Jim Graham wrote about Mr. Avakian: > Perhaps we need to expect a little more from a good "Christian" landlord.
My response: What is the duty of a "Christian landlord?" It seems to me that we (society) must make a decision. When it comes to housing families that make trouble in our community, I see three choices: a) House them in “supportive” housing. This would include Jail. b) House them in regular housing. This would include 1004 East 22nd St. c) Conclude that some people don't deserve housing. I am a Christian landlord that serves Whittier. I won't rent to families with significant "historical behavioral problems." Everyday I look families in the eye and tell them that they will remain homeless due to their criminal actions of a few years back. Everyday. It is not reasonable for me to wash my hands of these families. From what I read, there is a huge shortage of supportive housing. I know option "a" is not a real option. If I am being intellectually honest, I must say that my actions support the statement that "some people don't deserve housing." Does that make me a good or bad Christian? Does Mr. Bonham think keeping families homeless is the action of a good Christian? Two points to ponder: 1) Where do you want the troubled families to live? We seem to always skirt the issue with statements that ring of NIMBY. Until we demand that our leaders build supportive housing and stop this greedy investment in our own homes (NRP) and new market rate housing, we are part of the problem. 2) If you hold landlords accountable for the actions of their tenants, the results will be landlords with aggressive rental criteria. Aggressive rental criteria leads to (what we have today) high vacancy rates and high homelessness. Who does this make sense to? Regards, Bill Cullen Whittier landlord. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 267.3.3 - Release Date: 5/31/2005 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
