On the streets of Halifax today...
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The past few days I've had errands to do and lunch meetings to go to in downtown Halifax. The city is a thriving and sophisticated Canadian city, with vibrant arts, culture and cuisine. But one can not escape but notice the increasing number of homeless and street people. Especially on Spring Garden Road, the main shopping street. The sidewalks are full of people begging. Sometimes I feel sorry for them and buy a hot chocolate and muffin for them. Sometimes I feel annoyed by their aggressive behaviour and think that certainly they must be able to do something to help themselves. There are jobs at practically every fast food restaurant available. I know I know...save the lecture. Like I said, I think both ways on the issue.
Regardless, they are human beings and should be given respect. Today I saw a man throw a cigarette at one of the homeless. As he tossed it, another businessman walking in the opposite direction came in the line of fire and the tossed cigarette lodged in the oncoming businessman's neck. The whole thing unfolded in front of my eyes as the homeless fellow went to retrieve the cigarette from the businessman's neck (who, by the way, was searching for it's landing place, unaware of it's location). Seeing the homeless man coming after his neck, he started to step backwards pulling away from the man. I was about to stop and try and explain that the man wasn't threatening him but simply wanted to get the cigarette out from the folds of his neck. I decided to let them sort it out for themselves.
Regardless, they are human beings and should be given respect. Today I saw a man throw a cigarette at one of the homeless. As he tossed it, another businessman walking in the opposite direction came in the line of fire and the tossed cigarette lodged in the oncoming businessman's neck. The whole thing unfolded in front of my eyes as the homeless fellow went to retrieve the cigarette from the businessman's neck (who, by the way, was searching for it's landing place, unaware of it's location). Seeing the homeless man coming after his neck, he started to step backwards pulling away from the man. I was about to stop and try and explain that the man wasn't threatening him but simply wanted to get the cigarette out from the folds of his neck. I decided to let them sort it out for themselves.
This entry was posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 6:52 PM.
You can skip to the end and leave a response.
8:23 PM
Neo shakes his head
Cathy - Like my mom used to say: "Through the grace of God it wasn't you."
Some people will never understand.
Peace & Hugs,
- Neo