A THESIS ON THE CAREER HOMELESS. Pts. 1 of 5

I readily admit it. I have mixed opinions about homelessness.

But for the grace of God my family and I might have found ourselves among the ranks of the homeless in the mid-70’s; after I completed my service in the Air Force. At the time, we moved from Florida to Virginia, and jobs were hard to come by. We were fortunate enough to live with my mother in law for a couple of months, while I looked for a menial job position in the area.

Perhaps I’m better informed than the average person, and as a result I may be a bit more bias than average. And I can tell you, it’s more than just head knowledge, as will soon be apparent. I mean, who hasn’t seen ‘them’ standing in the median of the highway with those hand printed signs, “I will work for food” (or) “Homeless. Please Help.” And while I have never offered to pick up a homeless fella from the median and offer for him to mow my yard, I’m convinced that the average guy in the median holding a sign would rather you just give him a $10 bill and go about your business.

Who can deny there are legitimate cases in which a man, or woman or entire family are homeless, and “in between?” Obviously, in our present economy people lose their jobs and lose their homes and wind up living in their automobiles for a season.

I’ve been approached numerous times by men wearing the shabbiest of clothes, and the plea, “Buddy, do you have a couple dollars?” I’ve also witnessed similarly attired men stumbling down the sidewalk holding a brown paper bag in one hand.

Did I mention I’m a bit more informed on the subject, (and a bit more biased) than the average person? (Well, I think I am). You see, I completed my doctoral dissertation on the topic of Schizophrenia. And in my academic submission I allude to the following.

(to be continued)

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 54. Copyright pending

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