Musing

Good Morning Mark, I am a firm believer in the United Way Motto: "For a City To Be Truly Great, It Must Be Great For Everyone". I am also a supporter of this charity as it directly funds programs that help the homeless and all marginalized groups in the City. Even the temporary ones displaced by the flooding a few years ago in Elbow Park!!! I truly think that people like to talk about problems and share numbers because it make them seem caring because they know these figures, however until each of those people begin to share the wealth by "right-sizing" for need instead of want, we will never see and end to this problem. Many Calgarians want to be seen as helping others but not in a way that would actually put them in real contact with these individuals, the emergency housing situation in the old Brick building is a very good example of this. By hosting a breakfast meeting with luxury items such as eggs benedict further demonstrates the large gap between those that need the help and those that claim to "understand" the situation. Serve simple (cheaper) food and then donate the remainder to the programs that will actually be able really help those in need. Thanks Mark! :), SA, Calgary

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Mark, I’m glad that you had the balls to voice your opinion so candidly about the NAHD breakfast event. It seems to me the Affordable housing “issue” is simply a make work project for the bureaucrats supported by politicians who want to make it seem like they are doing something so that the voters can feel like they are doing something – “but for God sakes.. keep them away from me!” (as if poverty might be contagious!) Like giving a street person a toonie from your car on the way home from work. Makes you feel great – keeps him on the street because he probably takes in twice the minimum wage. But how about offering to take him home and give him work? Most, from my experience decline the offer anyway. But I digress- because the real issue is to ensure that there is housing for the poor bastards that work for minimum wage. The issue is simple and complex and follows the same pattern as the “too many cars” issue. Simply provide the Zoning for affordable housing and car-less households and the market will create it. But people with homes don’t want “poverty” in there backyard. Perhaps they would feel uncomfortable with that reflection against there shiny new 7 Series BMW. As always, the human condition is the complicated part. I enjoy your musings. MD, Calgary (former client of Salvation Army, currently Real Estate Developer)

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Hello Mark, I appreciated your invite for lunch yesterday and the support you give to me. Warm Regards, JJ, Calgary