<p>I received an email today saying that the homeless in People’s Park deserve a good Christmas. Some of these individuals have attended Berkeley. Unlike prior times, homeless people, today, are people who have been laid off or can’t find a job (as unemployment is close to 20% in CA). Many have advanced degrees.</p>
<p>It is the height of arrogance to pretend that the homeless are any different than the average person in society. When people dismiss the homeless on whatever false reason they can think of, they are simply giving themselves an excuse to be selfish and less of a person than the homeless people they are insulting.</p>
<p>This is Christmas season. Think how you would feel if People’s Park is where your degree gets you. For too many Californians, this is true. Let’s show them that Cal students care about others and are willing to open our hearts and bring enough food and supplies to brighten up their Christmas.</p>
<p>On Sunday, they are locking everyone out of the dorms. We can drop off Christmas supplies before leaving. Wouldn’t it be great if hundreds of us marched over there Sunday afternoon with enough stuff to brighten their Christmas. Those of us who have to go home, elsewhere, for the holidays can find a People’s Park or similar place in our neighborhoods and help there on Christmas as well.</p>
<p>Let’s make this a Christmas where everyone will be by happy to meet a Cal student. Who knows; we may give our school the reputation of being the most altruistic in America.</p>