StreetSense_forweb_8.17.11

Volume 8: Issue 20 August 17 - 30, 2011

Street

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Read more and get involved at www.streetsense.org | The D.C. Metro Area Street Newspaper | Please buy from badged vendors

Street Sense aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public debate on issues relating to poverty while also creating economic opportunities for people who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

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MLK, Jr: Vendor Robert Warren honors the fallen civil rights leader

6 “Sacrifice” – an epic poem

by vendor DeRutter Jones

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A collection of poems by vendor Franklin Sterling

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SNAPSHOTS: photos taken by vendor Chris Shaw Editorials THE $100,000 BRA AND PANTIES: A new mystery from vendor Ivory Wilson

FRIENDSHIPS BUILT ON POETRY: Vendor David Denny describes his unique relationship with a late customer Read all stories online at www.StreetSense.org

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FRIENDSHIPS BUILT ON POETRY: Vendor Michael Davidson relates with his friend

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Poems by vendor Robert Warren

A new issue comes out every two weeks, but you can stay connected to Street Sense every day! /streetsense @streetsensedc /streetsensedc Cover art by Hannah Traverse

ADDRESS 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 PHONE (202) 347 - 2006 FAX (202) 347 - 2166 E-MAIL info@streetsense.org WEB streetsense.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lisa Estrada, Ted Henson, Brad Scriber, Michael Stoops, Manas Mohapatra, Sommer Mathis, Kristal Dekleer, Robin Heller, Jeffery McNeil, Yebegashet Alemayehn ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kristal DeKleer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mary Otto LAYOUT SPECIALIST Eric Falquero VENDOR AND VOLUNTEER MANAGER Allen Hoorn INTERNS Zachary Davidson, Erin Durkin, Mary Clare Fischer, Ashley Hemmy, Hannah Traverse, Helen West VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Rhonda Brown, Margaret Chapman, Tracie Ching, James Clarke, Nikki Conyers, Bobby Corrigan, Irene Costigan, Sara Dimmitt, Joe Duffy, Lilly Dymond, Ashley Edwards, Garrett Epps, Rachel Estabrook, Sarah Ficenec, Andrew Gena, Steve Gilberg, Jane Goforth, Jonah Goodman, Roberta Haber, Elia Herman, Cherilyn Hansen, Adam Kampe, Trisha Knisely, Vicki Ann Lancaster, Elle Leech-Black, Lisa Leona, Sean Lishansky, Elsie Oldaker, Katinka Podmaniczky, Mike Plunkett, Willie Schatz, Jesse Smith, Lilly Smith, Mandy Toomey, Brett Topping, Melissa Hough, Kate Sheppard, Marian Wiseman, Kelly Stellrecht, Jane Cave VENDORS Michael Anderson, Charles Armstrong, Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Kenneth Belkosky, Tommy Bennett, Reginald Black, Deana Black, Harmon Bracey, Debora Brantley, Andre Brinson, Floarea Caldaras, Conrad Cheek, Theresa Corbino, Avram Cornel, Anthony Crawford, Kwayera Dakari, Louise Davenport, James Davis, Charles Davis, Devon Dawkins, Michael Dawson, Chino Dean, Daivd Denny, Richardo Dickerson, Alvin Dixon El, Charles Eatmon, Richard Emden, Pieus Ennels, Betty Everett, Joshua Faison, Larry Garner, R. George, David Ger, Marcus Green, Barron Hall, Dwight Harris, Lorrie Hayes, Patricia Henry, Shakaye Henry, Derian Hickman, Vennie Hill, Anne Holloway, Phillip Howard, James Hughes, Patricia Jefferson, Carlton Johnson, Donald Johnson, Mark Jones, Evanson Kamau, Mike Leach, Michael Lyons, Johnnie Malloy, Kina Mathis, John C. Matthews, Authertimer Matthews, Charlie Mayfield, Robert McGray, Marvin McFadden, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffrey McNeil, Kenneth Middleton, Gary Minter, L. Morrow, Jai Morton, Saleem Muhammad, Tyrone Murray, Darryl Neal, Charles Nelson, James Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Douglas Pangburn, Franklin Payne, Michael Pennycook, Ash-Shaheed Rabbil, Michael Reardon, Chris Shaw, Veda Simpson, J. Simpson, Patty Smith, Gwynette Smith, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, Leroy Sturdevant, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Paul Taylor, Archie Thomas, Larissa Thompson, Carl Turner, Jacqueline Turner, Joseph Walker, Martin Walker, Robert Warren, Terry Warren, Lawless Watson, Paul Watson, Wendell Williams, Edna Williams, Sherle Williams, Susan Wilshusen, Ivory Wilson, Mark Wolf, Charles Woods, Tina Wright

STREET SENSE August 17 - 30, 2011

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News

Art Student Raises Homeless Awareness Through Street Signs Graphic design student, Mark Daye, set out to raise awareness of Toronto’s growing homeless population using street signs. Daye manufactured -- what’s being called -- guerilla street signs with statements such as, “Please keep our streets clean, over 818 people have to sleep on them.” Daye said that he did not want to piggy back on other organizations that produce more literal

messages such as, “Quiet, Homeless sleeping,” and, “Homeless warming grate.” Affordable housing is becoming scarce in Toronto, even while new luxu-

ry housing units are increasing in quantity. Immigration from poor developing countries is also on the rise. Recently, Toronto homeless shelters have seen a 20 percent increase in admissions with no exception of a decrease. (According to Wired.com)

