thank you, dear Julia.
Gary :)
I'm thrilled by this, Gary. You helped make it happen too. It's a wonderful sign for the good advocates like us to - time to keep making waves, in very good, strong company. YAY!!! CONGRATS!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn,
DeleteIt's the sort of thrill that makes me believe we might still have a chance to rid this world of those who would stigmatise the most vulnerable in society. I appreciate what you say. I just felt it needed to brought to public conscious in my own small way. You are an advocate of compassion. I know this, very much. The waves of better times shall wash away the beaches of evil. Congrats to us all!
Hugs and hope,
Gary :)
Oh! I'm glad people are speaking out about this. I just learned yesterday that some shops tried it in downtown Montreal - and even the mayor got behind having them removed. Such a horrible thing to do to fellow human beings.
ReplyDeleteHi Deniz,
DeleteThe voice of reason has spoken loudly and clearly. I'm very saddened it happened in Montreal. Thankfully, the mayor was instrumental in having the spikes removed in Montreal. The horror of it all is beyond my comprehension.
Thank you, dear Deniz.
Gary
I had no idea the problem was in your part of the world like it is in ours. One city ran them out, like they were pigeons pooping on the statues. They're human beings!!!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many businesses that have shut down and so many communities with large warehouses sitting empty. I wish money could be spent to revitalize these buildings and make them habitable for the homeless. And grocery stores MUST destroy their "use by date" food so that it can't be removed from their dumpsters by the homeless. This alone, would feed everyone in need.
Hi Dana,
DeleteThe situation, sadly, is getting awful here. The homeless situation has become an epidemic. The British government is responsible for a lot of folks now being homeless. Yes, how dare they treat human beings so deplorably as they did over there, over here.
You make some excellent points, Dana. They could easily set them up as places for the homeless, drop in centres for a warm meal and drink. And all that food wastage which they first try to sell at reduced prices, could be taken directly to food banks or drop in centres. Food banks, an alien concept here five years ago, have increased dramatically in Britain since a draconian government was elected. Thank you for your excellent thoughts, dear Dana.
Gary
Score one for the people! Thanks for keeping up on this development and helping to bring about the downfall of the spikes.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
DeleteA win against injustice! I felt I had to keep you posted of any further developments. To have it be the positive development we desired is a triumph for those who understand about compassion. I was proud to do what I could to bring some awareness about it.
Thank you, dear Diane.
Gary
YAY!!! Soooooooooo happy! I had shared and I signed too when you first posted!
ReplyDeleteHi Caren,
DeleteBless you, dear lady. You are a lady of principle and compassion. I'm honoured to know you.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Gary :)
I can understand why the building wanted to construct something
ReplyDeleteBut the studs were out of order
A lesson learned me thinks
Hi John,
DeleteI cannot understand it. If anything, somebody could of gotten seriously hurt. Yes, studs were outrageous. From this lesson, perhaps the government might think about all those beds they have closed down in the mental health facilities. Just a thought.
A peaceful Sunday to you, good sir.
Gary
I shared and signed it too, and I'm so glad it worked, Gary. I'm not sure who were behind these spikes, and pray for them to develop a little more empathy than they currently possess.
ReplyDeleteHi Damyanti,
DeleteThank you so much for sharing and signing. You are a thoughtful lady. I don't know who thought up the usage of spikes. A bit of trying to understand and help would have been so much better. Empathy would occur if those who put spikes in place ended up being homeless. Thank you, dear Damyanti.
A peaceful Singapore Sunday to you.
Gary
Hi Joylene,
ReplyDeleteYou bet!
Gary :)
Glad common sense won in the end! Now if it could work in our governments!
ReplyDeleteGood point :)
DeleteHi DAVID,
DeleteGovernments are next, good sir. In my case, I shall work on David Cameron, an evil, smug horror of a man.
Thank you, my wise friend.
Gary
Gidday Wendy,
DeleteGood point that you noted DAVID'S good point! :) Now for a point aka spike up some government officials posteriors! :)
Gary
I'm back! Goodness, my heart is now much lighter having spent several long minutes reading all the comments. Like you say, common sense did indeed prevail. How unusual!
ReplyDeleteAnd like I said above, I'd like to ram those spikes right up their .... !
