Due to time constraints, this will be a lesson in writing a micro column. This is the third week that I have picked up a small multi-colored pamphlet.
|
by Joseph Bolden The pamphlets were in the following colors: yellow-red, purple-black The first pamphlet, in yellow and red, says: "Are You Trapped In a Housing Crisis?" A smiling woman, Goldi Lox is her name, offers assistance. I read it and admired the nicely drawn pictures. But at the end I find that it’s NOT about earthly housing crisis, but about "Having a home with God". Nice, kind sentiment Ms. Lox but working poor, homeless People who are alone, or especially those who are mothers with children need "Real Homes" to live in while we’re "STILL ALIVE ON EARTH." The next two pamphlets ask: Why PDA’s? The drawing is simple, it looks like a hand-held palm pilot . But at the end of the pamphlet, I find out that PDA is Personal Divine Advocate. Folks, do you see a pattern? My last pamphlet, in shocking pink, is called "The Ultimate Note Book". On its cover is a drawing of a guy wearing glasses who is opening up his laptop. Again great graphics. Of course "TUNB" is the Bible. At first I’m thinking Catholics. Wrong, it’s a Jews for Jesus pamphlet. Whatever. I had to get these pamphlets out of my mind because they are Not helping people struggling to find housing, better education, jobs or healthcare. While they're punning homelessness and access they could also be placing much needed info on free computer classes and where to find "real" affordable housing in and out of San Francisco. According to the pamphlets, getting what you want sounds easy: be good, pray, take this shit and when you die, Heaven will have everything you’ll ever need. I know religion is supposed to uplift people spiritually, but if you’re not eating, looking for work, moving from shelter to shelter, with or without General Assistance, Social Security Insurance, or on meager dwindling life savings…THE MESSAGES DON’T HELP…/> Whatever you donate to Poor Magazine, others, or myself is a godsend. Thank you all. What do you out there think of these and other religion-tinged leaflets? Do they help? Can they be improved upon? Please check our website for the address to send your comments to.[It's late and I'm weary. That's why the column is small and no donation address or private AJ box is here. Gotta go.] |