Prospect Park Homeless Trapping Wildlife for Sustenance According to the New York Post, about a dozen homeless people have been living in Prospect Lake Park in New York City trapping and killing wildlife. Park and wildlife officials have called them drifters and vagrants, which the city has largely ignored by mostly issuing fines that couldn’t possibly be paid by someone who is homeless. The park’s new residents, or squatters, have been killing ducks, squirrels and swan-like cygnets, and cooking them over illegal fires. Park officials say there have been incidents of this nature in other parks and that some animals have even been eaten raw. According to a city parks advocate, in New York City there is no dedicated police force assigned to the parks with the exception of Central Park, which has its own precinct. There is still no official comment from anyone who lives in or hunts in the Prospect Park.

Non-profit Executives’ Lifestyles Brought into Question The New York Times reports that a city non-profit assisting with the care of disabled children has been accepting kickbacks. Brothers Philip and Joel Levy are the two top executives running the Medicaid-financed Young Adult Institute Network, which cares for disabled children with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Young Adult happens to be the largest operator of group homes in the state, collecting $1 billion. The Times does not question the ability or quality of care performed by Young Adult Institute Network. Rather, the Times brings into question the brothers lifestyle, which is lavish and palatial. The two brothers, who are former social workers, have several homes in Manhattan and the Hamptons, send their children to the top schools in the country, and drive expensive sports cars.

Annual Hobo Convention Offers Insights into Misunderstood Culture

published monthly as a project of the National Coalition for the Homeless. In October 2004, the organization incorporated and moved into its own office space. In March 2005, Street Sense received 501(c)3 status, becoming a nonprofit organization.

In October 2005, Street Sense formed a full board of directors, and in November, the organization hired its first employee, a full-time executive director. A year later, Street Sense hired its first vendor coordinator and began partnering with several service providers.

In February 2007, the paper increased the frequency of publication to twice a month.

Vendor Code of Conduct

In order to support the increased production, Street Sense brought on its first full-time editor-in-chief in April.

Today, Street Sense has four professionals, more than 100 active vendors and nearly 30,000 copies in circulation each month. The newspaper has become a major source of news for Washingtonians, providing content on issues which often go uncovered by the mainstream media.

Street Sense is a member of the National Association of Street Newspapers (NASNA).

YOUR DOLLAR

65%

Each vendor makes a personal investment in Street Sense, by purchasing is- Directly sues at a rate of 35 cents per copy. This aids the money helps cover our production and vendor printing costs for the paper, while still allowing the vendors to sell the paper at a low price and substantial profit.

Compiled by Zach Davidson from previously published reports

Uncle Freddy and Minneapolis Jewel were crowned the 2011 Hobo King and Queen at this year’s National Hobo

The Story of Street Sense Street Sense began in August 2003 after two volunteers, Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson, approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions with the idea to start a street paper in Washington, D.C. They saw it as a means of empowering the area’s poor and homeless and decided the paper would cover homelessness and other social issues.

After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers, Street Sense published its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies.

About a dozen vendors sold the first issue of the paper. For the next three years, it was

Convention in Britt, Iowa. The weeklong festival, which wrapped up on Aug 13, is an annual celebration of hobo life and culture. Hundreds of gallons of mulligan stew were served, and a traditional hobo jungle provided a showcase for authentic hobo music, stories and entertainment. Paul the Goose Man led his trained geese in various maneuvers and local military veterans were honored as parade marshals. The convention has been held every year since 1900.

35% Supports costs

1. I agree not to ask for more than $1 or to solicit donations for Street Sense by other means.

2. I will only purchase the paper from Street Sense staff and will not sell papers to other vendors (outside of the office volunteers).

3. I agree to treat others respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten or pressure customers.

4. I agree to stay off private property when selling Street Sense.

5. I understand that I am not a legal employee of Street Sense but a contracted worker responsible for my own well–being and income.

6. I agree to sell no additional goods or products when selling Street Sense.

7. I will not sell Street Sense under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

8. I will stay a block away from another vendor.

9. I understand that my badge is the property of Street Sense and will not deface it. I will display my badge and wear my vest when selling papers.

10. I understand that Street Sense strives to be a paper that covers homelessness and poverty issues while providing a source of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word.

Poetry LOVIN’ 2 LIVE 2 LOVE

I Am Somebody Too

By Lawless C. Watson Jr. Vendor

By Veda Simpson, Vendor

I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible For anyone to know and give true love without knowing The Creator of love For, you see, it was out of love that HE created man and woman In HIS own image, and even just a little lower than the angels themselves However, I too, am guilty of having lied And used fast food approaches towards that word – LOVE Even to the point of describing it to mean Everything except what it really is So I’m going straight to the source as I say, “Father, forgive me – for I have been looking for love In all the wrong places…

Donate to the homeless, yea.

Let somebody know you care.

Sleeping on the sidewalk, living in the street, Help somebody get on their feet.

If you don’t believe it’s true, Just ask the homeless, too.

Their eyes are crying, their hearts are crying out, But do we stop to listen, no We take another route.

