More Homeless Americans Living in Cars and Campers

[Kadie]

More Homeless Americans Living in Cars and Campers

By KEVIN O'LEARY / LOS ANGELES Kevin O'leary / Los Angeles – Sat Feb 13, 11:00 am ET

Tim Barker never thought he'd have to live in his truck. Four months ago, the plumber was in a one-bedroom apartment in California's San Fernando Valley, with a pool and a Jacuzzi. Then, on his birthday in October, he and 199 other plumbers were laid off by their union, Local 761 in Burbank. Now Barker's son sleeps on the sofa of his cousin's one-bedroom Hollywood apartment, and Barker sleeps on the roof of the apartment building - or in his 2003 Ford Ranger pickup. "I'm 47, and I've never lived in my car," says Barker, a husky 220-lb. single father with sandy hair and a rapid-fire voice. In January, as torrential rains pelted the streets of Southern California, father and son were sleeping in the truck in San Pedro, next to the Los Angeles Harbor. "We were able to spend four nights in the Vagabond Motel, but for two nights we slept in the car," says Barker. "It was raining, cold, and the cat was jumping on us. We both got sick."

For people who cannot afford rent, a car is the last rung of dignity and sanity above the despair of the streets. A home on wheels is a classic American affair, from the wagon train to the RV. Now, for some formerly upwardly mobile Americans, the economic storm has turned the backseat or the rear of the van into the bedroom. "We found six people sleeping in their cars on an overnight police ride-along in December," says John Edmund, chief of staff to Long Beach councilman Dee Andrews. "One was a widow living in a four-door sedan. She and her husband had been Air Force veterans. She did not know about the agencies that could help her. I had tears in my eyes afterwards."

"Cars are the new homeless shelters," says Joel John Roberts, CEO of PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) Partners, the largest provider of services for the homeless in Los Angeles County, which had nearly 50,000 people homeless in 2009. Of these, experts estimate that up to 10% live in vehicles - even though doing so is illegal in most of the county. A similar situation is true for many other regions across the nation, especially in the Sun Belt. A woman lives in her BMW in Marina Del Rey, a swank L.A. address on the coast. PATH outreach workers Jorge Guzman and Tomasz Babiszkiewicz say she was an executive recruiter until the Great Recession. "She was self-employed for 36 years," says Guzman. "Now she sits in the car with a blanket and reads. She has not told her daughter."

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100213/us_time/08599196345400

[OhioChick]

1. Shameful while we're pumping money into the war machine. n/t

[Arctic Dave]

14. Sinful is an understatement. Billions for the worthless war pigs.

I can't bieve we raised our debt limit for a war that no gives a rats ass about and give the bill to our kids because we can't ever pay for it ourselves in our lifetime.

[Mari333]

23. amen to both of you

we use that money to murder civilians and soldiers and ignore the needs of everyday people in our own country.
shame shame on this administration.

[Lorien]

36. And one wonders; what's the purpose of government anymore? Once upon a time

it served us by providing basic services (roads, polices, EMTs, schools, libraries, sewers) and "protecting American lives" via the military. Now the military is used to profit multinational corporations and our basic services are being placed into private for-profit hands with little notice or fanfare.

[Plucketeer]

51. I couldn't have said it better

The SCOTUS just laid the way for the federal government itself, to be privatized. How long before we just hire Blackwater (Xe) to do our warring for us???

WHEN will the people of this fast-evaporating nation wake up???

[truedelphi]

85. Yep, that is about it. Doesn't matter who we vote in, the politicians are mostly

All bought and paid for.

Michelle Obama is now on the band wagon for ending American kids' obesity. Perhaps she would be better off just waiting for the sad and inevitable day her family friend Tim Geithenr is bringing to a neighborhood close to you and to me - people so devoid of jobs and money their kids die of malnutrition!

We need jobs, we need housing. Maybe the conversion of the foreclosed homes into real homes for people -after all, the American people have given over Twelve Trillion and counting to the Big Banksters via the Bernanke and Geithner conduit? (The Twelve Trillion wouild pay twice over for the foreclosed homes!)

Everything for the Military Insustrial complex, everything for the Big Money crowd, only crumbs of unemployment checks nad food stamps for the rest of us.

[phasma ex machina]

126. Some argue that America's founding fathers created Columbia for the sole purpose

of conquering the world. Here's a painting of their baby conquering the American West under the guise of Manifest Destiny. In the early stages of an elaborate scheme to take over the world. Columbia seems far too preoccupied to take care of the needs of her children.

[BeHereNow]

145. Ding ding ding! WE have THE winner!

"Now the military is used to profit multinational corporations"

THAT is the bottom line.

I want to SCREAM when I hear the puppets say "national interests" and
"national security."

It's ALL about trans national CORPORATE interests- corporations
who have NO allegiance to ANY country while we pay with blood and coin
to further THEIR profits.

BHN

[tango-tee]

175. You speak the truth. Very well said!

There are times when I'm afraid that I'm past the screaming point. But we have to keep going, we have a stake in shaping the future.

[CrispyQ]

38. Socialism for the corporations, capitalism for the rest of us.

And yet, so many of those same people who are in need, beat their chests, chanting, "We're number one!" They are the same people that vote against their own best interests & don't have a problem with multi-million dollar tax breaks & incentives for corporations, but abhor giving the single mother down the street any assistance.

[bobbolink]

71. OK, so you got the diagnosis. When are you going to go for a cure?

Somehow, all the words of blame don't put a roof over heads.

[CrispyQ]

139. I don't have a cure, Bobbo. Do you?

You're not getting a roof over your head until more people are feeling the pain. Call me a cynic, but the sad fact is, that for most people, until something impacts them personally, they don't care. How many people, who have become homeless over the last two years, gave a thought to the homeless person standing on the corner three years ago? Maybe on this site you'll find a slightly higher percentage, but over all, precious few.

The only cure I can think of is to try to increase our sense of community & expand the membership of community to include everyone - not just those you agree with or those you like. But don't underestimate what we're up against. Our society has cultivated a culture of extreme individualism, so it's easy for people to ignore the pain other community members are going through, because they either don't see them as part of their community or they don't value community.

This country will not improve until we balance our rugged individualist mentality that we idolize, with a strong sense of "We're all in this together." If we can't pull that off, we're all going to go down together.

Well, except for the ultra rich - they'll be ok.

[bobbolink]

157. You're singing my anthem. I agree with you and the Frenchman of the 1800s who

said that Rugged Individualism will kill this country.

Its doing a damned good job, wouldn't you say? :cry:

We chose not to listen to Alexis de Tocqueville and are reaping the harvest of that ignorance.

[tango-tee]

176. True - it is a question of "when", but even more important is "how".

We need to get folks on our side who recognize that shelters are not the answer. Shelters are the band-aid where the tourniquet of affordable, permanent housing is required.

In shelters, there are so many people in bad health who cannot afford to see a doctor and thus, illnesses are spread due to close proximity.

