I agree. You can find more for less, but would have to be willing to live a little further out from DFW.

My fiance and I live in Granbury, about a 30 minute drive to Ft Worth, and pay $800/month for a 4 bedroom (we have to office doubling as a guest bedroom), 2 bath, 1600 sqft home. With two young kids, we are not making much more than what we need after is all said and done. If we had car payments, we would be upside down.

As far as the park issue, I can see how it could be a problem, and I wouldn't be too happy if I took the kids to the park and it was filled with homeless.

If they must do it at the park, then put them to work.

Work for food. Pull weeds, sweep, cut grass, etc etc. Then feed them breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

Thank you sir, tried to rep you for repping him and got the damned message!

 

I used to do evictions for a bailiff. I saw how these scumbags live. Garbage, empty booze cans and drug baggies all over the place. Fridges full of rotten food. Mattresses and clothing crawling with bed bugs. Jobs like that never really bothered me. Except seeing all the dog poop on the balconies. If you saw how these people treat their animals you would lose all that misguided nostalgia for the "poor" and "disadvantaged". They're no good. The lot of them. Their families don't even want them around because they will steal from their own mothers to support their drug habit. That's why they have to live on the street next to the garbage. It's where they belong.

 

You've painted all needy people into a nice tight little corner. The people you described most certainly do exist and there is no excuse for this behavior, but, some poor folks have dignity and know what's right and wrong and just need a little help.

 

Thanks guys---reciprocal reps too but more in service to shouting down some of the BS forwarded so far.................

Good gravy once upon a time I thought of myself as quite cynical, too quick to want to believe the worst about people---until this misguided soul pops up on the horizon! Some peoples children..............

No sir I don't imagine a job like you describe would bother you, probably made you quite happy in fact. Nothing better than to have a horrible thought be proven over and over, gives one full capacity to justify themselves. After all IMHO anyone that jaded and looking down on a group they internally create and conveniently lump so many together desperately needs such justification otherwise feelings of compassion might overtake them---horrors!

It doesn't seem the OP was talking about the lot of "humanity" that are filthy lawless bums with no respect for anything or anyone yet its far too easy to classify that ilk in with those who simply need a bit of help--that need to justify oneself again. The difference in behavior and how they call come into their present day state are vast, almost no two stories being like the other, far fewer than we might ever imagine are solely due illegal drugs or a general tendency towards criminal activities.

I recall within a year of so of the '08 economic downturn when upscale respectable law abiding citizens without so much as a traffic ticket losing their homes, turning to food pantries or relying on family just to survive---are they the same? Would someone delight in tossing them out or seeing them struggle to make it day-to-day, thinking if they didn't deserve it it would never have come their way?

Where I said before I don't wish any ill fortune on anyone maybe its time to hope Karma does visit the high and mighty? Of course when that does happen we're not likely to be treated to that story are we? After all nothing worse than having to swallow some pride, admit we don't know as much as we think we do---not many with the guts to admit when they're wrong are there?

Perhaps its lost on dim-witted people those in distress are more likely to feel lost and desperate if avenues of hope or help are unavailable. What do most humans do when facing desperate situations? They turn to desperate measures, aka "survival instinct". While its almost ludicrous jumping to a ridiculous conclusion but who's to say such feelings of helplessness don't eventually turn towards playing Robin Hood for themselves, taking from those with and giving to those without? I'd NEVER suggest criminals would be prevented or cured by public assistance nor should we "buy 'em off" as a preventative measure but who among us just might consider something more drastic if things were that severe for us or our families?

Whatever pathology brings Mr Stu to his present day thoughts I hope its not catching!

 

You've painted all needy people into a nice tight little corner. The people you described most certainly do exist and there is no excuse for this behavior, but, some poor folks have dignity and know what's right and wrong and just need a little help.

There are plenty of homeless people and vagrants either on my route or passing through. It's fairly common for someone to walk up to me and ask for a dollar or two.

I offer them my sandwich but I'll never give money, they typically pass on the food. I know what they are looking for and whey they want money, but, I don't turn my back on them.

It's my opinion that if you believe in God, you'll either be rewarded or have to answer for your actions someday.

I only carry $10 on the street with me and that's if I decide to buy a lunch instead of eating what I made at home.

 

Stu, even though I was once one of those "scumbags", I understand your reasoning and I agree with it - to a point.

However, keep in mind that not all homeless people are drug-addicted scumbags - there are some good ones out there. It's all a matter of perspective and being able to keep personal prejudices and hatred from blinding you from the reality of the situation helps to some degree - It is difficult - My experiences had made me a very angry, bitter, and cynical person - still am in many ways (I am the "Furyus1", after all) - but I've gotten better over time - age and maturity has a way of mellowing out those feelings...

It's the children I feel for. As a parent, it would kill me to see my child go through what I did.

Don't make the mistake of letting your hatred and cynicism cloud your judgement. You've only seen one side of the coin, try seeing it from the other.

There are many factors involved besides drugs - 2 of the biggest factors I see right now are mental health and the current economical situation of this country. Mental health is a difficult bugger to deal with as it is so randomly varied from individual to individual - no 2 people are alike - I do know a thing or 2 about this as I've been there, more than once.

The economy is another issue altogether - Jobs are not as plentiful as you might think - especially with the outsourcing and this global "free trade" crap that's been going on these past few decades - but then, there also seems to be a disturbing trend amongst people now of having some sense of entitlement without earning it and that is a huge problem that, although it needs to be addressed, it may never be - the permissiveness in this country is spiraling out of control...

There are no easy answers but making generalized statements like you have been only makes the overall situation worse. I don't have the answers and neither do you.

