[tijlover]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

I have not been homeless for over 4 years, but I could easily be there again. Therefore, I always help the homeless. Unfortunately, I am a little too generous. Now, a lot of them know me when I walk to the strip, and beg me for money. I know what it is like to be hungry or thirsty, so I always give in.

Perhaps the reason you've enjoyed some financial stability the past 4 years can be attributed to your giving to the homeless. It can be a great investment.

Old Indian saying: Give $10 away and $30 will come back to you in some form or another.

It has worked for me. When I get stingy and insensitive, my "fortunes" seem harder to attain. But when I give, my "fortunes" seem to increase.

But at the same time, it could all be coincidental. Who really knows!

Perhaps we need some feedback from some philanthropists like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Does it work for them?

[barocko7]

Originally Posted by olecapt

It is pretty common through much of Europe. In general european citizens are not impacted but they have "illegals" and "undesirables" who are not treated so well.

And even if we did it for the US citizenry we would still have the ten or eleven million illegals hanging over us. That has to be resolved as well if the thing is to be brought under control.

You are absolutely correct! The illegals are a problem in almost every country n` the issue isn`t really high enough on the agendas to do something about it, however by saying that, some countrys (like Spain or Italy) do mandate a sort of mini-support (Housing, Food and Medical Services) for them as a humane gesture, to keep them from turning to criminal activity outside their living quarters. This support is carried by the taxpayer to the benefit of all.
I find this exceptable, good and of perspective nature for the individual concerned, as they have a basic foundation toward being able to change their status and become a new citizen in a new country of their choice.

On the other hand, the continued flow of refugees on the boats from Africa continue to come. Therefore it would only be wise to tackle the problem in the country from where they are coming from.
It`s a political problem and, especially in Africa, very difficult to reach a solution with regimes of dictatorships, like Mugabe, who have no respect for human life as a whole.

The problem as such will continue, but it can be managed in a humanic manor. Walls, fences, prisons and armed guards is not the solution.

[CaptsMom]

LVD and Daddys I'm am very impressed by you both. It's a pleasure to "meet" men like you who have been through what you have.

I apologize to all of you if my stance on this seems uncaring. I'm not an uncaring person and when I lived in San Francisco many years ago (1975's) I would actually keep dollar bills in my pocket to hand out to homeless old women on the streets. I mean what we used to call bag ladies. They were old and perhaps their chances were behind them even if it was because it was bad choices on their part. Then young men would outrage, yes outrage, me. Here were young men, looking fit and able, and begging on the streets. And I was on my way to a 9 hour work day, travelling across San Francisco by MUNI to get to my job.

There were times in San Francisco, Martinez and Fairfield when I was so verbally assaulted for not giving them a handout. Twice I was in tears after such an encounter. Perhaps some people dont realize this because they just see them as they pass by in their cars. But to walk down the street and have them approach you time and time again (as I said here before 3 times in one block in the San Francisco theater district) it is a horrifying experience. I was visibly shaken.

So I'm sorry if I appear uncaring and passing judgement, i do care for the people who are beyond help with mental and physical and drug problems, but to tell you the truth you cant tell which are really in trouble and wanting aid and those who just dont give a damn.

This is a problem even local, state, and federal governments cant seem to get a grip on, but i appreciate all of your input here.

[Daddys///M3]

Originally Posted by barocko7

You are absolutely correct! The illegals are a problem in almost every country n` the issue isn`t really high enough on the agendas to do something about it, however by saying that, some countrys (like Spain or Italy) do mandate a sort of mini-support (Housing, Food and Medical Services) for them as a humane gesture, to keep them from turning to criminal activity outside their living quarters. This support is carried by the taxpayer to the benefit of all.
I find this exceptable, good and of perspective nature for the individual concerned, as they have a basic foundation toward being able to change their status and become a new citizen in a new country of their choice.

On the other hand, the continued flow of refugees on the boats from Africa continue to come. Therefore it would only be wise to tackle the problem in the country from where they are coming from.
It`s a political problem and, especially in Africa, very difficult to reach a solution with regimes of dictatorships, like Mugabe, who have no respect for human life as a whole.

The problem as such will continue, but it can be managed in a humanic manor. Walls, fences, prisons and armed guards is not the solution.

So you support socialism AND amnesty? That's a win-win situation right there. I personally can't wait for my tax bracket to jump to 70%.

Here is a thought. How about instead of us supporting illegal immigrants so they can become citizens, we ship them back where they came from, show them how to LEGALLY become citizens, and make sure that they don't come back until their paperwork is in.

[olecapt]

The problem is and remains unsolvable. In fact the illegals have been absorbed into our society and are not removable. There are at this point far too many American citizens involved and more than enough political clout to prevent any significant removal program.