With the way the economy is going, take time to think it might be you.

Don’t be surprised this morning you’re living in a mansion and don’t have a clue, Tonight you’re living next to me in a card board box, too.

Do you really know what you’re doing is wrong or right, That’s why Ted and Laura started Street Sense, To give the homeless another look at life!

I need Your Spirit to fall on me And teach me to fall in love with You Like an infant, I’m crying out for comfort Longing and needing to be comforted Show me what I’ve been missing Show me the real thing Show me the type of love and affection That You showed Adam, when You first communed with him After having just created him Show me how you want us to treat our spouses Each other, our children, mankind, even our enemies Father, give me the type of true love That will allow me to cling to You To continually praise You, to pray without ceasing Teach me to commune with You To the point of allowing my mind,body, soul, spirit My entire being, to passionately, without limit Surrender, honestly, humbly, completely Bring all of my ugliness and denials to You Teach me to get my best high from The One On High From The Most High, from the inventor of the original state of euphoria That state of being that Satan and his entire army of Artificial stimulants can only imitate Teach me to allow Your True Love and Affection To wreck every nerve ending in my body Father, create in me a new me In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray …Amen My Bible tells me in John 3:16 That GOD so loved this world That HE gave HIS Only Begotten Son That whosoever believeth in HIM Would not perish, but have everlasting life Who do you love enough to give part of your body for …Who do you really, truly LOVE

Giving Is Good What’s a donation?

But a part of association?

Ask a question from the poor In my recordation We walk tall because our Hearts are strong.

If you think it’s wrong, Talk to someone without a home.

This is why I say the things I say.

Because God plays a part in our hearts Everyday. I can tell you something, and it might sound plain.

But I think I tell you this Because it’s about a higher man.

We live our lives whether it’s right or wrong. Because we thank God, and he lets us Carry on.

The memorial will be officially dedicated on August 28th, but there will be a special preview for DC residents on August 23rd. You can apply for passes to the preview online or in person at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

STREET SENSE August 17 - 13, 2011

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Historical Connection

Honoring Doctor King Recognizing the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial on Aug. 28

By Robert Warren Vendor As we get ready to honor the love in a few days with the unveiling on our capital mall of our long lost brother who preached the gospel of love and nonviolence and marched to live in that way.

Remembering Martin in these days with days of service the young people way.

Painting murals on middle school walls so many young people of all colors standing tall.

Working together to clean-up the city streets and fellowshipping with food for the body and good thoughts to eat.

Martin’s spirit would be happy and proud to see the truth of the Dream being lived and believed but not fully achieved in one city year young and old faces of a rainbow of how Martin’s Dream is coming true right before our eyes.

As beautiful as it may be We’re all the fathers and the mothers of kids who lived when our beloved brother marched in Washington, D.C. for all cannot see Just in one day when GOD wills we will find a time when Martin Luther’s Dream will be a living thing.

No one will believe or know long ago, there were souls who didn’t believe in walking hand in hand.

Working together for the love of all human women every child is our child, GOD WILLING Paradise proud Martin and Malcolm will be as they smile, and think.

How great is my LORD. For the promise of the dream being lived and love believed.

Illustration by Hannah Traverse

I am happy to join with you today... ...

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering

with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.

With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.”

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! ...

[Excerpt from the famous I Have a Dream speech, by Martin Luther King Jr.]

1.

Their civilization was stood up between mountains that pierced clouds through their hearts and held them still until the clouds tired out and collapsed into fog which then drizzled to pieces.

So far so good: safely on high ground.

But over time they found it had all been put up wrongly.

The maize stood blanched and somnambulistic, waiting for some passing rain, some small redemption.

Mostly there was just water vapor which, before disappearing, hovered tantalizingly over the red baked arid earth.

The people had ferreted out the secret paths traced by objects across the vault of the heavens (thus enthralled they found a pantheon worthy of it) were richly cultured in many disciplines established a vibrant market economy broken the code of higher mathematics had accumulated treasure even built themselves a few modest pyramids, yet still they couldn’t get the crops right Their high priests and priestesses finally with visionary certainty declared that attention paid to the deities had been entirely insufficient.

2.

So they began sacrificing virgins.

Early on there was Yaretzi—she who is loved.

And let us not forget Eréndira, whom some recalled from an earlier season, her brothers away in concentrated, solemn study While Eréndira, easily distracted from her weaving rested her brown, round face in her hands as she lay turned toward her father, who described how his craft evolved; how he toiled year upon year to master copper.

That day her eyes glistened and laughed.

Later when they came for Eréndira she stared into space, her helpless father watching on the very same spot, terrified of what her special gift had brought her, and she was then dragged more like carried up the grim stairs to the crack of doom where Zalcoati waited to perform the procedure.

At least she’d taken their heavy potion.

They’d learned to do that after the first one, Xochiyatyl who had not been sedated.

It wasn’t her ribcage being pried apart, or the still-beating heart seized and lifted above for all to see that disturbed those assembled.

It was all that shrieking.

Even with this even after this Tlaloc, Xilonen, and their fellow gods Chicomecoatl and Centeole rebuffed the offerings (but not Tonaliuh, who eagerly accepted.

He loved fire and blood.

