At The Capitol / Long-term homelessness grows

Barely a year into his first term, Gov. Tim Pawlenty set out to end long-term homelessness in Minnesota by 2010, an audacious-sounding goal that he insisted was "very real and attainable." "Our homeless population in Minnesota isn't so large that we can't solve the problem in the near and intermediate term," he said in his January 2004 State of the ...

[Teddy]

We have a relative who technically is homeless. He is mentally ill, drug and alcohol dependent. He has been in every possible living situation offered by programs and it comes down to, he wants to drink and use and doesn't want anyone telling him what to do, hence, continued homelessness.

I understand everyone wants to quietly sweep it under the rug and hide the homeless people but there is NO easy answer. Government gave the mentally ill the same rights as everyone else and they are smart enough to know how to use it to their advantage.

My relative knows exactly how to manipulate the system to work for him. Its really sad because nobody wiilling goes around him.

[IrishMN]

This is very typical of many programs set forth by King Timmy. Say nice words at the start and make people think you care. Then pull the rug out from under everyone's fett and walk away laughing at the poor unfortunate ones that suffer from your decisions.

It is time to fully fund all programs that help the needy in this country. If it means a raise in taxes on the rich fat cat Republi-thugs, so be it. If it means a tax raise on those living in the upper middle class, so be it.

We can not call ourselves Americans when we treat our poor as we do in this country. Every one needs to at least be able to live at a comfortable level.

[Heh]

IrishMN wrote:

This is very typical of many programs set forth by King Timmy. Say nice words at the start and make people think you care. Then pull the rug out from under everyone's fett and walk away laughing at the poor unfortunate ones that suffer from your decisions.
It is time to fully fund all programs that help the needy in this country. If it means a raise in taxes on the rich fat cat Republi-thugs, so be it. If it means a tax raise on those living in the upper middle class, so be it.
We can not call ourselves Americans when we treat our poor as we do in this country. Every one needs to at least be able to live at a comfortable level.

...says the drunken Irishman. Those of us who are responsible should not be held hostage by those who are not. The mentally ill should be taken care of in group settings and not left to roam the streets. Those who can work but will not look for work should be left on their own. Those who are willing to work but need a helping hand, they should be helped. But government is not the answer.

[IrishMN]

Heh wrote:

<quoted text>
But government is not the answer.

To the contrary, government is the only answer. You won't do it, and the rest of your Republi-thug friends won't do it. So it is left up to government.

[Free]

IrishMN wrote:

<quoted text>
To the contrary, government is the only answer.

We're doomed. What is it like in your world?

Government Schools - substandard and more expensive
Government Health Care - substandard and more expensive

If we're lef to to a world where government is the only answer, then we're left to a nation where we have relinquished all of our freedom and liberty and ceded them to the ruling class.

I fear for my grandchildren's inalienable right to pursue happiness.

[Pat from Blaine]

IrishMN

When do ever admit that the government structure caters to people not willing to work or pay their fair share.

I believe those that can not support themselves should receive care. If you are able to support yoursef then do so and stay off the programs that help those that are unable to help themselves.

And of course IrishMN you must help these people out alot using your own funds or do you not follow your own beliefs.

I personally volunteer my time for 6 hours a weeks babysitting a handicapped adult so his Mom can get a break from him.

And what do you do???

[sock]

IrishMN wrote:

<quoted text>
To the contrary, government is the only answer. You won't do it, and the rest of your Republi-thug friends won't do it. So it is left up to government.

You couldn't wipe your own butt without government intervention. I'd tell you to get a life, but it is obvious you can't do anything yourself and require constant adult supervision to protect you from yourself. You are as helpless as a child.

[Pim]

Heh wrote:

<quoted text>
...says the drunken Irishman. Those of us who are responsible should not be held hostage by those who are not. The mentally ill should be taken care of in group settings and not left to roam the streets. Those who can work but will not look for work should be left on their own. Those who are willing to work but need a helping hand, they should be helped. But government is not the answer.

How exactly do you propose to "round up" the mentally ill and put them in a group setting? The good citizens of the US are supposed to get together and do this? Who exactly is going to pay for that same "group setting?" That would be YOU, the tax payer. People who are disabled and/or mentally ill may not be able to work--would you still leave them on their own?

Sorry, but the government ends up providing for those who can't take care of themselves. Unless you have something more drastic you would like to propose so that you can continue to enjoy your freedom, unhindered by those less fortunate than yourself.