I support a relatively strong anti-homeless position in Las Vegas. But I do not support any active action against the illegals. It is time to get them legalized and on their road to becoming good Republicans...a thing that virtually always occurs in the second or third generation.

[barocko7]

Originally Posted by Daddys///M3

So you support socialism AND amnesty? That's a win-win situation right there. I personally can't wait for my tax bracket to jump to 70%.

How about instead of us supporting illegal immigrants so they can become citizens, we ship them back where they came from, show them how to LEGALLY become citizens, and make sure that they don't come back until their paperwork is in.

First of all, it is a win - win situation for everyones benefit. If you work and earn a salary, it should be normal for you to share a tiny % of your earnings with others in need. Theres nothing wrong with that and you surely won`t be charged 70% more tax on your earnings. WHY be so egoistic? Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you! You never know When you may be in a situation of despair, and surely would be thankful for assistance.
Define an illegal immigrant and you will find that these people never wanted to leave theirs homes n`country in the first place. Many of them have no other choice but to pursue their destiny by trying to "illegally" get through the borders for a possible better life.
When laws & conditions of entry are made so complicated and discouraging, whereas many immigrants don`t even understand the legal writting their reading, and the country their going to doesn`t want them in the first place, these people have no other choice. It`s a basic instint to feed yourself & family and continue living - not just vegetating in a hole.

It´s a political problem and can only be dealt with through negotiations between the governments involved. But it`s wrong and unjustified to denounce a human being his/her right for a better life.
Help them, wherever and however you can!

[Plain Jane 3953]

Yes, "personal responsiblity" is something I believe in as well but for god's sake - this is a serious recession and many people, who have been hard working individuals, simply cannot find work.

The US is a harsh country and I really do feel for the Americans. The US Government has spent far too much on defense, rather than building social systems that benefit society as a whole (like health care, education).

[cedar_bluff_tree_farm]

Originally Posted by yellowsnow

So let's say someone will be homeless in a couple weeks.... What should that person be doing? What's out there to help?

I have a friend who will be in this position shortly. I had him dumb down his resume and remove his degrees so he could apply for minimum wage jobs but no luck so far. He is a veteran but doesn't have PTSD. This guy has applied for hundreds of jobs with no luck. He is good looking and dresses well. Has teeth and no tats, not a drunk or a druggie. In other words a pretty normal guy. He's overqualified for most of the low wage jobs and there's nothing in his field. His unemployment has run out. He's over 50 so he can't go back to the military.

Any suggestions?

The VA will provide extensive support for him as a veteran. I'd encourage him to apply for jobs there (he has preference as a vet and it's a good place to work). Many other retired vets work there.

Other government jobs are also good to apply for because they also give vets preference.

[cedar_bluff_tree_farm]

Originally Posted by Swigchow

Thats the way to solve the problem. Dont help them so "they'll go elsewhere" and be someone elses problem. I am also from Seattle.

I don't believe giving pandhandlers change qualifies as "helping" the homeless, because it doesn't enable them to do anything besides pandhandle more in the future. Giving them money simply rewards the pandhandling and encourages them to continue.

If a person wants to help the homeless, I think the best way is through existing non-profit organizations (shelters, churches, soup kitchens, etc) that provide services to them in a manner that cannot be abused. Giving money to pandhandlers has no oversight and no guarantee it will be used for anything good.

I see ones in Seattle that say "F*** food. I want pot" or "Why lie, I want beer". I'm reasonably sure money they collect will not enable them to stop being homeless.

Originally Posted by Swigchow

We in Seattle have developed tent cities recently supported by sympathetic churches in the unsympathetic microsoft-rich suburbs.....
Many wish to deal with the problem by trying to hide it, or push it away, or blame it on those people themselves. But as long as it is someone elses problem then its ok.

The microsoft-rich suburbs actually are very generous to the many people who have less than they do, because they pay more than their fair share in taxes.

While not rich, I do pay a very handsome amount each year to the goverment in taxes, who in turn operates many social programs that help people out.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by olecapt

I support a relatively strong anti-homeless position in Las Vegas. It is time to get them legalized and on their road to becoming good Republicans....

This is something my father would say. I have been on and off again homeless since 1995. Every single time I was helped out, and given a place to live, it was always by a liberal democrat. Remember, my father was a conservative republican himself, so I know how they think. He tried to raise me that way too, but I am much to generous and caring to become a republican. I can not understand how selfish they are sometimes. Here I am making $19,000 a year, and I will always help them, even taking them home to shower and eat, even if only for one night. However, you have some rich republican making $200,000 a year in his new Mercedes driving by, and he will not even give them a dollar. I have to agree with Barock07, something needs to change.