Humans NEED HOUSING!! AND HOPE!

We cannot despair humanity because we- ourselves are human beings.

Albert Einstein

How do you distinguish machine from man? It's simple; machines mimic and robots all do the same thing. It was easy to tell who the robots were in the Matrix movie. The robots looked the same, sounded the same and all had the same nefarious goal: DESTROY HUMANITY.

This quote by Albert Einstein was the backdrop of my recent speech at United Cathedral Church in Lansing, MI. I was there in support of three housing bills that we all are prayerfully hopeful passes. Homelessness is not a result of lack of hosing. What we need are laws that protect renters and give people a fair shot at housing opportunities.

There are systematic issues at play here that keep people who are down...stuck! Politics shape the quality of life ( or lack thereof) for all of us. I dream of a society that is both loving and fair to indigent people who face housing insecurities instead of tearing them down. Key legislation helps to make this all possible! Besides housing is a necessity for every human being!

Rental Application Reform (HB 5605, SB 883). Makes the rental application process more streamlined and transparent. Tenants are being charged an inordinate amount of fees and are often denied. Rental Companies make money off of these deceptive processes.

Rental Junk Fee Regulation (SB 661). Prohibits unreasonable fees...

Eviction Expungement (SB 801). Expunges records of eviction proceedings 2 years after a judgment for possession entered in summary proceedings becomes final. A lot of people are living in hotels because they do not meet the stringent rental requirements. A single eviction can prevent someone obtaining housing for 7-10 years.

It was back in 1949- over a half of century ago when Albert Einstein wrote those words. In all of his genius accomplishments he still understood , way back then...that our love for humanity was essential to progress. What progress? ALL progress!!

The world is made up of both man and machines but, its human beings like you and me that are the cause of both pain, and progress in our respective communities.

Gardening is an activity that offers a lot of wisdom about life and change. It's not only planting seeds for the harvest but how we choose to cultivate those seeds and it's environment, for maximum growth! Seeds, much like ideas or goals, do not take root on their own. It takes effort, consistency, and hope to make room for the change you seek in the world and within yourself!

Be Encouraged!

RDW