Bad Will Toward Men

Radio shock jocks Opie & Anthony reached a new low today by shamelessly exploiting homeless people for entertainment purposes. How? They gathered a group of people off the streets, gave them some money and took them to a mall filled with high-end luxury stores. The experience was taped for the amusement of all. Except, presumably, the victims,who were then returned to their life on the streets. News stories here and here.

Most people don't know that the majority of the homeless are suffering from serious mental illness. In times past they would have been safely institutionalized, but thanks to "managed care" and do-gooder liberalism, these people are now forced to fend for themselves without the mental capacity to do so. So they end up one of three places: 1) prison, 2) dead, or 3) the streets.

Now, we can discuss proper responses to this situation and have legitimate disagreements. I hope we will all agree that taking them to a mall to buy Armani sweaters while an audience of millions laughs along is not helpful.

I like a good joke as much as anyone. This wasn't one. It was a sick, cruel, twisted trick on people who deserve nothing but our compassion and help.

The worst part is that millions of Americans vicariously helped stage this disgusting spectacle. Opie and Anthony do these things because they know their audience likes it. If you are part of that audience, I hope you're proud of yourself. And I hope someone you love becomes mentally ill. I bet you'll change your tune.