Brilliant news. Can't help smiling :)
Hi Wendy,
DeleteWelcome back, dear friend! :) The comments of solidarity that we can make a difference. Common sense in a nonsensical world. A refreshing change. And please remember, you are a special lady who is believing we really can change the world.
I shall hand you the spikes as you do the ramming!!
I'm smiling with you, dear Wendy :)
Gary :)
I love that kindness has won! Yeah! Always nice to see people joining together peacefully. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Hi Jess,
DeleteThe winning combination of kindness and compassion. We are united in bringing about positive results through a peaceful process.
Thank you, dear Jess.
Gary :)
how amazing - first the spikes and more amazing, the positive results of the peaceful protest. i wish there was a simple solution to the state of our world... it just seems to get worse... thanks for shedding light =)
ReplyDeleteHi Tara,
DeleteThe amazement is magical. A peaceful protest with a profound result. Perhaps this is the start of improving the state of our beleaguered world.
Thank you, dear Tara.
Gary :)
Delighted to hear this Gary. Was surprised to hear an Australian friend talking about it on Facebook. Word definitely spread and it definitely worked.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
DeleteI was delighted I could post up such excellent news. The petition was singed by folks from around the world. A result for common sense. Thank you, dear Jo.
Gary
Got a chill reading this! So glad they're removed them! Well done - so glad to see it proven that peaceful protests work!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jemi,
DeleteI got a chill looking at the photo of the spikes being removed. Doesn't it just warm the heart knowing that a peaceful protest can have such a powerful impact.
Bless you, Jemi.
Gary :)
I'm glad that people are being listened to and that these horrible spikes are being removed.
ReplyDeleteHi Medeia,
DeleteThat's one for the good people of this world. The spikes were symbolic of an inhumane world. Indeed, the spikes are now gone.
Thank you, dear Medeia.
Gary
I know that you don't like religion. But in the Torah, God really hates the poor to be mistreated. He really does. We're suppose to help them. Not hinder them anymore than what they are.
ReplyDeleteHi Shelly,
DeleteI don't dislike religion. I just don't agree that there is a God overseeing everything. I could go into it, but let's just say I have a spirituality of compassion. However, in the ideals of religion, let's all prove that we shall care for the most vulnerable in society instead of demonising them.
Thank you, dear Shelly.
Gary
How wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have believed it could happen so quickly if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes right here.
Hi River,
DeleteWonderful, indeed, dear friend.
Public pressure and outrage was a powerful force for what is right. The thought of a lawsuit waiting to happen may have also made them realise their stupidity.
Thank you, dear River.
Gary
I think the first time I saw a pigeon deterrent it offended me to the core, so I'm glad they removed the bed of nails in both places. Hope they can resolve this sad issue.
ReplyDeleteHi Eve,
DeleteHomeless people, rough sleepers, treated like vermin. Disgraceful. Having the spikes removed and common sense prevails. They could start by reopening the facilities for for those in need that the British government has shut down.
Thank you, dear Eve.
Gary
Just when you think people can't get any more cruel, things like the homeless spikes begin to appear. I'm so glad the public outcry was successful in having them removed.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynda,
DeleteThe cruelty of those who are privileged is beyond comprehension of decent humans. Power to us peaceful people who know that homelessness can happen to almost anyone.
Thank you, dear Lynda.
Gary
Yay! It's good to know that our voices can still make a difference - especially when people like you are willing to carry the burden of bringing attention to the injustice. Thank you, Gary, for being such a strong advocate. :)
ReplyDeleteHi River Fairchild,
DeleteOur voiced unified with the horror of treating our fellow humans in such an awful manner. I am just one voice among many, dear lady. I'm glad I could help bring the awareness of such an audacity.
Thank you, dear River.
Gary :)
Jumping for joy over here! Love your advocacy for those who have no way to speak up for themselves.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee,
DeleteLet's all join along and jump for joy with you, dear lady. I felt compelled to put up the positive proof that we who truly care about our fellow humans, can make a difference for the better.
Thank you, dear Lee.
Gary
Congratulations! Good people speak up! But now, the basic problem remains--the homeless. Where do they go in the UK?