Chiuhtlicue, shamed now for the now-sullied land drew back into herself any remaining pretense of fertility, and Itzpxpalotl, always anticipating famine, poised to consider the coming hunger).

3.

Just then the Spaniards appeared.

Changing the subject completely.

Fascinating how certain events concentrate the mind ~ ~ “Take the gold -- all we want is rain.”

The pleas of a fool, reasoned the conquistador.

Certainly a ruse, and ill-received.

Muskets blazed down on the public spaces.

Arrow man versus military man.

Spear man versus armored man.

Taliban versus Iron Man. No fair.

Acrid smoke filled the holy places.

Priestly caste captured and garroted.

Ruler kidnapped, later strangled.

Laws of War violated.

Bad form.

Surviving males pressed into slavery.

Worked to death.

Surviving females taken for pollination.

Surviving children just taken.

Padre going around blessing the whole business: Spread the Seed as well as the Word.

And the banner of our King will be their Shroud.

4.

Their civilization pulled down justlikethat, turned over to the vines, waiting in vain for the empty centuries to be justified.

Of course it will all take too long; be too late.

In the end only Laura Croft and Indiana Jones come, slashing past the moss and the detritus to the core of the ruins, and when the two of them get there the lethargic pythons and tarantulas ignore them.

The spiders continue slumbering indefinitely their webs neglected and collapsed abandoned for decades.

The cuetzals have long since taken flight along with their bright colors to caw-caw in some better place.

The scorpions are missing having devoured each other years ago.

The bats are still there, hanging upside down but they’re dead too, petrified.

Every so often one of them falls to the ground and shatters inconspicuously.

No crystal skulls or sacred amulets are found.

No specter creaking aside a cryptic stone or pillar revealing a deadly passageway to sure, swift adventure.

None of that.

So the tomb raiders skulk away crunching bone fragments underfoot knowing full well the entire pointless episode will be eliminated in post-production.

5.

Their civilization upended overturned onto its side.

A musty, rusted thing.

“We told the invaders they could take the gold.

All we wanted was rain.

This is what we got instead.

Sacrifice the pure ones! the priests demanded.

So we did.

And this is what we got.”

all people are

Welcome

here

Join us in worship on Sundays at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 5:30 pm Homeless Outreach Hospitality Fridays at 9:00 _____________________________

Foundry United Methodist Church A Reconciling Congregation

th 1500 16 Street NW | Washington DC | 20036 202.332.4010 | foundryumc.@foundryumc.org

www.foundryumc.org

STREET SENSE August 17 - 30, 2011

Poetry

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Chairs (1) We rearranged on board The Titanic, but our passage Was paid for in gold!

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STREET SENSE August 17 - 30, 2011

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Snapshots DC

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Concert Poster (2)

Door (3)

Stairway (Nautilus) (4)

What we called ‘the day,’ The Drum trumpeted Our weekend needs In bold Black, Lavender And DayGlo chartreuse, but the Colors and Sounds are faded-

Billy Luck, whut UP? Opportunity knocked Already, am afraid Billy Answered it not.

Forever winding, winding But to where?

The beauty is in the spiral.

Shamefully, the broken steps have long since been Molten away!

A Face Beholds a Mask (5)

Columns (6)

Lady with Broom (7)

alas, poor Yorick— Or are you Bacchus, Garlanding the Aston “Hotel” - what an unwholesome playhouseI knew you not well at all, thank timing and Providence!

Ye roar with toothless fury, Yet why, the bother?

Landfill is only silence.

She no longer sweeps The two-by-twelve doorstep Made with the six-foot Ceiling, in that little Foggy Bottom ‘mews.’ The angels watch over her gentle soul, and Mom and Dad’s earthly shade.

Editorials

Being Right Isn’t Always Good

By Maurice King Editorial Volunteer

By Jeffery McNeil Vendor/Board MEmber W ith the debt ceiling debate behind us, the global economy is the predominant issue. This is like going through withdrawal for me because I had such a rich resource of material to write about. The debt fight was like manna from heaven. This saga had all the intrigue of a Shakespearean comedy--or, for some, a Greek tragedy. The debt debate will be remembered for generations.

The all-star cast of tea pots, evangelicals, Wall Street capitalists and angry liberals created a windfall for those who blog , write and do stand-up. There was so much raw material that for the first time I have writer’s cramp.

Rep. Michelle Bachman (R-Minn.) was a gold mine, whether dancing with her husband at a tea pot rally or praying for the “troubled” souls of gay Americans. Without her I wouldn’t have a blog or have completed my book. Nevertheless, I do get a little disgusted with the left when it reports accurate information because the truth gives me less to work with. One day I decided to watch Lawrence O ‘Donnell, host of “The Last Word,” who during the episode banned tea potter Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Pa.) from coming on his show. I am wondering, ‘Why would he do that?’

Banning a tea potter just because he is a hypocrite and replacing him with a boring liberal is why America is more interested in baseball than politics. Liberals do not make good subjects for satire because most know what they are talking about.

That may appeal to a political purist, but the Michelle Bachmans, Sean Hannitys and Rush Limbaughs are the writers’ bread winners.

So, I am apprehensive when television personalities and media companies try to humiliate or ban tea potters from coming on their programs, or exiling commentators like Glenn Beck to satellite radio. When those who have the platform let emotions get in the way of ratings, it impacts bloggers, writers and comics. I believe it is counterproductive to chastise, admonish or prevent people like Rep. Bachman from expressing their opinions, no matter how erroneous.

