Your thoughts about this proposed California bill? (San Diego, Oakland: apartments, buy)

[bmw335xi]

You cant throw money at person that isn't trying to save himself. This is common sense! It's like throwing money to Iraq expecting them to wash cars in bikinis and waving the American flag.

[nullgeo]

This conversation is not going off-topic by discussing homelessness as being analogous to drug or alcohol addiction ... but it is in error doing so. Homelessness is not an addiction. No one craves it. No one steals to become homeless. Virtually all those who seem to prefer life on the streets to getting help are simply distrustful or ill. The majority would gladly engage in solving their problem. Some can, with varying levels of support. Others really aren't very capable or competitive to fight their way back ... but that is not a condition of desire.

[Fran66]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

Don't know if you are addressing me specifically here?

I would point out, in any case, that no one individual is in a position to open up their neighbors' wallets to give to the homeless. We function as a society. Some of us recognize there are costs to helping the homeless, yet even more cost to NOT helping solve this crisis. I recognize that some people believe the problem should be / can be eliminated by forcing the homeless to another state -- but, short of the only other alternative of killing the homeless, shuttling them off to Timbuktu isn't going to happen. Homelessness is a symptom of a social / cultural condition. It will not cease with each busload ferried to Nevada. I will vote to open wallets as necessary to safeguard -- and improve -- our society by providing dignified treatment of my fellow citizens.

Great post! I could not have put it nearly as well.

[Fran66]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

You cant throw money at person that isn't trying to save himself. This is common sense! It's like throwing money to Iraq expecting them to wash cars in bikinis and waving the American flag.

So what do you suggest?

[04kL4nD]

Well, what do YOU suggest?

Passing this ridiculous bill?

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

You cant throw money at person that isn't trying to save himself. This is common sense! It's like throwing money to Iraq expecting them to wash cars in bikinis and waving the American flag.

Well, of course you CAN throw money at people who aren't trying to help themselves ... but who is suggesting that?

There are people who are capable of moving on restructuring their lives after misfortune. And there are people who aren't. Different categories. Both deserve and require solutions. People who are capable and desirous of managing their lives are pretty easy to work with by comparison to those who aren't. But those who aren't are still a dangerous burden if not managed. Costs money both ways.

[Fran66]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

This conversation is not going off-topic by discussing homelessness as being analogous to drug or alcohol addiction ... but it is in error doing so. Homelessness is not an addiction. No one craves it. No one steals to become homeless. Virtually all those who seem to prefer life on the streets to getting help are simply distrustful or ill. The majority would gladly engage in solving their problem. Some can, with varying levels of support. Others really aren't very capable or competitive to fight their way back ... but that is not a condition of desire.

I agree with you. And I add (possibly again -- sorry): The homeless are human beings. They deserve food, shelter, clothing, and basic medical care. Just like the rest of us. And simply because they are human beings. Regardless of whether or not they want to clean up their act. I've never known any homeless person, man or woman, of any age, who wakes up one morning and says, "Wow, I think I'll be homeless and lazy and let others take care of me! It's gonna be a great life!" They are there because they are either sick or because our society failed them.

I will make one concession: As of last month, 22% of US children are living in poverty. Since the government's income level between poverty and not poverty is ridiculous, I'd say a lot more children than just 22% are living in poverty. In The US. Not necessarily homeless but living in poverty. We need to take care of them -- and pregnant women -- first. And we're not doing that either!

[Fran66]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

Well, what do YOU suggest?

Passing this ridiculous bill?

I've already stated, in a previous post, what I suggest. And that includes passing this bill. It may be somewhat ridiculous -- it certainly doesn't begin to address the need -- but it's a start. Being homeless is NOT a crime.

[bmw335xi]

I suggest investing money into government work programs, so the city can hire homeless people that want to work, but can't find work to clean our parks or whatever. This is better than giving handouts because it will allow those who want to get out of homelessness the ability to work and save money.

[echilibru]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

I suggest investing money into government work programs, so the city can hire homeless people that want to work, but can't find work to clean our parks or whatever. This is better than giving handouts because it will allow those who want to get out of homelessness the ability to work and save money.

Back to the New Deal.