A few nights ago, I got on the train to head home to see a man sleeping on the floor loomed over by two of the transportation security guards. The man was clearly in the aisle and making the crowded train more uncomfortable, but wasn't hurting anyone. Two men seated behind me kept talking about how the security team was probably really frustrated that this guy kept going back to sleep and that no one would listen to them. Their conversation morphed into how or what to do for people who only have warmth and relative security on public transportation. They made some jokes, but subtly acknowledged how complicated the problem was for homeless populations. As the train slowed to a stop, a man who was sitting next to them rose to exit and said,
"Ya, it's easy to crack jokes, but it's actually pretty sad when you think about it."
It's a complicated problem. More dire and complex than any one person falling asleep on the floor and being removed from the train. And two days later, it's still sad and I'm still thinking about it.
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