To be called”a Bleeding Heart” is ofteen a put down. It indicates that you are soft and seek to reward those who have chosen to ride the gravy train without any responsibility.The label indicates that to focus on the poor and marginalized ignores the fact that they have chosen their lot in life. However.I find myself with the coinviction that this portrayal of people, who by and large don’t get a fair shake, is more naive than being a bleeding heart. Underneath culture resides the desire for employment,decent housing and opportunities for children. Without these being possible anger and frustration lead to all of the negative behaviors of alienation. To care deeply about this reality is not driven by naievete but rather the embeded conviction that there is ever the need for social justice and community concern for everyone. If that merits my wearing “a Bleeding Heart” badge then I will wear it with pride.