In a shelter, there may be a place to put one's head at night, but it is so very difficult to sleep peacefully next to someone completely unknown to you, and therefore you sleep with "one eye open". The body and soul can never truly find the solace a deep and peaceful sleep provides. And what happens during the day? There you are, having been ejected from the shelter after an uneasy night. It is morning, you are hungry. Where do you go?

You're out in the street again, because so many shelters are only open in the evenings and nights. You're out in the cold, the rain, the sleet and snow or the scorching heat of summer. And wherever you go, you're not wanted. You're simply not wanted. You are an eyesore. A reminder to folks who, in the recesses of their hearts, know: For the grace of god, there go I. And they would rather avert their eyes and pretend that you don't exist.

[tango-tee]

130. Crispy, your heart is in the right place.

Thank you.

Solidarity.

[maryf]

46. Over half the budget goes to the military...

including veteran's services, (30% of the homeless are vets too! how much to the needy:grr:) People insist we need the military for security! I'm more afraid of people ending up in their cars than of them being attacked by terrorists. (buying lotto has better odds). K&R

[bobbolink]

70. So, when do "progressives" start taking action?

Hmmm?

[mdmc]

78. 1

[Double T]

2. The recession has certainly not ended.

JOBLESS is not a recovery. Election years are full of fraud and intentional misconceptions and this year is no different. Vote out every single incumbent for real change; it is our only hope.

[DisgustedInMN]

18. No thanks..

.. I'll pass on the Republican meme of "throw all of them out." That's for chumps. WTF makes you think the ones that take their place will be any better? Selective "firing" is a much more effective tool. I'd be (and AM) more than happy to work to replace my House Rep (Batshit Crazy Michelle Bachmann) with Progressive Tarryl Clark, but I'll keep my Senator Al Franken, thank you very much. I'm only lukewarm onour other Senator Klobuchar, but she's unlikely to be "primaried out," and she is sure as Hell better than ANYONE the Pukes have to run. So, no thanks, I pass on "throwing out the baby with the bathwater."

[Double T]

32. rethug replacements are not the option; many incumbent Democrats have already seen.......

their reelection go down the tubes. There is still time to rally real 'd'emocrats to run for office. I know the incumbents have not and will not get any job done; with a new 'd'emocrat there might be hope for change. Without representative change expect the same.

[DisgustedInMN]

33. I'm fairly certain I...

.. fully explained my position, you repeating the same Republican meme again, will do absolutely nothing to change my mind. But I'm sure you can find some low information voters to go with you. While you try to tear everything, good and bad alike, down, I'll work from the inside, to move things in a better direction, thank you very much.

[Double T]

101. Looks like Evan Bayh sees things much as I do.

'd'emocrat voters need to get on board; the dnc will be extinct if we're lucky. YOU can do better than the old rethug retort.

[DisgustedInMN]

132. Oh really?

You realize that Evan Bayh is going to run for governor in his state under the Banner of the Democratic Party and that is the real reason he isn't running for another term, doncha? Or do you actually buy into the rhetoric he used yesterday?

Really?

[Double T]

172. congress does nothing

If you want to see the complete demise of America, stay the course.

[DisgustedInMN]

173. Have I said ...

.. "stay the course" anywhere, at any time (other than the quote in this post) on this site? Even once? Just for future reference, should we try to have a conversation again, please understand that when someone makes something up I didn't even hint at, let alone say, and then expects me to defend it. I just walk away. Speak to what I actually say, or be relegated to being irrelevant and ignored. Your choice.

[Capn Sunshine]

114. Prepare to redouble your efforts then

Since the threat of republican rule, and what it did to to this country, exhibit A being look outside your window, is just a "meme" to you, you better vow right now to redouble your "work from the inside" efforts. Because it seems you forgot how hard it was to accomplish what little we have up to now.

There's a difference betwen low info and pragmatism.

[DisgustedInMN]

133. Exactly ..

.. what is it I'm supposed to see "outside my window?"

Do you seriously believe that whining on web sites is going to have more effect than actually getting involved in the process?

Really?

Is that the "pragmatic" approach?

[wolfgangmo]

34. I agree completely and I'm also from MN 6th.

Gahd but I hate old crazy eyes (Bachmann), but I loves me some dumpbachmann - http://dumpbachmann.blogspot.com/

I am also proud of the job that our new Senator, Al Franken is doing. I too am luke warm on AK, but Betty McCollum in the house is a good one and Keith Ellison is a genius. Minnesota has a tradition of good progressive politicians (will miss you Senator Wellstone and hope that someday that the same douchbags who arranged for Bushes election stealing tech guy to take a plunge in his plane and your death are caught and punished - ahem (author steps off of his soap box and looks around sheepishly)).

We don't need to get rid of everyone, just to marginalize the current repubs (they will take care of killing themselves if we take away their toys) and REPLACE with extreme prejudice the DLC. It isn't all dems who are the problem, its the DINO's.

I know Tarryl Clark and she is a good moderate with progressive leanings. She'd be good.

[bobbolink]

72. Is this argument somehow supposed to be helping homeless people?

[DisgustedInMN]

135. bobbolink...

... you need to focus your anger and frustration at a better target, my friend, not on those who dealing with the very same problems you are. Don't fall for "divide and conquer" nonsense. The ONLY way to actually help homeless, jobless, and those without health care, is by ceasing control of OUR government. Nothing else will make a difference. Fighting over crumbs won't do it. Raging at the machine won't do it. Rioting in the streets won't do it.

YOU are the change you seek. Get involved. Get active. As Thom Hartmann says, "Tag, you're it."

[bobbolink]

152. "Get involved. Get active."

You know, when you lecture people this way without KNOWING what they have done, y0u0 come off looking rather silly, and maybe a bit destructive.

When you have done as much as I have, get back to me.

"you need to focus your anger and frustration at a better target"

and maybe YOU would do well to take a look at your need to play parent. Telling strangers what to do is an authoritarian trait of the RW, and time to recognize just how destructive it is.

Bye now....

[DisgustedInMN]

156. Whatever you say..

.. my friend. I'm assuming nothing. I'm simply pointing out how you come off to people, people who would be your allies, if you would treat them as such. But if you think it moves your purposes ahead to rant at those that share many of your problems, then have at it and best of luck.

[bobbolink]

158. Um, using the term "friend" in such a cynical way says more about YOU than it does about me.

If people were "allies", there would be a natural alliance here to take action.

As Malcolm X pointed out, being "nice" got him NOTHING. Many of us have tried it, and are conveniently ignored.

You may have noticed some of my "nice" posts, if you actually wanted to... but it seems that you want to point to only what YOU want to see.

Luck back to you, because you see, I am mirroring the anger and frustration of so many homeless people And when you dismiss us all as not being polite enough to satisfy you, then you crank up the anger to the next level.

So, so luck to you when that homeless anger finally explodes.

And it will.

[DisgustedInMN]

167. I wasn't being cynical..

... that you choose to see it that way is your demon to deal with. I won't apologize for asking that you be civil with people you are looking to for help. That's simple logic. Your threats are duly noted and given all of the credibility they deserve. Just be careful to who and how "express your anger" Bobbo, that can get you into a world of hurt when you least expect it.

