Last night I had the opportunity to see a city divided while attending a community meeting. The meeting focused on a way to keep open four local community centers. In the most recent election voters in Colorado Springs choose to not raise taxes. What that really turned out to be was a vote to close community centers, cut police forces, and gut public transportation. Although this was a city wide vote it would mostly greatly benefit the rich and greatly hurt the poor. The poor community was now left with less protection, no where safe for their children to go after school, and no way to get around. Meanwhile those with the money were left largely unaffected. After all, they own cars and drive to work, have nannies or daycare, and live in safe neighborhoods.
Although little was solved in the meeting what came to the light is that the voters of Colorado Springs really need a lesson in Social Justice. They had the opportunity to shelter the needy (the community center provides a safe place for children to go after school), continue to feed the elderly (the centers provide warm meals for seniors who can not otherwise afford one), and provide a safe place for an entire community (commodities are distributed to a community who could otherwise not afford to eat). They choose not too.
Colorado Springs, a supposed Christian city, decided to do nothing. What will happen when the kids of District 2 grow up? Who will now be responsible for crimes they commit? Who will help this community?
Justice for the poor last night was not present.
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