ReplyDeleteHi Natasha,
DeleteCongratulations to all who spoke out about this inhumanity. The homeless, although some do make it a lifestyle choice, did have facilities to use. Sadly, because of austerity and government cutbacks on essential services, a lot of our homeless friends remain homeless. They should open up abandoned properties and have them for those who desperately need a place to live.
Thank you, my dear friend.
Gary
Oh those are quite barbaric! I've never heard of such a thing before! Good for you for helping to get rid of those torture devices!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
DeleteBarbaric to the extreme. Hopefully, you will never hear about spikes ever again. I did my best to bring awareness of this immoral disgrace. Thank you for your peaceful contribution, dear Diane.
Gary
Good grief, how depressing! And how wonderful they're gone. Isn't that the kind of crap they use to keep pigeons away?
ReplyDeleteHi Al,
DeleteIncredibly disgraceful to treat our fellow humans in such a manner. Yes, the were soon removed. And yes, the spikes were very similar to what they ward pigeons of with.
Thank you, good sir.
Gary
Disgusting what we are capable of doing to our fellow human beings. Well done with the petition!
ReplyDeleteHi Davey,
DeleteA pleasure to meet you here. I'm glad you visited after I posted up some positive news from an awful situation. The petition, a powerful force to demonstrate that common sense must prevail.
Thank you, kind friend.
Gary
I'm so glad the petition worked but so saddened that it was necessary at all. How can people be so cruel? Such a disgrace that it came to this. But major kudos to all the protesters who got this awful decision reversed. Well done!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
DeleteQuite right. Why there had to be a petition over something this outrageous does sadden me. Those who are in their comfortable worlds, don't seem to think about the cruelty of their actions. Power of positive results.
Thank you, dear Julie.
Gary
This is a good first step. I am glad so many raised their voices and a change was made.
ReplyDeleteJust recently some folks from my church were talking about the cities and the homeless and the very sad truth that there is NOT ONE SINGLE CITY that has figured out how to help the homeless in a way that makes a significant difference. It is my fervent hope that when one city does figure it out, the rest will act accordingly. So many people just need a Help Up. There MUST be a way to effectively do this... so many citizens live month to month and are always *thisclose* to homeless. In the precarious economic times we live in that should give Every Person pause. We need to fix this *now.*
Hi Robin,
DeleteIt certainly is. May this be the first step in a number of positive steps. The voice of outrage was heard.
Each city, through the channelling of resources from various government departments that have cutback the funding for the most vulnerable in our society, need a rethink. Open up and restore all the abandoned buildings. Give those homeless and rough sleepers a chance to get on with their lives in a safe environment. Put back in place the facilities for those with mental health issues. A collaboration of like-minded groups helping our fragile citizens. Yes, there are those who do make being homeless a lifestyle choice. Having worked with the homeless, I know of such people. However, most crave a place to live. Many have been targeted by ruthless governments who have taken away vital resources. Yes, dear Robin, many of us are that close to finding ourselves in the same situation. We all need to be here for each other.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, dear Robin.
Gary
Crazy! Here's a revolutionary idea--why didn't they take the money they spent installing those spikes and put it into building a shelter for the homeless where they can have a safe, comfortable place to sleep and be fed... If such shelters exist, build another or add onto the ones they have. London's the only place I've ever seen people have to PAY to use public restrooms, after all!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
DeleteCrazy is a fitting word. Indeed, what you have suggested has been made mention by a lot of folks who are concerned like you are. The shelters in Britain are under tremendous strain. I worked with a homeless charity that provided accommodation via housing associations. Sadly, it's a daunting task and our government here is accountable for even for people being homeless due to removing benefits from those most needy. I would never go to one of those pay public toilet in London. Just go into the pub or one of those fast food restaurants.
Thank you for your comment, dear lady.
Gary
That's awesome the spikes were removed! It just goes to show the power of a petition.
ReplyDeleteHi Cherie,
DeleteAwesome, for sure. I've deliberately not put up another posting for almost a week in hopes that more could see the results of what a petition can do. This is inspiring and gives me hope that we can make this world a more humane place.
Thank you, dear Cherie.
Gary
I was watching a television report the other night about a move in various U.S. cities to provide apartments to homeless. The program seems successful so far. They said it was cheaper to provide the apartments than to deal with the homeless on the street. And those that got the apartments were much more pleased as well.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Hi Lee,
DeleteThat's what it's all about. A common sense solution to those who are out on the streets. When I know of so many empty properties in Britain, they should incorporate such scheme in the UK.