[bobbolink]

181. Threatening me, eh?

So, are you going to be another DUer who finds where I am, and sends me threatening mail?

Because I can tell you, it is against the law, and I won't put up with it.

So, no more veiled threats.

You obviously don't like what I have to say, and I have broken no rules. SO.... do what the admins keep advising people, and put me on ignore. That's what its there for.

[Obamanaut]

146. Here you go. Food for thought from 2008 - an old DU entry

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bobbolink


<Snip>From this point on, could we vow to make DU a safe place to discuss thoughts of a "left-wing", "progressive" or "liberal" bent, whatever term you wish to use?

<snip>Could we change to an atmosphere of respect and cordiality in our dealings with each other, and leave the snide, nasty putdowns to the RW, where they belong?

<snip>Could we make this a place for the safe exchange of ideas, without fear of being attacked, or told to "grow up", "deal with it", "get a life", and all the other hostile insults meant to put another in her/his place? All these insulting jabs came into being during the Raygun era.. can we finally put that to rest?

[bobbolink]

153. So, basically what you are doing is stalking me?

Have you read the rules lately?

[Obamanaut]

155. Not stalking at all. Merely pointing out that one can get more accomplished

by being less abrasive.

Your journal entries are there for everyone to read, there is a link at the top of each post to those entries, and I was curious after a couple of posts mentioning your responses.

Stalking? You flatter yourself.

[bobbolink]

159. Read my response above. YOU flatter yourself that YOU are the arbiter of

how *I* or anyone else should get people to listen and to care.

Show me what justice movement in this country succeeded by being "nice".... The Black Civil Rights Movement? Hardly.

Gay Rights Movement? Yup, no anger there... nor has there been any gay anger expressed at DU when they get ignored and crapped on.

Women's Rights Movement? Yup, once again, NEVER have any women on DU expressed any rage at all about the sexism here.

Nope.... NO OTHER MOVMENT HAS EVER EXPRESSED ANY ANGER... ITS JUST ME.

Enjoy the homeless explosion when it comes, and it definitely will, because you want everyone to play nice so then you can ignore them.

Enjoy it.

[bvar22]

48. There ARE some Democrats who want to cut military spending,

...though you won't find any in the Obama Administration.
The DLC New Team
Republican Lite Only

(Screen Capped from the DLC Website)


You WILL find them here:
http://www.pdamerica.org/

Lets NOT throw out the baby with the bathwater.

[Double T]

109. The do nothing congress is a sewer full of fat rats.

Time to call on the plunger protection and the roto rooter teams to clear the vermin and unclog the capitol. 'd'emocrat replacements are waiting in the wings to be elected.

[Zoeisright]

49. The only time repukes talk about 'voting incumbents out' is when they are

not in control. Voting 'every single incumbent' out will create a repuke majority. Is that really what you want?

[Double T]

105. Not if we run 'd'emocrats instead of 'D'emocrats.

HUGE difference. dnc Democrats out, new democrats in.

[RaleighNCDUer]

65. Let's say, vote out every republican incumbent, and primary challenge

every non-progressive democrat.

[Double T]

107. Pure LW is almost as bad as Pure RW.

The real majority is centrist; left and right of the center. If WE do not appeal to the real majority, nothing will continue to get done.

[RaleighNCDUer]

136. "Centrist" has no platform.

The center drifts like a mass of rotting kelp in the middle of the Sargasso Sea.

Positive programs offered by the left, clearly explained and demonstrated to show their efficacy, will bring the center back toward the left.

It is the policies of the left that will, ultimately, lower taxes, reduce abortions, support family values, create jobs - everything the right says they want can be best provided by the left.

The vast majority are not 'centrist' - they are wishy-washy, who are afraid of commitment to things they don't understand - and why do they not understand them? Because the right constantly works at obfuscation, and muddying the waters so nobody knows what is true.

Appeal to self-interest, appeal to their basic humanity, appeal to an innate sense of fair play, and we will GET the 'real majority'.

[CrispyQ]

140. Good post!

"The vast majority are not 'centrist' - they are wishy-washy, who are afraid of commitment to things they don't understand - and why do they not understand them? Because the right constantly works at obfuscation, and muddying the waters so nobody knows what is true."

One of the right's most successful campaigns was the demonization of the word liberal. And now they are successfully going after the word progressive. People don't take the time to learn what the word liberal really means, what liberal values really are. So when a liberal candidate tells them what he/she will try to do for them, they can't get past the word liberal. All thought stops right there.

[arthritisR_US]

151. your post is also dead on ! n/t

[truedelphi]

86. I so totally hear you.

Vote most of them out. They have done nothing but the jkabuki theater that pretends that they (the politicans, theat is) are so afflcited by the Tea Baggers.

The Tea Baggers are not afflicting me. Inf act my Tae Bagger neighbor has been there with bags of his homegrown food - all of it organic and non-GMO.

The damn economy being in the tank is waht is afflicting my household.

[tpsbmam]

3. I recently had to buy a "handicapped" van....

one that has a ramp to accommodate my wheelchair. I bought a second-hand van and spent LOTS of time looking for one. The one I ended up buying has a back seat that folds out into a bed. I totally thought when I bought it that, if need be, I could actually live in the thing. I have camping equipment as I used to camp, so I have a tent, a nice warm sleeping bag, etc and I just bought (on major sale) a porta potty (mostly for traveling with my dogs, who also got one of those fake grass pee things so I have the option of letting them pee in the van when getting out is too hard). The possibility of having to live in it has totally occurred to me!

I've said too often lately that my country sucks. I don't want to think like that but, frankly, it's getting hard.

(Edited to add K&R!)

[ipaint]

6. Vandwellers.

Lots of folks living in their vans. There is a rather large group on yahoo.

[Nay]

21. And boondocking. We've got a 5th wheel and truck, just in case it happens to us.

Back in the 80's, we lived in a converted school bus with Baby Nay, so by God, we can do it again.

[PJPhreak]

57. Us Too!

We had a full size B-600 Ford,Bought ours from a recycling place in Boulder.

[SoCalDem]

56. and yet HGTV still shows people complaining that 4,750 st ft is a "bit cramped"

and even shows with a 2010 date on them show young engaged people planning to buy their "First Home" as they plan their weddings too..and shows them deliberating on which home to pick.. the $500K charmer", the $535K with the great yard" or the "625K large home with a fantastic kitchen".:puke:

[Vinca]

59. My favorites are the $700,000 fixer uppers.

Gotta have those stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, too.

[girl gone mad]

76. A lot of the stuff on those shows is fake.

Back when I was blogging the housing bubble, some of my readers investigated one of the "Flip This House" programs and found that many of the potential buyers were plants, listings that the show claimed had sold were still on the market months later and many renovations hadn't been done properly. I spoke to an executive producer off the record who said these were common industry practices.

[SoCalDem]

131. I thought so too.. it always cracks me up when the would-be buyers

come in after the "reveal" and oddly enough they all seem to hit on JUST the clever things the design-team has done...and in the same words too :rofl:..

and the people who wander in to look, always look like people who would have trouble coming up with a $750 rent payment, but they are "interested" in a house on the market for $550K :)

I have gotten some ideas from the shows though:)

[tango-tee]

125. Aaaah yes.

Isn't that all just so cute and adorable and divine? Makes me want to puke as well, SoCalDem!