Writing something humorous, requires tea potters to be unrestrained and unleashed. If they were constricted we wouldn’t get the chance to see Rep. Bachman’s prayer for the gays, hear Limbaugh’s theory on climate change, or watch teavangelicals crusade for saving the fetuses while denying children school lunches.

Rather than having its originators sent packing, material this rich should be protected, preserved and treasured.

In an editorial that I wrote several months ago, I asked the rhetorical question, ‘Is bipartisanship really possible, or only a pipe dream?’ Much to my sorrow, I think the nation is now getting an answer to that question, and it is not good news for anyone. The high drama performed before the voting public over the debt deal demonstrated in graphic form just how dysfunctional the government really is. Sure, in the end, an agreement was reached to avoid default.

However, nobody wanted to be responsible for a first-time-ever default because doing so would have harmed chances of being elected. The well-being of the public was, is and probably will remain a side issue, not one that our elected officials consider important.

“Vote out all the incumbents” is something I hear ad nauseam. Let’s look at this suggestion realistically. First of all, the chance of it happening is slim to none, with none being more likely. Also, if we voted out all the incumbents, who would replace them? Politicians, of course, the same breed that now occupies the government. Add to that the fact that these politicians would all be novices – remember, we would be replacing all the incumbents – and the result is an outcome that is not guaranteed to yield a positive result.

So it is best not to talk of things that are impractical and foolish.

Term limits for the politicians in office have been discussed often, but the problem with that idea is that the people who would have to vote on such limits are the same people who would be, in essence, limiting their own futures. It is unlikely that term limits will

be imposed for that reason. The politicians have as their primary objective their own re-election, with serving the nation trailing as an afterthought. Term limits do not go well with their main objectives.

Partisan politics took precedence over national interests. The fact that the country could even risk defaulting because of a partisan squabble would have been unthinkable in the past, but it almost became a reality up until the last minute, and for what benefit to the public? None, of course. ‘The public be damned’ is now the operative slogan.

Did bipartisanship work in the end?

It would be hard to say that it did. The end result was something neither party liked, and the effects will surely be quite traumatic for the public. The desire to be elected in 2012 was more important than acting on behalf of the nation.

One thing is certain: Our government officials are not worried. They will continue to receive their high salaries and benefits, no matter how bad the rest of us have it. Our government is not representing us any more; it has become an elite club. We, the people, must either find a new way to end this charade or else we will be doomed to continue living with its ill effects.

STREET SENSE August 17 - 30, 2011

11

Fiction

Stacy From Malibu :

e h t f o e s a The C s e i t n a P d n a a r B 0 0 0 $100,

By Ivory Wilson Vendor

T

here’s a big entertainment show tonight at the Monaco Hotel at the corner of 7th and F Street, NW. It’s a Ladies’ Night Fashion Show.

Women traveling from all over America will be here tonight to see the top Middle Eastern models on stage modeling the hottest and sexiest bras and panties ever made in their countries. Many of Washington’s celebrities will be on hand for the event. Even the cheapest set of lingerie will set you back $20,000! A new company from Saudi Arabia called Lookin’ Good Lingerie has a new line of bras and panties for the really rich.

Many potential investors with deep pockets will also be in attendance. Security will be tight around Monaco, and several streets will be blocked off from the public.

Lookin’ Good Lingerie has requested that an American woman model their most expensive bra and panties set, worth more than $100,000. It has gold trim, diamond studs, and platinum straps! Washington has chosen one of its government workers to be the model: Misty, a gorgeous, married, lean redhead from Florida. Misty is so sexy that when she gets off the Metro at Chinatown on her way to work, she turns mens’ heads. When she walks past Rosa Mexicana, the District Chop House, Red Velvet Cupcakes, and Tangy Sweet, men walking out of these establishments, with their wives on their arms, always get caught staring at Misty as she passes by. When Misty stops at a corner waiting for the lights to change, men stop and stare at her beauty. A man driving his new BMW couldn’t take his eyes off

Misty and ran into the back of another car waiting at a red light.

Meanwhile...

At 9 a.m., Stacy is in his office sitting behind his desk in his robe, smoking a cigarette, drinking gin with his juice, and reading the story in the morning’s Washington Post about tonight’s fashion show. Stacy pauses and thinks about a stripper he knew back in Malibu who would turn herself upside down during her pole dance and slide down the pole slowly, kissing the pole all the way down.

Stacy’s pleasant memories of the past are rudely interrupted by the sound of keys in the office door. It is Tamika, coming in late, out of breath, cussing about Mrs. Kim. “She made me want to take off my pumps, jump over that counter, and bounce her head off the wall like a basketball,” Tamika tells Stacy. She is holding a bag of chicken wings and French fries and getting all worked up.

Stacy gets up, tightens his robe, and moves over to the couch. He looks at Tamika and tells her it’s OK. “Just take it easy. Why don’t you sit behind my desk, eat your fried chicken, and tell me what happened?”