[a grandma]

Pat from Blaine wrote:

IrishMN
When do ever admit that the government structure caters to people not willing to work or pay their fair share.
I believe those that can not support themselves should receive care. If you are able to support yoursef then do so and stay off the programs that help those that are unable to help themselves.
And of course IrishMN you must help these people out alot using your own funds or do you not follow your own beliefs.
I personally volunteer my time for 6 hours a weeks babysitting a handicapped adult so his Mom can get a break from him.
And what do you do???

Maybe he shares his government cheese.

[Housing Czar]

If Congress is going to make it mandatory for people to buy insurance or fine them if they don't, why don't we make housing mandatory and fine people who don't spend their money on rent or a mortgage?

Wouldn't that solve homelessness over night?

[Susie]

The state is not going to end chronic homelessness because a substantial number of chronically homeless people are either mentally ill, alcohol and drug-addicted or both. Interventions take years and the political system acts on a short-term basis. What's in vogue with one administration falls to low priority when the political landscape shifts. Democrats usually don't embrace Republican priorities and vice versa.

Not only that, but for some ridiculous reason, there's always a need to come up with new strategies, as if what's worked in the past, albeit temporarily for lack of continued funding, is not considered "now." How silly-everyone thinks "their" brainchild is THE answer! So, the "government" continues to try new things which take time to plan and become effective. Hence, stop, re-design, start-over, winds up producing minimal results.

If a goal of ending long-term chronic homelessness is more than lip-service, we need a committment to a consistent ten or fifteen year strategy. Otherwise any government expenditure is going to wind up with skimpy results.

However, short-term homelessness could be reduced by subsidized housing, as these are usually people who are just temporarily down on their luck, particularly in a bad economy. For these people, subsidized jobs would be a great idea but that went out with the Reagan administration never to return.

I agree with Irish MN that government intervention is needed, but only with consistant interventions and workable strategies. We are never going to get that in this political system.

[Susie]

Housing Czar wrote:

If Congress is going to make it mandatory for people to buy insurance or fine them if they don't, why don't we make housing mandatory and fine people who don't spend their money on rent or a mortgage?
Wouldn't that solve homelessness over night?

No, as there isn't enough affordable housing to meet the need.

[East Sider]

Headline - "At The Capitol / Long-term homelessness grows"

That's because the politicians families don't want them back.

[StribDeathWatch]

Housing Czar wrote:

If Congress is going to make it mandatory for people to buy insurance or fine them if they don't, why don't we make housing mandatory and fine people who don't spend their money on rent or a mortgage?
Wouldn't that solve homelessness over night?

Hey, that would work for hunger too. Buy the required rations from the government grocery store, or go to prison! Woo Hoo! Isn't it great living in a country where soon everyone's only a heartbeat away from going to the pen? The whole country will soon be a huge prison, except for non-citizens. They'll be the guards and stooges.

[Tommy]

IrishMN wrote:

This is very typical of many programs set forth by King Timmy. Say nice words at the start and make people think you care. Then pull the rug out from under everyone's fett and walk away laughing at the poor unfortunate ones that suffer from your decisions.
It is time to fully fund all programs that help the needy in this country. If it means a raise in taxes on the rich fat cat Republi-thugs, so be it. If it means a tax raise on those living in the upper middle class, so be it.
We can not call ourselves Americans when we treat our poor as we do in this country. Every one needs to at least be able to live at a comfortable level.

Don't you just hate that smile of King Timmy as he 'sticks' it to the poor?

[Danno]

Tommy wrote:

<quoted text>
Don't you just hate that smile of King Timmy as he 'sticks' it to the poor?

What exactly is he sticking them with? They pay no taxes and they receive things for doing nothing and they often break our laws.

[tww]

The homeless are typically drug addicts, alcoholics, or mentally unstable and are homeless by choice. Its a freedom the ACLU fought to win for these people so they could choose for themselves how and where to live.

[Pat from Blaine]

Hey TWW,

I think the ACLU should provide support for these people.

Then we may never hear of ACLU again!

[ACORN]

I'll get them residence on a park bench when voting time comes.

[badgerone]

IrishMN wrote:

<quoted text>
To the contrary, government is the only answer. You won't do it, and the rest of your Republi-thug friends won't do it. So it is left up to government.

Why don't you go s u c k on the Governments dick.Instead of that bottle of Booze