Inland Empire Community Newspapers • January 14, 2016 • Page A5
Words to Think About: Times haven’t changed with the passing of time
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By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.
casual survey of the social problems through history seems to reveal a continuity. Times haven’t changed with the passing of time. War, slavery, venereal disease, rampant plagues, family disorders, limited education, etc. In spite of our modern living and comfort inventions, many of history’s problems are prevalent today. The last hundred years has brought into focus major conflicts over economic and governmental differences. The basic economic conflicts can
be defined as: Communism, Socialism and Capitalism. All three are dogmatic, arbitrary and excessive in their demands. Adam Smith is considered the father of Capitalism. The profit concern; plus its motto of “buyer beware.” Capitalism officially is the preferred economic system of the U.S. However, it was not started here but in England and France. There is much historical evidence that a basic concept of capitalism was prevalent in France around 1650. The concept was “laissex-faire” even in business. This included regulation, privileges, tariff and subsidies. Perhaps the most significant book ever written was, “The Wealth of Nations,” by Adam Smith. He lived in Scotland between 1723 and 1790. The two origins came to America and became the essential economic principles of its history. The tragedy is what many rail about. Today 1 % of the population (Bankers and Wall Street,) control 90% of the wealth. That one percent has sought to destroy the labor unions and the mid-
dle class. Another major contributor is the de-regulations of major businesses: insurance companies, medical companies, and banking. President Ronald Reagan instituted this change that President F.D. Roosevelt had installed with the regulation. Today they have complete freedom to do what they wish. The most controversial is Socialism. This economic philosophy is in the forefront. Its major priority can easily be described as entitlements. Benefits for everyone. That includes health, jobs, education, food stamps, child support, Medicare, and Medicaid. The Scandinavian countries are considered socialistic: Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Both Capitalism and Socialism have modified their views. Several politicians consider themselves as Socialist Democrats. Socialism used taxes for its programs ever since George Washington did so to support the U.S. Army. Support for the Post office, Education, Police and Fire are socialistic. Including Social Security. The Roman Empire was one of the
greatest governments in the history of mankind. Historians chronicle its fall as caused by: excessive taxation, expansion of wars to other countries, allowing an influx of immigrants from other countries and lawlessness and very few ethical values. Karl Marx (1818-1883) is considered the father of Communism. His famous book, The Communist Manifesto, became the guide for such countries as Russia, China, Cuba and Venezuela. In spite of his Jewish heritage, he was anti-religions. In fact, he said of religion that, “religion is the opiate of the people”. Stalin, Mao and Castro were dictators that capitalized on the theories of Communism. It basically says that everything belongs to the government. The people have everything in common. History indicates that a form of Communism existed as far back as the Roman Empire. In the Book of Acts, of the New Testament chapter 4, it says that all the early followers of Jesus, had “everything” in common. Ananias and Sapphire, we are told,
lied about giving their possessions to the common good and were struck dead. Shades of Stalin and Mao. Communism destroys freedom and creativity. Frankly, I’ve never met a Communist outside of Russia. Now, Socialism versus Socialistic Democracy. Socialism is NOT Communism. It is the ownership of property by the citizenry. It supports labor unions and ENTITLEMENTS. If you get a paid vacation, a pension, health insurance, work in safe and healthy conditions, plus safe transportation, thank Socialism and the Labor Unions that fought for each of us to have these entitlements. Many politicians are very much against those companies that take their factories to other countries. An example: companies in Vietnam make Michael Jordan shoes for $.20 per hour for workers, costing about $.75. When the companies do business here, the shoes cost $100.00 or more. That eventually destroys the middle class. Amen. Selah. So be it.
in offering guidance and encouragement to homeless youth since 2009. According to Mayer her life changed when she accompanied her youngest son on a church mission to San Francisco to offer support to homeless youth. It was at Golden Gate Park where she met Winter, a teenage girl who had been living on the streets for so long she couldn’t recall her age. Mayer remembered telling Winter that hers was a pretty name, which evoked a smile from the teenager who shared she had never heard that before. “When I embraced her, at that moment my life changed,” Mayer recalled about the experience, and regretted that she had believed in the stigma attached to homeless people. “How dare I judge people before knowing them. Winter changed my heart and that’s when I knew I wanted to stop kids from struggling. They are the most honest, kindest, real people you’ll ever meet.” Though Mayer’s non-profit is
situated in Redlands, she serves homeless youth aged 14 -24 throughout the Inland Empire. According to Mayer, there are 1,400 homeless youth just in the Redlands Unified School District in 7th – 12th grade and over 3,900 in K – 12; in Colton there are over 5,000 homeless students in K-12. A fraction of those actually live on the streets, while the majority “couch surf” or sleep in their cars. “We’re here to tell them that they don’t have to run, that there are other options than the streets, which are tough,” Mayer said. “We tell them that together we’ll figure it out, and my main goal is to keep them in this area because the more they run the more they’re (susceptible to) rape, trafficking and drugs.” Mayer feels lucky that since the onset of YouthHope only three or four youth have actually left. The drop-in center located at 1175 W. Redlands Blvd. is under construction, but volunteers and Mayer provide food to 40 – 60 youth each day in the parking lot,
and have already seen over 1,200 homeless youth this year. The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 – 6 p.m. When construction is complete it will be accessible five days a week, with the ultimate goal of being open seven days. “We love our kids unconditionally,” Mayer said about herself, three staff members, and the hundreds of volunteers. “There is no judgment made. Be real, honest, love and accept them.” Though she doesn’t condone drug or alcohol use, Mayer said she will never turn away a homeless youth who is high. There are two rules at the drop-in center, which serves as a safe haven: No fighting and no selling/sharing of drugs or alcohol. Education is a top priority for Mayer, who believes that without a GED or high school diploma employment opportunities are bleak. YouthHope offers its own GED program, as well as counseling on the youth’s future. Mayer
and her volunteers help youth enroll in college or trade schools, and as a result numerous former homeless youth served by YouthHope have gone on to graduate from college and become successful contributors to society. Additionally, YouthHope provides free medical, dental and optometric care; job training; prepared meals and food pantry program; clothing and hygiene items; and one-on-one case management services. All services are free. Bus passes to transport youth to school are also provided when they show proof of attendance and academic progress reports. Mayer, who does not receive any pay from the organization, relies solely upon private donations, fundraisers and grant writing. For more information on YouthHope, or to donate or volunteer, please call Heidi Mayer at (909) 633-4543 or visit www.youthhope.org.
YouthHope provides homeless youth sanctuary, support
Photo Courtesy/YouthHope Back pack: Non-profit, Redlands-based organization YouthHope relies solely on private donations, fundraisers and grant writing. Pictured here is a recent donation of backpacks in time for the new school year. YouthHope has seen over 1,200 homeless youth last year, and serves 40 – 60 on a regular basis.
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By MJ Duncan
here exists a running trail upon which our local homeless youth travel that originates in Redlands and takes them to Venice Beach, San Francisco and ends in either Portland, OR or Seattle, WA, at which point they become lost on the radar before they disappear into the ominous world of human trafficking, drugs or murder. One local resident has worked earnestly to prevent homeless youth from embarking upon that treacherous trek by offering unconditional love, support, and direction that has successfully kept them from leaving the area. Heidi Mayer, executive director and founder of the Redlands-based, non-profit organization YouthHope and resident of Yucaipa, has dedicated her efforts