[ipaint]

4. That number will explode unless they plan on keeping

folks on unemployment for 10 years. Not renewing the EU benefit program on time (they expire feb 28) will probably force my husband and I into turning our truck into shelter.

This will trickle up.

[wellst0nev0ter]

5. Kick

:kick:

[Maru Kitteh]

7. I drove by a campground in Council Bluffs, IA covered in snow yesterday and counted my blessings

One of them was about a 12 footer, late 70's early 80's with two little kids bikes leaned up against it.

Boy did that make the heart hurt.

[leftstreet]

8. Chase CEO Jamie Dimon's Chicago Home on Market For $10.5 million

Jamie Dimon's Chicago Home On The Market For A Reduced Price
May 27th 2009 at 6:01PM

How does JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon live? His $10.5 million home on Chicago's Gold Coast offers a hint. The eight-bedroom home was built in 1870 and measures approximately 15,000 square feet over four stories. It includes a 900-square-foot rooftop terrace.

Dimon has been the CEO and president of the company since 2005 and has been an integral part of overseeing the $25 billion in TARP funds that JPMorgan Chase received. He hasn't lived in the Gold Coast home since 2004.

He is asking $10.5 million for the home which puts it at the peak of homes currently listed for sale in Chicago. The home was listed for $13.5 million about two years ago. Back then Berg Properties reported that the home was purchased by Dimon and his wife in 2000 for $4.68 million so he could still make some money on the deal.
http://www.luxist.com/2009/05/27/jamie-dimons-chicago-home-on-the-market/

Not sure if he ever sold it.

[dixiegrrrrl]

10. He has other houses

This, from a news story of 2007:
Dimon also has an apartment in Manhattan.
However, in a Big Time Listings exclusive, we can report that Dimon paid $17.05 million at the end of last year for a 30.05-acre estate in Bedford Corners in Westchester County, N.Y.,
according to public records. That estate, which is improved, had been listed for $19.95 million. Unfortunately, no details were available on the property itself, and it’s unclear whether Dimon plans to build a mansion on the property (which we would assume) or occupy the rural house already on it.

Poor baby...if he sells the Chicago manse, he will only have 2 houses to live in...as far as we know.

Sob....my heart is bleeding for him.

[Maru Kitteh]

15. Ugh. I'm not sure what that looks like, but it doesn't look like a home

At least not a family home.

[proudohioan]

22. No it sure doesn't!!

Think how many folks a place like that could house.......

[leftstreet]

53. More like a fortress!

[dajoki]

63. It should be opened up for the homeless...

you could probably get quite a few nice apartments out of it.

[DevinKline]

9. We need a constitutional ammendment guaranteeing a right to housing!

Shelter is one of the most basic of all human needs, and it's an absolute crime that we base a person's access to it upon their ability to pay. Money is the silliest thing we as a people tie ourselves to.

[ipaint]

11. Not only that if you are forced to live in your vehicle in most

communities you are committing a crime. I don't know where they expect people to go. I guess with no money you cease to exist.

Cities in california and washington have set aside parking lots for folks to park in overnight.

[SemperEadem]

84. they expect them to die... to remove themselves from their site

There should be either a repeal of that kind of law or some kind of a solution that provides dignity to people who are not turning to agencies/welfare/handouts/whatever-they-want-to-call-it out of a sense of pride.

Just because they lost their job and/or home does not mean that they automatically must sacrifice their dignity too on the altar of intolerance and belief that something like that could never happen to those who look down their noses on those struggling to regain their footing.

[proudohioan]

24. Amen to that!!!

[midnight]

27. This i a great idea.

[Odin2005]

29. +1

[bobbolink]

73. THERE you go! Somebody actually thinking of solutions and showing a concern,

rather than just complaining about the budget, rich peoples' homes, etc.

How much suffering does it take before "progressives" are willing to start taking action?

[DevinKline]

129. So how do we start the process?

If we lived in a sane society, we'd have long recognized the right to a comfortable home. Unfortunately there are too many "pick yourself up by your own bootstrap" libertarian capitalist loonies out there who would fight against it. Do we need to start knocking on doors and organizing on the local level? I don't think we can count on any of our elected officials.

[bobbolink]

160. There are some of us who have been discussing starting points.

We are working on one now, and making headway,

PM me if you are looking for a way to make contributions to this effort, and putting your energy into something that will be highly Valued!

thanks... for caring and for seeking... every Civil Rights effort started at this same place. Somehow, we will find the path out of this!

:yourock:

[Eyerish]

80. +1

You are absolutely correct.

[bobbolink]

150. Welcome to DU! You speak common sense, and compassion!

If there is nobody who is drawing up a constitutional amendment, would you like to start?

Its one of the facets we need to begin with!

Thanks! :yourrock:

[earth mom]

12. "Cars are the new homeless shelter". Wow, that is just unbelievable and so sad.

:cry:

[bobbolink]

74. I repeat: we don't need more "shelters"! HOUSING!!

[earth mom]

88. Please do NOT yell at me. nt.

[bobbolink]

89. then be willing to take action. You really think homeless people aren't on the verge of doing a

lot more than yelling????????

[Maru Kitteh]

113. Berating people for daring to say that they care sucks. You don't know what EM does or doesn't do.

You should apologize - not shift the blame or toss around Red Herrings. It's not right to assume that just because someone doesn't provide a short resume with every post that they haven't done anything to help.

[bobbolink]

117. You did a fine job of twisting what I said, didn't you?

If you would care to actually read what I'm saying, it is that I'm upset with people on this thread for NOT caring enough to actually understand what this is doing to people, and to begin talk about what can be done.

You actually don't see the difference?

Continually blaming republicans on every poverty thread is tiring, old, and totally non-productive.

Yes, we KNOW the military budget is bloated... how is saying that over and over and over and over going to put a roof over any heads? You can all put effort into other causes, but you can't when it comes to poverty.

Don't kid yourselves that we poor folk don't see that. I'm NOT the only one pointing it out.

You don't like what I have to say?

Then either put me on ignore, or see the lack of action, and begin to take the issue with the seriousness it deservesl, and talk about some solutions.

Quite simple, really.

That is, unless its just fun for you to bash someone who is tired of the inaction.

[Obamanaut]

147. And again, from 2008

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bobbolink


<Snip>From this point on, could we vow to make DU a safe place to discuss thoughts of a "left-wing", "progressive" or "liberal" bent, whatever term you wish to use?

<snip>Could we change to an atmosphere of respect and cordiality in our dealings with each other, and leave the snide, nasty putdowns to the RW, where they belong?

<snip>Could we make this a place for the safe exchange of ideas, without fear of being attacked, or told to "grow up", "deal with it", "get a life", and all the other hostile insults meant to put another in her/his place? All these insulting jabs came into being during the Raygun era.. can we finally put that to rest?

[bobbolink]

164. You waste energy lecturing rather than rolling up your sleeves and seeing how you could better

the situation.

