Quote:
Originally Posted by M1EK
Note I keep using the 'b' word. That's what it is; ignore the apologists for the homeless; and NEVER listen to jerks like Richard Troxell; the homeless-by-no-fault-of-their-own aren't the ones hassling you for money. The people who just lost a job and are trying to get by are in the shelters getting fed; the guys on the street are taking your money and putting it directly into alcohol and drugs. Yes, they could be addicted. No, that doesn't make it any more excusable to be public nuisances (or worse).
A few months ago, I had to shepherd my 5-year-old around such a creature at Toy Joy, for f*ck's sake. The whole time some clueless naive do-gooders on the neighborhood lists kept going on about how noble the 'travellers' are. GMAFB.
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Well, I get what you are saying and for the most part agree. The reason I'm hesitant about labeling all of them "bums" is because of the ones with serious mental and/or psychological disorders. I've known some people like that and it's incredibly sad and frustrating when they stop taking their meds (which is part of the disorder) and take off, eventually ending up on the streets. But then again to be fair, most folks like that aren't actually asking for anything, they're just out there being unstable and possibly dangerous.
As for the parking lot panhandlers - nothing infuriates me more than getting cornered as I'm entering/exiting a store or getting out of/into my car. It puts me in a downright uncharitable mood and should be discouraged by the city.
And again, for the Waller Creek Project: I would like someone to explain to me how they could possibly sell that idea to the public and/or investors with the shelter (and its .5 mile ring of fire) a block away.