She makes the point that morals are a set of principles or values that adjudicate the conflicts between the various demands placed on us. Morality is a matter of spiritual insights and ideals, with the world as its field of reference. We depend upon moral judgements in order to navigate through the journey of life. My experience in Houston, over the last fifteen years, indicates that most people also expect this standard of ethical conduct from the business sector. Houston has a tremendous record of philanthropy - both corporate and private.
Private foundations distribute additional millions to worthy social causes.
Personally, I support urban revitalization efforts and enjoy living near downtown. But businesses and developers that initiate actions designed to knowingly cause harm to the homeless, simply because of economic self-interests, are acting in an unethical and morally indefensible manner. Although police have been required to respond to safety and health problems caused by street people who are loitering, living in public places, and engaging in aggressive panhandling, there is little evidence that the homeless represent a threat greater then that of any other group. Therefore, it is difficult to connect the civility ordinances to a greater good such as a need to protect the community against the homeless. While the Houston police should certainly arrest anyone who commits a criminal offense such as petty theft, vandalism, urinating on the side of a building or public intoxication, these types of actions should be addressed on an individual level and do not merit an official crackdown on homeless persons.