Tamika does as told, taking a seat at Stacy’s desk and placing her pumps on top of the desk. “When I got off the bus on my way to work this morning I walked by Mrs. Kim’s Wings and Things Chinese Restaurant and Cleaners up the block,” Tamika recounts. “Mrs. Kim was standing at the door of the cleaners and asked me to come in. She asked me if I knew that you came in yesterday and dropped off a few suits to be cleaned.

She then told me that one of the suits

had a bullet hole in it. She said they’ll all be ready by 3:00 today and that there was no charge, but she doesn’t want you to come in and get them. Instead, she asked if I could come and get them later today. Instead of agreeing, I accused her of not wanting to see you and making me do your dirty work.”

Stacy smiles at how Tamika comes to his defense. Tamika continues, “Mrs. Kim ran behind the counter and said she could explain why she doesn’t want you coming back.” Chewing on a piece of chicken wing, Tamika says, “Mrs. Kim screamed that you’re in a dangerous business with people driving up and shooting at you. She yelled at me that the shots missed you, but the bullets smashed her windows out and left holes in the walls of the cleaners.”

Tamika stares straight at Stacy and explains, “Mrs. Kim don’t want to be caught in her cleaners or restaurant when them men come back gunning for you. She cooked me up this food to calm me down. Mrs. Kim is right, Stacy.

People are trying to kill you.”

Stacy looks at Tamika and lets out a big laugh. “If I quit this job, Tamika,” he says, “you won’t have a job anymore, and then where will you be?”

Just then the phone rings. Still chewing on a piece of chicken, Tamika answers it. “Stacy Investigations. How may I help you?” A soft, sweet, sexy voice asks if Mr. Stacy is available.

Tamika tells the caller to please wait a moment and puts her on hold. “It’s for you, Stacy,” she announces. “Sounds like another tramp.”

Stacy grins, ties his robe tighter, and says, “Just remember that it’s them

tramps who are paying your salary.”

He picks up the phone and says, “Stacy here. How may I help you?”

The voice says, “My name is Cherry Jones, and my fashion show is being held at the Hotel Monaco tonight. I was told that if a woman needs a man who can handle trouble, you’re the man I need.”

“Are you expecting trouble?” Stacy asks.

“No,” Cherry replies, “but if trouble shows up, I would like you to be there.

I’ve also been told that you’re the type of man every girl wants and every woman needs. The facts are that I’m worried about the people I’m working for and I have something to deliver that I can’t afford to lose.”

Stacy asks her, “Why don’t you go to the police if you’re so worried? I’m a private investigator, not a bodyguard.”

“Look, Mr. Stacy,” Cherry replies, “I will pay you $10,000 for one night’s work if you’ll show up and help ensure that things go smoothly.”

Hearing this amount, Stacy jumps to his feet and asks Cherry Jones to hold for a moment. He picks up his bottle of gin, looks at his glass, and takes a giant swig out of the bottle. He then tells Cherry, “I’ll be there.”

Hanging up, Stacy reaches for his Colt and starts cleaning it, wondering what kind of angle this woman has and why she is willing to pay so much for a single night’s work. But just as he is thinking about this, there is a knock on the door. Stacy grabs his newly cleaned Colt and says, “Come in.” The door opens slowly and there stands drop-dead gorgeous Misty.

A Partnership in Writing Street Sense and Miriam’s Kitchen have partnered together to offer the opportunity for... and meets every wednesday from 2:30 - 3:30 pm at the Street Sense Office.

A Friendship Built Upon Poetry Vendor Words

God Be With You Michael

By David Denny Vendor

I met Michael Gurtz’s mother and father on Tuesday, June 28 of this year.

They came to carry out one of Michael’s last requests – to give me his self-published poetry books. Michael had passed away on Feb. 23.

Author Michael and I used to share our poetry, on a concrete adjacent WRITINGsitting WRITING WRITINGwall WRITING to the Navy Memorial.

That’s where I WRITING WRITING WRITING WRITING sell my papers.

There is an office building WRITING WRITING WRITING WRITING there and sometimes people ask me for WRITING WRITING WRITING WRITING a poem.

They say “let me hear one.”

WRITING WRITING WRITING WRITINGAnd I’ll recite one of my poems. Michael often WRITING WRITING WRITING WRITING stopped by.

He would listen to one of my WRITING WRITING poems and then he’d offer one of his own.

I didn’t know where he worked or where he lived. But we shared our love of poetry.

One day, a man who identified himself as Michael’s employer came to my

Title

corner and said “Hello. Are you David from Street Sense?” He showed me a picture of Michael and told the news of his passing. He told me his parents wanted to get in touch with me. That is how I met Michael’s parents. I now have four of his books.

His parents and I now share that same space near the Navy Memorial. We talk a while about Michael, and the memories become vivid and poignant.

I look at “Rhythm of the Blues Dancer” (his poem) and I feel vicariously as if I am his voice. I am proud and honored that he thought to leave me his poetry books.

God be with you Michael.

James Henry McRae is a homeless writer and friend of vendor Michael Davidson. He has written a book of poetry.

Thank God for another day. Times are very difficult for everyone, but as far as I see, the reason we, as a people, have gotten away from Godly things is because we have removed prayer in schools. When people said, “Good morning,” and “How are you?”, and “Have a nice day.” When men held the door for ladies, and people gave elders a seat on the bus, we had a more clear conception of what was good and proper in our society. These gracious extensions of us appear to have disappeared.