Thank you, good sir.
Gary
Hi Gary - that's great news .. I think I realised the petition was being successful ... and somehow we just need to help all - and let people find respect for themselves ... and get most of society respecting others ... sadly the 'me' society seems to be around rather more than necessary ...
ReplyDeleteGood for you for highlighting this - thanks .. all the best - Hilary
Hi Hilary,
DeleteI still savouring such great news. You are sadly correct. There are too many selfish people who don't care about others. As long as all is well in their life, they just don't care. If only they realised that it could happen to them. Then they would truly understand.
I felt it vital to highlight this, dear Hilary.
Here's to a sunny weekend down south.
Gary
Yay for the power of the people! Especially people like yourself who don't sit silent when they see something wrong but draw attention to it and get others motivated. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lexa,
DeletePower to the people who understand compassion I cannot sit idly by and watch such outrage continue to compound the problems of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. I'm blessed to have been part of this mutual motivation.
Thank you, dear Lexa.
Gary :)
Oh wonderful. Another one of those moments that gives me a bit more faith in humanity.
ReplyDeleteHi Misha,
DeleteThis sure does give us some hope that decent factors in humanity will prevail against those who dare oppress.
Thank you, dear Misha.
Gary
Had to come see this after reading your email. This news MADE MY DAY. I was so saddened, and sickened to be honest, after reading about these spikes last week. This shows the power of people peacefully uniting behind a common cause. Thank goodness these spikes are gone. And I hope all of humanity has learned a lesson from this...
ReplyDeleteHi Keith,
DeleteI was delighted you came over and noted the good news about common sense. It made a lot of people very sad and sickened that people could treat those in such dire straits in such an audacious manner. The spikes are gone. May they just be a part of an evil history we shall move on from.
Let's hope those who would hurt, would undermine, shall join us in the embracing of a sharing, caring world.
Thank you, kind sir.
Gary
I'm so glad that they removed those dangerous spikes. Gary, You should feel very proud that you played such an important role in this.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hi Julie,
DeleteThe celebration of peaceful triumph lingers on. A petition and a lawsuit just waiting to happen, a catalyst for those who thought spikes were a good idea, have realised they were very wrong.
I did what I could to try and bring awareness of this audacity. I appreciate you being a part of the vote for common sense.
Thank you, dear Julie.
Gary
Glad to hear that it worked!
ReplyDeleteFunny how they'd spend the money to make those, but not the money to buy another bed at a shelter for those in need.
Stopping by after damyanti mentioned you.
@JLenniDorner
Hi J. Lenni,
DeleteIt was a peaceful victory by those who care about the plight of their fellow humans.
What a nice gesture if the money used to put in the spikes, could of indeed been used to provide a place for the homeless to sleep.
I thank you for visiting, my kind friend, via the lovely Damyanti's site.
Gary
WOOHOO!!!!!!! I LOVE IT WHEN IT WORKS!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for bringing attention to this , Gary!
Hi Zoe,
DeleteAh yes, a triumph, an inspiration that makes us understand that we can and must make a difference against injustice.
I was only a small part of a large, worldwide action to see change for the better. I just needed to bring attention to this as best I could.
Thank you, dear Zoe.
Gary
Isn't it great what ‘ordinary’ people can do when they get together on something? Had I not read your previous post I wouldn't have know about the petition & wouldn't have had the chance to vote. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara,
DeleteIndeed, a wondrous situation when the beauty of ordinary people can be such a peaceful, positive force. I'm inspired to know that you knew of the petition via my site. Thank you for voting to remove the outrage of those horrible spikes. Well done, you and all of us who truly care.
Thank you, dear Barbara.
Gary
Oh Yea!!!! Thanks for making us aware of this Gary. Nice to DO something that works for once.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
DeleteOh yes indeed! :) I felt obligated to help with the awareness of such a horrible thing. Maybe this is the start of the new, caring, sharing reality we dream of.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Lisa.
