The war between the homeless population of our country and the selfish, power hungry government has been an ongoing fight, and there is yet to have been a reasonable compromise. There is a stigma that is directed towards the homeless, as well as stereotypes including their population being drug addicts, dirty, uneducated, abrasive, or even less than human. Often assumptions are made that because someone is in a particular position, that their life must reflect that specific position, but that is not the case. Millions have found themselves dealt a bad hand, and because of that, they began life at a disadvantage.

It is not the worst thing in the world to want the homeless off of the streets of Las Vegas, and it is honestly understandable for the betterment of the city.  At the end of the day, it is the state governments law to pass, but morally, is it ok to push these helpless people off of the streets, without a plan to help them? Las Vegas officials passed a law Wednesday making it illegal for the homeless to sleep on the streets when beds are available at established shelters, despite fierce protests labeling the move as a “war on the poor”. Although some shelters are in place, there are not nearly enough to house Las Vegas’s  large homeless population. Whilst these men, women, and some children, are desperately trying to find safe and warm places to sleep at night, Las vegas is spending their funds on useless novelties like their precious new stadium.“If we can build stadiums, then we can build housing for the homeless,” George Allen, a self-described “working homeless” home-care worker, told the council (PRIORITIES).  Allen was referring to a two billion dollar , 65,000-seat football stadium set to open next year for the relocated Oakland Raiders.

It is understandable the aesthetic that officials are looking for, as their city is one of the most trafficked in the country. Relating to the law,“This is flawed but it is a start,” the mayor said after noting Las Vegas’ economy relies on its image as an attractive international tourist attraction. Although it is understable, it is imperative that a better system is put in place not only to house the homeless, but to help rehabilitate them and gradually push them back into society so they can once again contribute and fend for themselves. “It’s criminalizing the homeless,” the Rev Leonard Jackson, the associate pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church in North Las Vegas and director of the regional Faith Organizing Alliance, said during a morning protest outside city hall. Taking away their right to sleep on the street and then ignoring their obvious need for help is criminalizing them. Without the streets, where can they sleep?  If they break the law so that they may have a night of rest, they are jailed for it. It is simply illogical the officials of Las Vegas are putting the appearance of their city over the well being of their citizens. To say the least it is unjust and selfish.