Today, I see people racing for a seat, knocking down one another to accommodate themselves! How can it get better when small things like we used to do are no longer practiced? I think more can be done, should be done, to alert people to the necessity of the revival of manners! If we do not stand together as a people we will continue to fall.

I watch every day as some people walk around with an attitude like they are angry with the world, but realistically they are angry with themselves. There seems to be no love, and love makes the world go round,

while hate destroys it. I have met a lot of people who really do care, but we need to do more to wake up to the necessity of positivity.

Yes, we need more jobs and more housing but we will never get it together if first we do not start with the little things. Little things such as thank you, hello and good morning, please and thank you. It’s these simple courtesies that are the backbone of a strong society. Take a look at an oak tree. It starts with a small seed and grows tall, strong and beautiful.

But as for me, I am making a choice to stay dedicated to my decision and be very determined to go through whatever it takes to bring my vision into reality.

I think if we don’t get back to a Godly principal we will never get things back in order. However, until this happens, I will continue to keep faith, stay on course, let things take their natural place.

So thanks to those that continue to pray for me and my family and I will continue to pray for all of you. Again, thank you all and God bless.

-The Davidson Family.

Neighbors James Henry McRae (Left) and his friend, Street Sense vendor Michael Davidson (Right) built their friendship on a shared love of poetry and are working their way out of homelessness together.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Davidson

STREET SENSE August 17 - 30, 2011

Friendships

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STREET SENSE August 17 - 30, 2011

Service Spotlight: My Sister’s Place

By Mary Clare Fischer Editorial Intern For as many as 6 million women per year in the U.S., it is their worst nightmare. Thousands of these women, who suffer from domestic violence, find safety every year at My Sister’s Place (MSP), a non-profit organization that helps women recover from abusive relationships.

MSP offers confidential housing, therapy, legal counseling, resources for future housing and job options to victimized women. Child witnesses and survivors of domestic violence are welcomed as well and receive special treatment, including individual counseling and play therapy.

Transitional housing is also available for those families who need a more permanent place to stay while they become independent. A sector of this program, Casa Gabriela Mistral, is the only transitional housing in the district specifically geared toward immigrant victims.

MSP also provides supportive services to families who have become

Department of Mental Health Access Hotline 1-888-7WE HELP (1-888-793-4357) www.dcfoodfinder.org

SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 110 Maryland Avenue, NE (202) 289-0596 (office) (202) 289-2111 (shelter) www.calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118, www.missiondc.org Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 www.newhopeministriesdc.org/id3.html Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356,www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE (202) 610–9600, www.covenanthousedc.org John Young Center (Women) 119 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469, www.catholiccharitiesdc.org

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Community Services

homeless due to domestic violence through a joint effort with the District of Columbia’s Crime Victims Compensation Program. The staff at MSP believes that poverty and domestic violence are heavily linked and considers it essential to attend to underlying problems such as substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder as well as the direct issue of abuse.

Through the training of police and medical staff in the community, MSP takes its message beyond the victims. With bilingual staff and a collaboration with Telemundo, MSP even reaches 583,000 Spanish speaking residents per year.

MSP has also upgraded its shelter from 22 to 45 beds, adding large activity rooms, a library and an outdoor playground. Fans can donate a brick peace to the walkway bordering the building titled “Pathway to Peace,” and there are room naming opportunities as well.

To get help, call MSP’s 24-hour hotline at (202) 529-5991. Its office can be contacted at (202) 529-5261.

St. Stephens Parish Church 1525 Newton St, NW (202) 737–9311, www.thrivedc.org

Martha’s Table 2114 14th Street, NW (202) 328–6608, www.marthastable.org

Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277, www.foodandfriends.org

Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW (202) 682–1005, www.ccdsd.org/howorwc.php

Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8089, www.miriamskitchen.org

Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th Street, SE (202) 675–9340, www.sashabruce.org

The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635, http://www.epiphanydc. org/ministry/welcometbl.htm

So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW (202) 797–8806; www.some.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES

Academy of Hope GED Center 601 Edgewood Street, NE (202) 269-6623, www.aohdc.org

My Sister’s Place PO Box 29596, Washington, DC 20017 (202) 529-5261 (office) (202) 529-5991 (24-hour hotline)

Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500, www.wwc.org

Christ House 1717 Columbia Road, NW (202) 328–1100, www.christhouse.org Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300,www.unityhealthcare.org

OUTREACH CENTERS N Street Village (Women) 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060, www.nstreetvillage.org Samaritan Inns 2523 14th St., NW (202) 667 - 8831 http://www.samaritaninns.org/home/ New York Ave Shelter (Men 18+) 1355–57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 832–2359

FOOD

Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW (202) 265–2400 1640 Good Hope Road, SE (202) 561–8587, www.breadforthecity.org Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW (202) 364–1419, www.cchfp.org Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060, www.nstreetvillage.org

Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW (202) 232–3066 www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplac

Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW (202) 842–1112

Church of the Pilgrims (Sundays only) 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612, www.churchofthepilgrims.org

Friendship House 619 D Street, SE (202) 675–9050, www.friendshiphouse.net

Thrive DC Breakfast served Mon.-Fri., 9:30-11 a.m.

Dinner for women and children, Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m.

