SO, IS THE HIGH COST OF BEER REALLY THAT BAD?

I find it ironic as I read the front page of the Tulsa World this morning with the contrasting headlines. One is about trying to deal with the increasing number of people on the streets, sidewalks, and other public places. People setting up tents, food and clothing str, sometimes sleeping on the sidewalks and public areas. People without a home, so they have to live anywhere they can find.

The other main article is about folks complaining about the high cost of a beer, 18 bucks, for a can of beer on the golf course at the PGA. Sure, that is high for even a big can of beer, 16 oz. compared to the standard 12oz. But what about the ambiance that beer comes with, the beautiful green grass and tree-lined fairways, hanging out with famous golfers, and smoozing with friends in their nice, collared shirts? Which place would you rather be? Not trying to be judgmental, but hey, give me the high-priced beer and hanging out at Southern Hills anytime!

And if one can afford a ticket to the PGA, then I’m sure they can splurge for an $18 can of beer. However, do we really need to be complaining about that high price of beer, when we drive back to our homes, passing many of those folks without a home, laying on the sidewalks, and struggling just to make it through another day? Many don’t even have $18 in their pocket to buy much of anything!

It just seems to me that most Tulsans should be grateful for what we do have, be thankful we have a roof over our heads and can afford an $18 beer if we like. And maybe we should be more aware of the over 2,000 folks without a home, and be more diligent about helping them get off the streets and sidewalks and into a safe home with dignity.

In 2010, while thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, I experienced carrying my belongings on my back, and being content just for food, water, clothing, and shelter. My journey was fun, but for over 2,000 people in Tulsa, that’s a struggle every day, with little hope for their futures. With my business of 19 years, LawnAmerica, I cared for about 25,000 homes over those years, creating beautiful green lawns to enjoy. Now, I’ve moved on, and it pains me to see so many folks on the streets without a lawn, home, or even much hope for their future. As two Tulsa World articles and editorials stated on May 1st ……” Tulsa must do better”, and “We’re failing our homeless, and we’re failing ourselves.”

YES, we can do better! So that’s what I’ve just recently decided to do in starting Eden Village of Tulsa, a new non-profit dedicated to making Tulsa a place where no one sleeps outside. This is part of a national group, www.edenvillageusa.org, which we are partnering with to help in this battle. So, do enjoy the PGA, and a cold beer. That’s awesome! But why not help others out who will not be able to enjoy what so many Tulsans are blessed to have and enjoy.

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