Of course my words stand. If you can't see the relevance, that says more about YOU.

Now, how 'bout trying to see how YOU could help to make life better for those of us who are suffering.

thank you.

[Obamanaut]

166. "...for those of us who are..." That pretty much sums it up, doesn't

it, saying it this way rather than simply "...for those who are..."

As you said "...that says more about YOU...."

Someone in another thread said words to the effect "you don't get my resume with every post." In my case, not with any post.

[Name removed]

169. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Maru Kitteh]

179. Time you should take your own advice from this very thread.

You know, when you lecture people this way without KNOWING what they have done, y0u0 come off looking rather silly, and maybe a bit destructive.

<snip>

and maybe YOU would do well to take a look at your need to play parent. Telling strangers what to do is an authoritarian trait of the RW, and time to recognize just how destructive it is.

Bye now....

physician, heal thyself

[asdjrocky]

13. I'll paraphrase Langston Huges here-

Then one day
They put us out o' the house
Ma and Pa was
Meek as a mouse
Still waiting on Obama,
Obama, Obama

[dysfunctional press]

16. lots of homeless people would love to have a car or camper...

to call home.

[happy_liberal]

52. yes exactly!

I couldn't help thinking with the cash for clunker deal a while ago, that instead of crushing the cars they could at least give them to homeless people and give them a place to set up camp legally.

[LanternWaste]

102. Which certainly doesn't minimize the fact...

Which certainly doesn't minimize the fact that many people living in cars would like to have a house to call home.

[Greyhound]

17. Always K&R these stories.

Most people just refuse to see how bad things are. The millionaire talking heads tell them everything is fine and they just nod their heads.
:grr:

[bobbolink]

75. And "progressives" assign blame, nod their heads, and go on.,

:shrug:

[KG]

19. i'm planning on living in my pick-up truck one day. buy a topper with the money from the yard sale

where i sell the last of my stuff. could be worse, i guess. could be a cardboard box.

[Plucketeer]

54. Back in '81 I lived in my aging pickup truck with a camper shell on the back.

I followed the warm weather south as winter came on. Folks I met along the way would offer a bed and bath now and then. I need to take time and write about those days. Very thought-provoking times.

[phasma ex machina]

123. In the early '90s I lived out of the back of a Toyota 4-Runner during my work week in a big city.

Headed home for the weekends. Sort of thrilling in it's own way. Possibly a manifestation of my own insanity. :rofl: OTOH low rent slumming sucks.

[proudohioan]

20. K & R!!!

It's terrifying when you realize that your own situation is a house of cards, and is waiting to crumble at any moment.

A year and a half ago, I found myself in that situation. I'm a single parent, and my job at the time, while not a great wage, at least covered the rent, bills and food. However, it was a "temp" job, and towards the end of the contract, it became apparent that our contract was not going to be renewed. I started desperately looking for another job, hoping to get something before being out of work and on unemployment (I'm old enough to remember when being on unemployment was "the kiss of death" to future employers).

Long story short, I couldn't even find a lousy $12.00 per hour job (I'm a college graduate!) and ended up accepting a cashier position at a really crummy, non-union grocery store. The pay was $8.00 per hour and I was told that it was a "full-time" job. Me, being "old skool" that I am, figured it was better to have SOME kind of job, and accepted the job out of sheer desperation, intending to keep looking for something better in the mean time.

"Full-time" ended up being 40 hours per week the first week of the month, possibly 40 hours for the second week of the month (at least being scheduled for 40 hours; it usually resulted in being "called off" by the manager or sent home after 2 hours into the shift), and the rest of the month usually averaged around 25 hours per week. You see, the first of each month was when the majority of our customers got their social security checks and food stamp benefits. Ironically, almost all of the adult employees were on food stamps as well.

I, too, applied for food stamps. There still wasn't enough to cover everything. October, November and December of 2008 I borrowed money to pay my rent. Come January 2009, I looked at the checking account balance, saw that if I didn't make at least a partial payment on my electric bill that my electricity would be shut off, and knew that "the house of cards" was now crashing down. I called the apartment management and explained my situation (after living there for 3 and a half years I had never been late on rent), stating that I was not able to pay January's rent, but I had filed my tax return and could pay my rent when I received my tax refund check. Nope, sorry, we can let you go 'til the 15th, but if you don't pay up by then, we will start the eviction process! I called 211, but was told that there was only help AFTER eviction had started and I had an actual COURT CASE assigned!

Fortunately, a dear friend of mine (whose lease was up) was going to rent a vacant house that the current owners had been unable to sell. The rent was $500 per month, and he asked me if I would be willing to move in with him. He said he couldn't bear to see a single mother kicked out onto the street. So but for the Grace of God and my dearest friend, I escaped homelessness. I was just damn lucky. Needless to say, I did the unthinkable and moved out in the "middle of the night", breaking my lease. I knew that when I did get my tax refund, it would cover about 2 months rent and I would be back to my "house of cards".

What a slippery slope this country is on! We are all so vulnerable to this economy, with this capitalist "gotcha game" where one wrong move on our part results in consequences forever (I trashed a perfect rental history and will never be able to rent a decent apartment again, much less buy a home!) And I think of those fucken Fat Cats on Wall St., screwing everything up and getting REWARDED for their fuck ups!

The rest of us face homelessness and poverty.

Sorry to rant like this, I really didn't intend to....... just wanted to thank the OP for the excellent and eye-opening article.

[QC]

25. But fat kids are the greatest threat to America's security right now.

Could it be that our ruling class is a little out of touch?

[proudohioan]

26. Ironically enough......

the last several times that I've gone to my public library, the movie "The Grapes of Wrath" was on the RECENTLY RETURNED SHELF!!!! When I finally decided that I would check out the movie, it was already checked out and there was a WAIT LIST for it!!!

A sign of the times.....

:scared:

[raccoon]

28. See THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY? if you haven't already.

A movie about Depression times that will remind you of today.

[proudohioan]

31. OMG, haven't seen that one in ages....

Might as well put myself on the waiting list for that one, too. I'm a glutton for punishment.

:)

[Odin2005]

30. Is it a Depression yet?

[DisgustedInMN]

35. Depends...

... on whether that longterm unemployed "statistic" is you or the neighbor down the street.

For me, it's a Depression and it's getting FAR worse. I submitted my final week claim for UI benefits this morning. What I'll do after this week is a mystery to me. Haven't ever been a criminal, so that option is out. Figured out a long time ago, that "praying" is a suckers game. I written my Senators so many times they probably have my letters sent straight to spam...

So yes, for me and MILLIONS of other Americans that have worked hard, played by the rules, and paid our taxes all of our lives,

IT REALLY IS A DEPRESSION!

:scared:

[ipaint]

37. I'm in the same boat.

There are no jobs in my area and my husband and I live unemployment check to unemployment check.

Having worked hard all our lives he is in shock that at 56 the bottom has fallen out as a result of wealth and greed run amok. But I am preparing for the worst- living in our truck.

We have nothing left to lose but our lives. And for those who are safe at the moment this is coming to your neighborhood next.