Gary :)
Wow, I'm late getting to this post. I came from Wendy's blog. You wrote such kind comments about the grief she is experiencing, and I had to come visit your blog. Unbelievably enough, it was my 16-year-old daughter that told me about these spikes. She's taking the radio broadcasting program in her school, and while putting together news stories, she and her classmates ran across this story, which she then shared with me. She was disgusted by this as was I, and I'm so happy to see the power of the people had them removed. What have we come to when we do this to the homeless and helpless? It saddens me even more than it angers me. We should be working toward helping these people get off the street and back on their feet, and overcome their illnesses...not degrade them, dismiss them, and toss them aside. Mental health is SO stigmatized, and it pains me. Someone extremely close to me suffered from mental health issues for over 20 years, and because he was ashamed of being 'crazy' (as society labels those whose brains are ill), he suffered in silence and never sought help. Until he couldn't carry that weight anymore no matter how brave and strong he'd been for so many years. Despair, fatigue and humiliation brought on by mental health stigma finally broke him. And then he was gone. The grief those left behind feel is immeasurable. People who have never suffered from mental health illnesses or have never known someone close to them who has just don't understand the complexity of it all, including society's debilitating approach and harsh judgment. Thank you for this. Thank you for caring.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Martha,
DeleteVery nice to meet you, my kind new friend. Wendy, as we both know, is one of the nicest, most caring people we have the pleasure to interact with. The pain of losing her beloved dog has touched me deeply.
It's good to know your daughter took such a passionate stance against that audacious move against our vulnerable fellow humans. I know, along with your kind self, will be celebrating the removal of those horrible spikes. One victory against such cruelty.
Having worked for a charity that helped the homeless, the rough sleepers, I know of the stories that would show a different reality. No the convenient stigmas and stereotypes. Many a homeless charity does what it can. And then you have a despicable British government that cuts back on the vital funding that helped keep our poor friends off the streets.
Having worked on a number of campaigns to eradicate the unfair stigma still attached to mental health issues, I have found that more people are wanting to learn, to try and understand that mental health issues can happen to anybody. We have a ways to go, but things are slowly improving. The media is accountable for perpetuating the unfair stigma.
I'm sorry about that person who was so close to you. If only there was more enlightenment in regards to what they went through. There is the emotional ripple effect of those who see someone in mental anguish and feel helpless.
I am mentally ill. I am not ashamed of who I am. My illness is only a small part of who I am. Refreshingly, in all my years of open blogging about my mental illness, I have never had anybody pass judgement. Thus, my thoughtful friend, we are going to get there. Thank you for such a powerful comment, Martha.
Thank you for caring.
In kindness,
Gary
Wow, due to my busyness I have missed out on both of these post. I'm happy I saw it now though because I'm so amazed by all the wonderful people out there that are willing to unite and fight in a good manner for what is right. Thank you, Gary, for writing that post and making us aware of the petition. I can't believe they put up spikes!? What is wrong with people? Why don't they try to help those people back into life - then they wouldn't have to sleep there anymore either. I'm sure the majority of people that lost everything would gladly take any help offered if it's meant to get them back to a good life away from the streets. We should always be aware that it can happen to any of us and instead of pretending it doesn't happen love and compassion will change the situation of those it happened to. Thank you, Gary! I hope you know what a special person you are, spreading to the world how love and compassion work and what amazing effects they have. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Beate,
DeleteYou are one busy lady and you are busy in anticipation of your ongoing peaceful, positive future. I'm glad you came and read this post. Thank you. The worldwide anger at such callous disregard for our fellow humans with the use of those barbaric sparks, was profoundly inspirational. Those who thought it was okay, have be taught a lesson. Hopefully, they will start to embrace the ideals of compassion. It would be amazing if the perpetrators used their money to help our fellow humans who are in desperate situations. Yes, most of those on the streets did not make it a lifestyle choice. And yet, too many people just walk on by, never understanding it could be them sleeping on the streets.
This has been clear demonstration that we can change the world. Compassion instead of corruption. Some may say its the stuff of dreams. Lets make the dream a reality in a diverse, all different, all equal world.
Thank you for being part of this new dawn. Bless you, dear Beate.
Penny and I wish you a lovely weekend!
Gary :)
I read that those spikes were being removed. WTG! Your peaceful protest worked out great!
ReplyDeleteHi Gossip_Grl,
DeleteOh yeah, spikes are all gone! I was just one small voice amongst a number of outraged voices. WTG to all of us! :)
Gary :)