 

Too late.

What Stu has voiced is something I've heard many, many times over the years from many, many people. And it's not just regarding the homeless and drug-addicted, but also regarding those from different backgrounds, races, creeds, sexual orientations, and religions.

It's called discrimination.

Unfortunately, it's part of human nature. I've been guilty of it myself. Anyone who claims otherwise about themselves, is lying.

 

Agreed---I'll admit to the same thing myself, not in a proud way but just being honest. HOWEVER.................

Though my life I've begun many a day with thoughts formed in a vacuum so to speak, those without any experience in whatever we're discussing. I'd come to believe something and without anyone or anything to refute such thoughts or be shown another side to things there was no reason to change.

I'm not advocating anyone adopt or even think I'm right about this topic (as its drifted towards anyway) I'm simply saying without a "walk in their shoes." experience its too easy to bash and condemn others. I'm NOT an ultra liberal or one of those who exerts max effort to see all sides of every thing I encounter---I have a firm belief system. Trust me I can be as pig-head and resolute as we're seeing here!

The only thing ever so slightly different is many of my feelings these days have been formed by broader experiences than just one or two examples. I'm probably a bit older than the average here which gives me a perspective I didn't have years ago. I learn every day so I hope what I think and feel today is better informed than yesterday........... I've love to know Mr Stu's age.

We don't have to love everyone we encounter but we don't need to hate them either.

 

I have to slightly disagree. We DO have to love everyone we encounter, we are told to do so.

We just don't have to LIKE everyone.

 

A couple of weeks back I stopped in at the Burger King to avail myself of a couple of the $1.00 bacon burgers they offer. ( Ummm Bacon)
As I walked in I passed a man sitting on the edge of the walkway and it was obvious that his lot in life was not the best of fortune.
When I placed my order I added a Jr. Wopper to it.
When I went back out and as I walked by the stranger I handed the burger to him.
He had not asked for it.
In fact he seemed to be keeping as low a profile as he possibly could.
He was taken aback and exclaimed aloud his amazement.
You see I myself have been at the bottom of the social register listing.
There have been times that a warm bit of food was a figment of my imagination.

Stu I hope to God that you never experience the upheaval that so many of us have felt.
Then again I wish that; for just long enough for you to gain some compassion; you get the shock of your life.
I'm trying to keep from expressing the disgust that your postings have generated in me.
But alas I can't.

 

Interesting.

When I was in California, a few weeks back, I slid into a McDonald's in Bakersfield to grab a quick carry out. I seldom ever use drive thru BTW.

As I walked to the building a middle aged Hispanic man asked if he could wash my windshield. We was polite, shirt tucked in, etc...I responded with a polite "no thanks".

As I was standing in line inside I reflected on this guy and decided that he wasn't begging. He wasn't asking for a handout. He wasn't a slob. He was asking to perform a task with no strings attached.

As I returned to the car I approached the gentleman and handed him a $ 20.00 bill. I told him that no window cleaning was necessary but, I appreciated the fact that he wanted to work for something.

With much caring in his eyes...He thanked me, blessed me and was still inspecting the $ 20.00 bill as I drove away.

This man was no bum.

 

As nether you nor I are. But we (as others here) have fallen on hard times for what ever reason.

And to do as you did came from your own experience, nothing more. Maybe you fed a family for a week with that 20 bucks. But you could tell (because ya took the time to look at him) that he wasn't wanting it for a drink.

I have always felt the eyes are the window to a persons soul, or heart.
So I guess what I am saying is instead of comdeming every one on the street as a bum or druggie, Look into there eyes and try and read them. It becomes so easy to see who is scamming you and who ain't.

But ya have to be willing to take the time to look. Not just cuss them and walk away as some here would do.

And Bryan I thank you also as that very well may have been me ya feed at one or two times in my life. And I know as long as I live it could happen again to any of us.

 

Many fear what they may find.

 

Wow---what great sharing from a few here---good on ya all!

Quite elegantly, politely and respectfully posted Sir---and far far more effective than any other way to say it!

Have been memorably approached by three people who were in need, two with a nice, polite approach and one major jackass. First two were women who initially asked: "can you spare a few dollars so I can eat?" Each time we were literally in front of a KFC and an Arby's so instead I say no money BUT we'll step inside and buy you anything, as much of whatever you need for today. Both were dressed well enough, pleasant and while they both had that look of living a tough life had presented themselves better than a lot of well to do people.

Even though I left what and how much they ordered up to them both only ordered what they needed for the day. I almost insisted it was okay to get more if it would take them through another day, both declined and said I'd done enough.

The second younger woman and I talked just a few moments, she told me she was trying to find a job, had an open interview possibility but didn't have enough gas to get there anytime soon. As we parted ways I offered her a $10 and she was a bit overwhelmed and said a sincere thanks. Nice to be nice to the nice and polite, not sure what became of them but hoping it was nothing but positive.

Latest was an extremely unkempt and smelly guy who pretty much accosted me outside a Subway. It was odd because as I was standing in line he'd walked past and caught my eye in passing. As I exited he gave me "Hey man---got a dollar I can get?" LOL I had a few bills, pulled them out and he then rather gruffly he says" Why not just make it five man?"

"How about nothing instead man?" I ask---he took the single and that was that!

Long story short I'll buy anyone a meal without hesitation anytime I'm asked. I don't know and don't care how they've come to that place in life and maybe just a bit of kindness gets them through that day or begins the process where they get themselves back into the swing of things, living the American Dream we all think is still possible for everyone.

Thanks again guys for sharing---nice to know some of us do see the person and not judge them for their current state of being!