If anyone thinks that they can have wave after wave of millions of unemployed people hitting the streets when their unemployment runs out and survive it as a spectator safe in their gated community, well... you won't.

Just the hundreds of millions of dollars taken out of the states economies will do massive damage.

But, hey, we saved the banks, bailed out the elite and backed their bad debts to the tune of trillions of taxpayer dollars. Yippee.

[DisgustedInMN]

44. It makes me wonder...

... if these people actually fail to recognize the old axiom that says: When you've got nothin', you've got nothin' to lose.

Those that think I'll just just sit by, patiently, as everything I've worked my entire life for is stolen from me, are in for a VERY rude awakening. At age 57, I'm out of time to wait for the "recession" (known to those of us that are victims of it as The Second Great Depression) to end, then MAYBE find a minimum wage job a few months later. That won't cut it. And I sure as the Sun coming up tomorrow, WILL do something about it. If it costs me the one thing I have left, my life, then so be it. I WON'T go quietly into the night.

[defendandprotect]

47. I think it's been a depression for many American for decades --

Reagan threw disabled off of government safety nets --

I don't think it made much of a blip at the time -- but evidently

thousands killed themselves and then the "free press" failed to report that -- !!

[indy legend]

39. Another American dream

Brought to you by the Republican party and the vision of Ronald Reagan. If there is a hell I hope Reagan is occupying a special place in it and warming a seat for Dick-less Cheney.

[salib]

40. I do not understand how the "Union" gets blamed here:

From the article:

"Then, on his birthday in October, he and 199 other plumbers were laid off by their union, Local 761 in Burbank. "

Any ideas?

[ipaint]

41. It means the union couldn't line up work for them.

There isn't any. That doesn't mean the union dropped the ball it means the economy is in a recession/depression.

[KansDem]

62. Just like salib, I wondered too...

"How does a union lay off workers?"

The article makes it sound like the union let them go, as if it were an employer. The article is misleading...

[whathappened]

87. unions

trade unions don't lay off people , companys post jobs to the unions , and the unions have a list of workers for diff trades in there local union halls ,and then offer the work to there union members , so unions don't have anything to do with laying off workers , they try and find work , my son has been layed off for a year in mi.

[troubledamerican]

118. I noticed that also, IMMEDIATELY, as a propaganda tip-off

and IMMEDIATELY I even question the existence of this plumber in real life. I don't trust that he's not invented out of whole cloth.

The rest of the article continues the anti-union smears & swipes.

[rhett o rick]

42. We need to get photos and get them to the public. Viral email maybe. nt

[bobbolink]

82. For...? Interrupt the privacy of homeless people even more, and that will do ....what?

I see no evidence of any real compassion here in this thread, nor any rage at the injustice that will lead to action.

Yet, you want us homeless people to be dishonored yet again by having 0ur pictures spread all over the internet tubes?

To what end?

If the people who have read this thread can't manage to care enough to motivate themselves to take action, why do you think humiliating pictures will?

[rhett o rick]

108. I am saddened that you dont see compassion. I try to understand your situation

but not being homeless I cant obviously. I work at a local food bank and we provide the local organization that helps the homeless with 120 bags of food a month. we also help some directly that come to our food bank.

I would never think to dishonor homeless. But I believe that the problem is hidden. No media coverage no public awareness. I want the public to see what is happening in their own neighborhoods. Maybe if they see the tents in the woods or the cars in the church parking lots they will start to recognize the problem.

[bobbolink]

119. I'm glad that you try to understand... I can hear that. I can hear your distress.

Now, I ask you to understand what it would be like for you to be a homeless person and have someone come around, not knowing you, not seeing you as a person, and take pictures of you and seeing those pictures in the local paper. Can you now understand just how humiliating that would be to some homeless people, and how impersonal?

"But I believe that the problem is hidden."

Exactly! You are completely correct, and that is what I see in this thread... so many people don't WANT to see it.... to understand....to empathize, and "walk in the shoes". I'm glad you recognize that.

But, I'm willing to bet you, if we put our heads together we could come up with some ideas of how to change the awareness without victimizing people further.

I really bet we could.

Interested?

[rhett o rick]

121. Of course. nt

[bobbolink]

161. How about taking pictures of the greedy people who are CAUSING this crap in the first place?

[lonestarnot]

43. Pugs and bluedogs are getting exactly what they want. The more things

don't change, the more they stay the same.

[defendandprotect]

45. ..... and being ignored by our government -- !! Remember when we used to talk

about HOMELESSNESS and poverty???

[freddie mertz]

50. This is the moral backdrop for not "begrudging" those obscene bonuses.

To the very men who engineered all this suffering.

I am nauseated by the whole ghastly spectacle.

The death of hope.

[CrispyQ]

141. "ghastly spectacle"

That descriptive resonates with me. Very apt.

[bobbolink]

162. Yup, take pictures of the greedy ones, not their victims!

[winyanstaz]

55. K & R.....

At least the middle class homeless still have a car to live in.....so what's the problem with pumping billions daily into the war machines?
Anyway the homeless don't vote........
:sarcasm:

(I am sure that is why our congress apparently couldn't care less)

I guess that is why our leaders in Congress and in the state legislatures aren't doing shit about the homeless except burning down their camps and stealing what is left.

If the government won't help the homeless with jobs or "bail them out" after helping the banks rip them off and outsourcing their jobs....you would think they would at least let them live in the parks so they could have a toilet and some water....but Noooooooooo. :mad:

I am sure that any day now they will start rounding the homeless up to make them live in the camps they have built.

Wasn't it nice of them to spend billions making those nice camps to keep people in? After all ..Halliburton is making millions with the contract to stock those camps. Proof that they did create some jobs I guess.

And they will all be able to be "secure" within the barbed wire fences even though the barbed wire at the top is pointing in and not out.

[matt819]

58. I was in my local coffee shop the other day

And, making the usual chit chat, the coffee person asked how my weekend was. It was okay, but it was cold, and it seems I was constantly bringing wood in from the woodpile, and in the mornings it was pretty chilly. Kind of safe conversation, I thought. So how was yours, I ask. Well, the coffee person says, it was pretty cold, since she lives in a tent and has only a sleeping bag and some dogs for warmth.

Well, don't I feel pretty stupid. So, what does one say? Hey, are you homeless? Or, why are you living in a tent? What kind of dogs? This is a working person, making probably $8 an hour - not sure if full time or less. And a tent is home.

[KansDem]

64. Could be she's making less than $8 an hour...

Or I should say her employer is paying her less than $8 an hour. Chances are she's getting between $2-$3 from her employer and making up the rest in tips. I believe that's the way it is at a restaurant I go to frequently.

If business is good and the server is competent, she might make more than $8 an hour, but then, there are those down times when business is slow and if customers are just buying coffee and a doughnut, then even a 20% tip isn't very much...

(No doubt you tipped well? ;))

[bobbolink]

163. She honored you by telling you the truth.

yes, I recognize that it may make you uncomfortable to be taken away from "safe conversation", but.... let me tell you, we homeless people get tired of trying to play that safe game all the time.

I repeat: She honored you by telling you the truth.

