Momo

Cityonline was discussing Jane Pitfield's motion to make panhandling illegal in Toronto, this is the e-mail I sent to City TV & will be further circulating. She CANNOT win the next municipal election....
"Jane Pitfield wants to adopt policies affecting homeless people similar to those implemented in New York City. If she has her way the criminalization of homeless people will become further entrenched in our city than it already is. Her ridiculous accusation that homeless people engaging in panhandling will adversely impact tourism is an age-old irresponsible misrepresentation. It is time to stop vilifying homeless people, especially homeless youth and address the real systemic issues at hand. Panhandling is one of the few economic imperatives available to homeless people. It is an alternative market economy for people traditionally excluded from the mainstream job market. We need to stop scapegoating homeless people and start building affordable housing, raise the minimum wage and income support, and focus on job creation. Perhaps if Jane wins in the upcoming election she can hire several homeless people to work for her in City Hall, generating employment opportunities other than panhandling for them. I have worked with homeless youth in Toronto for ten years & I am tired of the incessant bullying they experience by politicians and citizens alike. They are not the problem. Instead of criminalizing homeless people let's do something meaningful and constructive. We spend so much money policing and incarcerating homeless people, why not put that money towards new housing in Toronto? Enough is enough. We need to address poverty and stop attacking the poor!!"

I am both ashamed & enraged at what transpired today. It was indeed a fascist display.

Chris, my thoughts are with you.

Monica