Daily Walking, Working, and Winning by God's Word by Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr.

Yesterday, I visited the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. The park across from the Inner Harbor is full of tents. This is the place where Occupy Baltimore is located. The contrast with the glitzy buildings is striking. I was reminded of the Poor People's campaign and the vision to create a "tent city" in Washington. D.C. The tent encampment is symbolic of the conditions created by public policy and unchecked capitalistic goals. I applaud those who are willing to brave the elements and municipal scorn to make such a profound statement. The statement is that we must address the needs of the people whose faces are at the bottom of the well. We hold in high esteem the celebrities and the successful. We hold in distain the marginalized and poor.

God employs us to recognize that He was many people within the city. The City is the melting pot of human conditions. It is also the flash point for measuring the caring and concern of a civic community. How do we treat the poor and marginalized? How do we distribute the resources of our municipal government? Is there a place at the table for everyone?

On January 14, 2012, people of conscience need to March in a public way from a central location to the "tent" encampment of Occupy Baltimore. Their message needs to be expanded and people of good will need to join the struggle.