[tango-tee]

60. My dearest DU friend is homeless and lives in her car.

And she isn't living in her car in balmy Key West, but in a cold, snowy, mountainous part of the country. And she can't even do that in peace, because simply existing, trying to get a few hours of sleep, within these four flimsy aluminium walls is a violation of the law. Never mind that there are predators out there, but those who should protect her will by law persecute her for being poor and having no place else to go. Where can she find respite? Where can she go for warmth, companionship, peace, being cared about? The feeling of not being a pox on society?

My friend is a person of integrity, strength and kindness of heart, filled with the will to fight not only for herself but for those who share her plight. Eloquent, creative, intelligent. A sweet, considerate woman - I don't think that if I shared her situation I would be able to find these qualities within me, when faced with the requirement to survive another twenty-four hours.

There is no use in putting a band-aid over a wound which requires a tourniquet. A place at a homeless shelter for my friend is nothing but a band-aid because, meanwhile, the blood keeps seeping out from underneath the bandage, unchecked. And this "leaking" I'm talking about is exemplified in the many thousands, the many hundreds of thousands, who share her fate. They come in all shapes, ages, sizes, races and ethnicities, combinations of family members ranging from infants to the elderly, and each individual fate is horrible. It is cold out there. And it is not to be condoned in a country where there is so much superfluous wealth displayed with so few signs of caring for the fate of those who have been disenfranchised.

Where I live at the moment, I am an entire ocean and half a continent removed from my friend. We have never met in person, but to me her situation is symptomatic for so much of what ails America... and Europe as well. It has nothing to do with taking "pity" on those living in poverty and homelessness, but it has everything to do with the obligation of those of us who are able to address the needs of our brothers and sisters in poverty. Not through charity and hand-outs, but by recognizing it as the societal ill it is. And that needs to be addressed and changed.

Solidarity.

[Desertrose]

97. Couldn't have said it any better myself, tango tee.

We are past the bandaid point, you are right. This is a matter of bleeding out!!

[CrispyQ]

142. An excellent post, tango-tee!

"It has nothing to do with taking "pity" on those living in poverty and homelessness, but it has everything to do with the obligation of those of us who are able to address the needs of our brothers and sisters in poverty. Not through charity and hand-outs, but by recognizing it as the societal ill it is. And that needs to be addressed and changed."

Well said!!

[tango-tee]

174. Thank you, CrispyQ!

But where do we go from here? We know it is a systematic ill. To address and change this festering wound, we need to find people who are willing to be vocal, who are willing to fight side-by-side with those who are most helpless in society - the poor and homeless.

May we count on you? One more comrade-at-arms would be a wonderful gift.

[upi402]

61. I saw that, then checked craigslist.org

Old RV's are advertised as live-in shelter and no longer cheap. One advertised as acquired "from homeless people".

My concern; when will all the guns come out?

[bobbolink]

154. "when will all the guns come out?" Exactly.

You can see yourself how many people tell me to basically shut up... being "angry" offends them.

How offended will they be when they ignore the anger I express, and the anger other homeless people express, and it explodes into that kind of RAGE?

What does it take?

How many times must we repeat the same process of injustice and outrage?

[EmeraldCityGrl]

66. It's really a shame that on top of everything these folks are

dealing with, they also have to live in fear of the police.
Police know these people are out there and it seems they
could look the other way.

It's not uncommon anymore to spot these cars as you're
walking through a parking lot. You just know it when you see it.

[Quantess]

67. Unemployed plumbers?

Wow, now that is a bad sign!

[Fire1]

103. Who can afford a plumber at what they charge an hour!

Hell yeah, they're unemployed!

[Quantess]

112. Sure, but the alternatives to not calling a plumber can be just as bad, or worse!

What are people doing, fixing their own plumbing now?

[upi402]

128. Yep, they wouldn't show up during the boom, so I learned! n/t

[Fire1]

134. That's exactly what they're doing! n/t

[RaleighNCDUer]

137. It's not all that hard, if you have no other choice.

I've replaced toilets, replaced sinks, recovered rings from 'S' traps, run snakes down drains all because I couldn't afford to hire a plumber to do the same things.

It is a learning experience.

[Edweird]

68. That's why I hold onto my Suburban with a Kung-Fu Death Grip. If things get worse,

it'll be 'home'. As a primary residence it would suck and be cramped - but it would beat the hell out of tenting in whatever green space I could find.

I have a job, but things can go south in a heartbeat.

[bobbolink]

69. "Cars are the new homeless shelters," AARRGGGHH!!!

WHAT is it going to take to get people to understand that "SHELTER" is NOT the answer?

There are more than enough shelters in most areas.... what is LACKING is LOW-INCOME housing!

Or, maybe people like the idea of poor folk passing around diseases in close quarters.

Tuberculosis, anyone?

:nuke:

[ipaint]

77. Low income housing and a guaranteed minimum income for everyone.

But that would require that the rich stop hoarding all the wealth. When you have a president who refers to criminal fraudster ceo's in the banking industry as savvy businessmen, I don't think the hoarding will stop anytime soon.

Only a massive push from the populace will do that.

[bobbolink]

81. Its going to take enough people giving a damn, and making the effort.

NOTHING comes without effort.

I have a question for you... why is it worth the effort to fight for the environment, fight for gay marriage, fight for health care, fight for so many other things, but when it comes to poverty and homeless, we get dismissals like "I don't think the hoarding will stop anytime soon"????

Do you have any idea just how discouraging this is to poor folk, and how hopeless we feel when reading this stuff?

Can you put yourself in our shoes for a minute and reread these replies, and see just how dismissive they are?

Its a damned good thing Martin and Malcolm didn't settle for these rationalizations, isn't it?

Now, should I bet that you will respond by getting angry at *me*, rather than to see that it is time for serious action?

[ipaint]

90. I am poor folk looking at the very real prospect of living in my truck in 3 weeks when my

unemployment ends.

And I will take the truth over pie in the sky hopes about social revolution regarding poverty, the environment, health care etc. etc., any day. It's not comforting, it's not "hopeful" and solutions aren't right around corner given the state of our political system. That's reality.

Because I recognize reality does not mean I am settling for it. Do I want those of means to seriously fight for low income housing right now, of course. Am I giving up because they won't, of course not.
I don't need hope to keep on fighting and struggling to survive. But right now we don't have a Martin or a Malcolm and chastising ans shaming another dirt poor person for recognizing that fact isn't going to make one appear.

And I am not mad at you only at what you assume about me.

[bobbolink]

92. What you are missing here is that I have been in this situation a LOT longer, and

know that hope fades in the face of this kind of dismissal.

So, don't YOU go making assumptions about ME.

Its going to take a hell of a lot of prodding and pushing to change anything at all, and you can't do it by yourself any more than I can.

I haven't seen your name here before, but I can tell you, as will others, that I have been working on this on DU for a very long time, and Sapphire Blue before me. There is NO EXCUSE for "progressivres" to keep ignoring it.

And if that truth bothers you......

