This post is unrelated to the software industry. It touches on some difficult subjects and is a little political. I try to remain unbiased to either side of the political spectrum. I am a little bit naturally left-leaning and it’s hard not to let that come out when expressing myself. If I get anything wrong I would encourage you to reach out to me so I can learn from a different perspective.

I recently came across a post from a local town's police department warning against giving money to homeless people, as it may fuel crime in the area. Instead, they suggested donating to a local charity that aims to help the homeless. While I agree that supporting genuine charitable organisations is important, I was a bit taken aback by the lack of empathy or understanding towards vulnerable members of society. Having faced similar issues myself and knowing people who have as well, it is important to acknowledge the various factors that may drive behaviour in these individuals. I disagree with the post's portrayal of homeless people as criminals.

Whilst there are many charitable organisations out there that are doing great work and making a positive impact in their respective communities, it’s important to remember at times charitable organisations may not always act in the best interest of the people they serve. Negative personality traits can impact how people run, view and interact with charities. For instance, some individuals may be more inclined to donate to charities for social recognition and personal gain, rather than out of genuine concern for the cause. Similarly, those who run charities may not always have the purest of motives. 

Many of us naturally want to help others, but it can be challenging to find common ground with people who have different political beliefs about how to do so. You may identify as politically left-leaning, prioritising equality and progressive ideals, while someone else may have conservative values that emphasise personal responsibility, self-sufficiency, and traditional ways of life. Although these values may seem incompatible, I believe they can coexist.

Policies that prioritise reducing income inequality, improving access to healthcare, and promoting equal rights have been shown to have positive impacts on society. For example, progressive taxation and raising the minimum wage can help reduce poverty and improve economic well-being for those who are most vulnerable. Policies focused on healthcare can increase access to affordable healthcare for millions of people. Anti-discrimination laws can create a more equitable society where everyone can live without fear of discrimination.

Left-leaning policies have greatly impacted my on my life. They helped to provide opportunities that wouldn’t have been available in my area, access to healthcare in times of crisis that would of been unaffordable to my family in other systems and support to people I care about that would traditionally fit outside the norm.

Conservative policies prioritise individual responsibility, limited government intervention, free markets, and traditional values. While some conservative policies align with these values, others can be seen as hypocritical. For instance, some policies protect and benefit large corporations at the expense of small businesses and individuals, contradicting the belief in free markets and individual responsibility. Similarly, policies that claim to value personal freedom and autonomy can be seen as hypocritical when they seek to limit the rights of marginalised groups. 

I’m not totally against conservatism - as I've grown older and experienced the harsh realities of life, I've come to appreciate the importance of values such as personal responsibility and self-sufficiency. These values have taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and the ability to rely on myself when facing challenges to alleviate the suffering of those around me.

Politics and government play a role in addressing societal issues, but they can't fix everything. Life can be hard and unfair, and it's easy to feel disillusioned and helpless in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The concept of "tending to your garden" means focusing on the things within your control and taking responsibility for your own well-being by taking care of our physical and emotional health, building strong relationships, and contributing to our local communities. In doing this we can create meaningful change in our lives and those around us, leaving a positive impact for future generations. Whilst I still advocate for left-leaning policies at large, this approach means that you don't have to rely solely on the government or other organisations to create change. Instead, you can take personal responsibility for creating the world you want to live in. 

Tending to your own garden means taking personal responsibility for creating positive change in your community. And sometimes, that means giving a helping hand to someone in need. If you want to give money directly to a homeless person, go for it! It's your decision and your autonomy. Maybe they'll spend it on a warm meal or a cozy place to sleep, or maybe they'll spend it on drugs or alcohol to get them through the night. Who are we to judge? 

What does tending to your own garden mean and how can it help improve our lives?