Georgetown Ministry Center 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 338–8301 www.georgetownministrycenter.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Catholic Community Services 924 G Street, NW (202) 772–4300, www.ccs–dc.org D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW (202) 347–8870, www.dccfh.org Community Family Life Services 305 E Street, NW (202) 347–0511, www.cflsdc.org Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010, www.foundryumc.org Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731, www.grm.org Hermano Pedro Day Center 3211 Sacred Heart Way, NW (202) 332–2874 www.ccs–dc.org/find/services/ JHP, Inc. 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 544–9126, www.jobshavepriority.org Samaritan Ministry 1345 U Street, SE 1516 Hamilton Street, NW (202) 889–7702, www.samaritanministry.org

Shelter Hotline: 1–800–535–7252

Vendor Profile: James Hughes

The Last Word: to florida’s mean streets

By Zachary Davidson Editorial Intern

By Ashley Hemmy Editorial Intern

James Hughes, 40, is a man with a plan and has held a rosy outlook on life since joining Street Sense August, 2009. Diagnosed with Spina bifida, a congenital disease that affects the spinal cord, Hughes faces his obstacles head on.

Living most of his life in the District, Hughes went to Theodore Roosevelt High before transferring to C Melvin Sharpe Health School. “And of course I have to mention my home church, Saint Luke’s Catholic church,” said Hughes who has been a member for more than 30 years.

Hughes was referred to Street Sense by Randy Evans, a vendor who sold the paper in Dupont Circle and has since passed away. Hughes is not homeless; rather he has been living on his own for the past eight years. He uses the money he earns from Street Sense to be an advocate and

As I sit at the small computer desk in the beige-and-lime green Street Sense office on my final day of this internship, I search for the right words to describe what I’ve experienced this summer. I guess the best way is to explain that I come from Florida.

My home state has been repeatedly singled out for its hostility toward homeless people. According to the latest ranking by the National Coalition for the Homeless, three Florida cities were among the ten places in the country with the harshest anti-homeless laws and policies. Orlando, where my family lives, was rated the third meanest city toward homeless people. And No. 5 was Gainesville, where I go to school.

St Petersburg was No. 2, right behind Los Angeles.

In Orlando, at least 21 members of the group Food Not Bombs were arrested this past summer for feeding more than 25 homeless people in a public park in violation of a city ordinance. In Gainesville, officials closed down Tent City, which housed hundreds of homeless residents.

Around the country, towns and cities have placed restrictions upon loitering and panhandling, ticketing homeless residents and burdening them with fines they cannot afford to pay.

But to me, what is more striking than the laws that criminalize homelessness is the distaste and even hatred for homeless people that I hear expressed by my fellow Floridians. Instead of caring about the men and woman who sleep in the streets each night, these people mock them.

While I spent last school year writing stories about the lack of resources available to the homeless in Gainesville, my

help with the homeless in the District, while maintaining his own independence.

Hughes said, “I feel that Street Sense has helped me grow spiritually—helping others come and connect with the organization has helped myself.” He added, “I joined Street Sense because I love helping people; it helps me help myself. And I’m able to make God known through serving with my brothers and sisters in Christ.”

According to Hughes, he has developed a genuine joy in selling Street Sense to his regular customers, who are commuting home for the evening at Connecticut and Calvert in Woodley Park. He said that many of his customers buy Street Sense again even if they already have a current copy of the issue (the writers must be that good). Throughout his two years with Street Sense, Hughes has received several donations (sent in) and phone messages from readers that have interacted with him. Ultimately, his goal, and our hope for all the vendors, is to eventually be in a position where he no longer has to sell the paper.

Favorite Things: Movies: Anything adventure Books: The Bible Food: (Soul Food) mashed potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, collard greens Hobbies: being outdoors, picnics, being around friends

August 17 - 30, 2011• Volume 8 • Issue 20 Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Washington, DC

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005

Permit #568

Mail To: Remember, only buy from badged

vendors and do not give to those panhandling with one paper.

Interested in a subscription? Go to page 14 for more information.

classmates were complaining about how homeless people made going downtown a little less fun. Despite the constant complaining, no one actually thought to do anything to help address the root causes of homelessness. And simply complaining never contributes to progress.

My frustration fueled my interest in leaving the state. I wanted to experience life in a more tolerant city, or, perhaps, a more passionate city. That is how I ended up interning at Street Sense, here in the nation’s capital.

And this is what I’ve learned. Judgment and indifference exist all over the country.

Although D.C. seems more tolerant, there is still a disdain toward the impoverished.

People look past Street Sense’s hardworking vendors, unfazed, unmoved.

Meeting the vendors has been one of my favorite parts of the internship.

They have been through much more than many of our readers will ever go through. And here they are, working on transcending the enormous setback of homelessness. Against the odds, these brilliant people eventually find permanent housing and jobs. And before they see any promise of things getting better, they still smile as they sell papers in the sweltering heat.

While Washington, D.C., is not perfect, I must admit that during my time here, I fell in love with the city. The streets were bustling with motivated, passionate people, and the buildings were the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. To leave such a place to return to Florida has made me sad. I hope I can return shortly after I graduate in May. Until then I will be sharing my views on tolerance with the Florida community and hope that my home state will someday rethink its cruelty and intolerance toward its very poorest residents.