[ipaint]

94. Truth doesn't bother me.

And if you need street creds I lived in a 14' pop up camper traveling around the south in campgrounds with my husband chasing carpentry jobs from 2006-2008. We are extremely fortunate to have roof ( sm. 1 room studio) over our heads for a year and a few months but I am now building a bed in the back of my truck in preparation for minimal to no income and life on the street. I have been working class all my life, my teeth are broken and in disrepair and I haven't seen a doctor for 15 years. It goes without saying but I haven't had health ins. for over 20. I own nothing but a ten year old truck. I am 10 years away from social security.

Hope is an illusion and for me a luxury I can't afford.

No one can change things alone but as I said in my post you found so offensive, only a massive push from the populace will do that.

I've made no assumptions about you and I did not ever assume in my post that you didn't know what you were talking about.

[bobbolink]

96. I'm not interested in arguing with you.

I WILL keep pushing people to take action instead of empty words.

[leftstreet]

98. Who is dismissing those who fight poverty?

:shrug:

You don't mean on DU, do you?

[bobbolink]

106. Are you saying you see any real effort in most of these replies?

(hint....blame doesn't mean effort)

[leftstreet]

115. I don't see DUers 'dismissing' poverty

That's why I asked, because maybe I've missed it.

'Real effort' is a different issue.

[bobbolink]

116. Maybe if it was a personal issue for you, you would begin to see the difference.

A thread about people having no place to live, and all that is being said is who is to blame.

Nothing about what this is doing to people.

NOTHING about taking action to make sure that everyone has a place to live.

Yeah, I call that a dismissal, because NONE of this will change until all of you stop being so concerned about blame, and start agitating to make it different.

Yet, when I post a request for action, for making a simple phone call, it is ignored.

So, yes, it is dismissed.

Not that I would expect that it would matter to you.

[leftstreet]

177. Action items are not ignored on DU n/t

[RaleighNCDUer]

138. You do understand that this is a message board, don't you?

You won't find any action here. You find messages here.

Fortunately, most the people posting here ALSO are taking what action they can, if they are not too busy trying to not become homeless themselves.

I appreciate your passion, but your anger is aimed at the wrong place. I daresay EVERYONE here is on your side.

[bobbolink]

165. Oh, that's right... action belongs somewhere else.

That's why the admins peridically remind people to GET INVOLVED rather than spending all their time criticising people.

[GreenTea]

79. What 8 yrs of Bush has given us starting with 8 yrs of Reagan, 4 more of pappy Bush

And DLC & corporate loving president Clinton was a brief relief from what was coming net - An all out assault from the republicans stealing a couple of elections for their corporate union hating, privatize everything, robot huckster & imbecile, republican George W Bush and those eight years have put us over the edge and where we are today....

Corporations controlling all aspects of government and our lives and now no holds bar from the republican Supreme Court corporations can buy even more elections with unlimited money....and corporations are no friends of the workers they don't care how many people lose their homes and live in cars, go hungry, have no health care....Just a long as profits are up for these unpatriotic no-country loyalty multinational corporations!!

[bobbolink]

83. Now you've properly affixed the blame, and homeless people feel much better.

Now, what are you going to do about it?

[pengillian101]

122. Now, what are you going to do about it?

bobbolink, your suggestions are most welcome on that question. Most of us have no clue how to help.

[bobbolink]

124. Thank you! The very first thing to be done is to raise awareness of the REAL issue.

I get so frustrated when I listen to or watch "progressive" media.

Either the whole issue is totally ignored, or there are ignorant and untrue myths repeated.

We need to form a core of homelessness activists to shed light on the issue, and then go to work making housing a RIGHT, and agitating to have Housing For All.

We've done charity for all these years, and the problem gets worse. Its time for JUSTICE!

[silenttigersong]

91. great site for homeless advocacy

NLCHP.org

[Oldtimeralso]

93. Cars and Trucks are becoming the new "Hoovervilles"

Take a look here and see the shanty and tent towns of the First Great Depression in America.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooverville

:-( :( :-(

[midnight]

95. K&R.

[1776Forever]

99. This is getting to be a landslide that is cascading us to oblivion. We need to STOP it NOW!

How much more of this can the middle class stand? It is the end of our lifestyle as we know it! Those Millionaires who are running to help Haiti become another India with lower wages then they are paying here are just spreading the misery around. I heard Imus of all people today tell his audience that we need to start to help our own! I couldn't believe it when he said we need to help the world but we need to remember the huge need here as he was discussing a hospital in East Harlem NY that he and his wife are helping out. He said there are more children there with asthma and more people with other chronic illnesses including diabetes-related amputations than in any other place in the United States. I agree with him! Start here! Start NOW!

[EmeraldCityGrl]

100. How soon before American's start qualifying for refugee status?

[bobbolink]

120. Some of us crossed that line a very long time ago.

Not that many have noticed it.

[Vidar]

104. K&R.

[kestrel91316]

110. There are several campers in my neighborhood that people clearly live in.

They mind their own business and don't create any problems, so I don't report them.

There, but for the grace of God.........

[cutlassmama]

111. K&R

[happy_liberal]

127. The problem is growing and this is unacceptable!

What are we going to do to demand decent low income housing? Our fellow Americans are counting on us, they cannot fight alone.

How absurd is it that we have millions of homes in forclosure, empty homes...and yet people are living and suffering on the streets, being arrested for being poor.

How can we demand that the government put some money into buying empty homes and creating low income housing?

How do we get a bailout for the people who really need it?

[happy_liberal]

143. 18.6 Million Empty Homes In America, 3.5 million homeless

Got ideas?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7725336

[Desertrose]

144. Close friend is losing his house...medical bankruptcy.....

He lost his wife slowly and painfully to cancer, then his business since he had to tend to his wife...now the house has to go...the company he works for declared bankruptcy as well, so there goes his job, too.

Selling his truck and hoping to buy a rv or camper & will live out of that. He has a great outlook all things considered. (would I? not too sure.) Wants to start a small community of like minded people somewhere.

I say go for it my friend. :hug:

[happy_liberal]

148. We need low income housing now!

n/t

[bobbolink]

149. Yesterday would be better, but I'll settle for NOW.

:hi: :pals:

[Mike 03]

168. Such an important post. The small town in which I live has at least 300 homeless

college students living along an ice-cold river in which they bathe. They are lucky to have a change of clothing. This is real, and I blame myself for not doing better to get involved in this problem.

One of the keys is coordination among varied organizations that all have the same goal, to help these people.

But it is daunting. So many people in this town are leaving due to foreclosures and bankruptcies, that it is hard to get a sense of unity towards this goal.

Important stuff, thanks for the post.

[winyanstaz]

170. What? This isnt on the front page of every tv, newspaper, blog

in the nation?
Why not? Are you all going to wait until YOU are homeless or all the poor are homeless and even the middle class before you even do anything?

[donheld]

171. How can we be proud American's while this is going on?

[oldlib]

178. I didn't become aware of the Homeless

phenomenon until Reagan became governor of California. Up until that time we might see an occasional bum or hobo, but not homeless people. Reagan closed the state health care clinics as one of his cost cutting acts and those people were left to the streets.

[TheKentuckian]

180. Bump since I can't rec