Chapter Twenty-nine by David W. Bordenkircher

From a naïve youngster growing up in a Christian home in Ohio, David Bordenkircher rose “through the ranks” of life to become Eastern Regional Director of the Volunteers of America, and an ordained Christian minister. Before arriving in New Orleans, LA to oversee that organization, Bordenkircher made stops in the US Navy, and then in California as a policeman. During those two latter experiences, and especially in the policeman’s uniform, David’s eyes began to open to what life in America really was. Chapter Twenty-Nine points out very vividly that there are two Americas within our borders: one, the idealistic just America where everyone can do well with a little effort and the “right” attitude; the other, located on the other side of the tracks in skid row all over America where few “non-residents” care to visit. The author did more than visit the other side. He made it his life’s work, learning the ins and outs of skid row as few outsiders have. Although the living conditions and personal conditions of the skid row residents often repulsed him, he neither turned his back on needy people nor gave up on the derelict whom he attempted to rehabilitate.