Passing View

Good Morning Citizens:
     Last spring I journeyed by train across country from Virginia to visit relatives in Seattle.  Business in Denver made me take the somewhat circuitous California Zephyr route from Chicago to Sacramento and then up to my destination riding the Coast Starlight.  Outside Sacramento near the American river the train snaked its way through mile upon mile of tent cities.  When we first glimpsed the brilliant blue Taylor tarps and pricey octagon domes we assured each other a boy scout jamboree or upscale camp out was happening.  On closer examination the truth became shockingly clear.  These were folks like ourselves forced to live rough. It was a sobering moment. 
A well dressed female traveler looking away asked "Why can't the government do something about this?"
Twenty minutes later we arrived at the station and went our separate ways.
I wonder now, six months later, about that traveler's question.  Was the question a cry to help the campers or to control them?  Change or status quo?  More or less government?  Did I imagine refugee camps of our own displaced citizens in the one state that always spelled hope and promise.  Not since the great depression etc etc.
What would Jefferson and Hamilton say if they had traveled with us in that AMTRAK club car?
More next time.
Be well citizens
A Journeyman Citizen