tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581058438538375705.post103819319979202196..comments2010-06-12T12:32:13.319-05:00Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05493267451979498634noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581058438538375705.post-77680824374894475672010-06-12T12:32:13.312-05:002010-06-12T12:32:13.312-05:00Doug,<br /><br />You are wrong if you think the people of Antioch chose politics over good works. Our people and our churches provided, and are still providing, aid to flood victims throughout the Nashville area. We are aware that the Otter Creek Church of Christ has been doing the same thing, including helping our neighbors in Antioch, and we appreciate that.<br /><br />I realize you have ministered to the residents of Tent City and have sought a permanent housing solution for them for some time. I applaud your efforts and trust you will be successful.<br /><br />When you moved Tent City residents to Antioch, you violated zoning ordinances. Davidson County has zoning laws as does Williamson County. When the people of Antioch learned of this development, they took the only course of action they had available; they complained to their city Councilmen. That&#39;s where politics became involved. In no way does that mean that the people of Antioch are uncaring or heartless. The involvement of politicians is a result of your actions.<br /><br />Sometimes, in our zeal to help those less fortunate than we, we inadvertently do harm to others. Antioch does have an image problem. The residents of Antioch believe they know the source of the image problem. They hear constant bad news about Antioch from the media. They hear the bad-mouthing of Antioch from residents of other communities. I know from personal experience that real estate agents were putting Antioch down thirty-five years ago.<br /><br />It should be no surprise to anyone that, when residents heard that a church which describes itself as &quot;being a large, wealthy, suburban church in one of the wealthiest counties in the country&quot;, had taken the lead in moving Tent City to their neighborhood, some of them directed their ire toward that church. They saw Brentwood dumping on Antioch, not an act of charity.<br /><br />I hope you will put Antioch to the test again. Get people and churches in Antioch involved in your efforts to help the homeless. Only then will you see where our hearts really are. I suspect the permanent solution you seek will require you to deal with politicians frequently. Let&#39;s marshal our courage for that task and let&#39;s involve everyone who is willing to work toward that end.Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330253030539480687noreply@blogger.com