Anyone here live in any oen of these cities?

The top 20 meanest U.S. cities, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless:

Sarasota, Florida
Lawrence, Kansas
Little Rock, Arkansas
Atlanta, Georgia
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dallas, Texas
Houston, Texas
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Santa Monica, California
Flagstaff, Arizona
San Francisco, California
Chicago, Illinois
San Antonio, Texas
New York City, New York
Austin, Texas
Anchorage, Alaska
Phoenix, Arizona
Los Angeles, California
St. Louis, Missouri
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Genteel and polite Little Rock, Arkansas was branded the meanest city last year and moved down to No. 3 this year.

See here for more info: http://channels.netscape.com/homerealestate/package.jsp?name=fte/meanestcities/meanestcities

Yes, I live in one of those citys - why are they saying they're mean?

Originally posted by newdsagent3
Yes, I live in one of those citys - why are they saying they're mean?

Oh - I see. ( I checked the article)

I was born in Gary, Indiana, steel making capital of the world.

Also murder capital of the world, per capita.

If that's not mean, I don't know what is.

OMG! People are being mean to the homeless!?!?! How could someone be rude to a person whose daily highlight amounts to finding a half consumed bottle of beer? The nerve of some people...

Originally posted by The Praetorian
OMG! People are being mean to the homeless!?!?! How could someone be rude to a person whose daily highlight amounts to finding a half consumed bottle of beer? The nerve of some people...

Not all of the homeless are like that.

Yeah, I know......some prefer needles to alcohol. And then there's your garden-variety bum who’s simply ditching work while he/she lives off of the government. I say short of a mental disability or physical handicap, you should be shown NO leniency, whatsoever, period.

I cant believe san francisco is on the list of meanest citys to the homeless. only in america could a city that hands out hundreds in cash to homeless be considered mean.

Some towns are just to small to make the list, yet are some of the meanest places in the U.S.

Originally posted by The Praetorian
OMG! People are being mean to the homeless!?!?! How could someone be rude to a person whose daily highlight amounts to finding a half consumed bottle of beer? The nerve of some people... Yeah, I know......some prefer needles to alcohol. And then there's your garden-variety bum who’s simply ditching work while he/she lives off of the government. I say short of a mental disability or physical handicap, you should be shown NO leniency, whatsoever, period.



I couldn't agree more!!!

Originally posted by The Praetorian
Yeah, I know......some prefer needles to alcohol. And then there's your garden-variety bum who’s simply ditching work while he/she lives off of the government. I say short of a mental disability or physical handicap, you should be shown NO leniency, whatsoever, period. Originally posted by appickle
I couldn't agree more!!! Me three!!! Beating them to death with baseball bats is too good for the scum! Too fast and relatively painless! More suffering, I say! How else will our children learn the value of hard work!?

maybe we could just give them all a doctor perscribed lethal dose of medications to end thier suffering and end the homeless problem for good

maybe we could just give them all a doctor perscribed lethal dose of medications to end thier suffering and end the homeless problem for good

Spoken like a true idiot.

its called using absurd imagery to highlight absurd laws

Originally posted by sedan
Me three!!! Beating them to death with baseball bats is too good for the scum! Too fast and relatively painless! More suffering, I say! How else will our children learn the value of hard work!?
LOL! :D

its called using absurd imagery to highlight absurd laws

Hmmm. Maybe I misjudged.

I note that at least 14 of these cities are in what I would call Southern States,what happened to 'Southern Hospitality',or is that just a myth.

I agree with the poster up-thread ... no way is San Francisco mean to the homeless.

Flagstaff, Az. ???? WTF -- home of the NAU Lumberjacks and one of the most beautiful settings in the world? No way on this one either.

Gary Indiana? I've been there ... couldn't wait to leave. I put Gary in the same category with Flint MI.

I live in 2 of the listed cities ... Los Angeles and Phoenix and both are very dangerous for the homeless ... particularily Phoenix where the homeless are supplied shelters due to the dangers for them in the streets but they won't go to the shelters because it's actually safer on the street. Friggin' circular danger.

Not all homeless people, but the majority of them are homeless by choice. They are people who spend their money on drugs and alcohol, people who would rather pan handle than work, people who prefer to rely on society rather than themselves. There are some people who are homeless due to circumstances beyond their control and these people should be helped by society. The rest should not have any claim to public funds, public facilities or public grounds.

Pompano Beach, Florida has mad it against the law to root around in public waste baskets. That might sound mean but the homeless were sleeping on the beach and tipping over the wastebaskets looking for whatever they could find. Of course, they left the trash to blow all over the beach.

It is not mean for a municipality to safeguard the rights of its taxpaying citizens. They are the ones who pay the piper and as such they should be the ones to name the tune being played. If homeless don't like the rules in one place they are free to pick up and move to another place. After all, how long can it take them to pack?

Jesus.Only in America would you get a statement like that,I guess I was right about Southern Hospitality.

You want to take in a bunch of homeless people in Belfast, be my guest. Let them have the run of your house if you so desire. Do not tell me I have to accomodate them in any way.

Pompano Beach, Florida has mad it against the law to root around in public waste baskets.

Well Florida is one of the redest of red states so of course, they will be against giving anyone a leg up or a hand out that might make a difference in that person's life. Conservatves are like that.

Now, if you want to witness the embodiement of good treatment for the homeless, make a trip to Sonoma County, CA. Walk the streets of Petaluma and Santa Rosa and witness them openly panhandle, sleep just about anywhere, hang out in the parks during the day with no one hassling them and even the cops stop to talk to them to make sure they're doing alright in terms of eating and health care.

It makes me proud to be an american.

You want to take in a bunch of homeless people in Belfast, be my guest. Let them have the run of your house if you so desire. Do not tell me I have to accomodate them in any way.

I can't imagine why someone who had to sleep outside would want to "live" in Florida. Maybe they could use your Long Island place while you're down south. :D

Nice human touch Frogger:Isnt it your duty as an American to look after your own,whats the world coming to,when the richest nation ignores its poorest citizens.I personaly dont have the means to accomadate the poor being working class myself,but I will make an observation about Belfast,most people I see on the street here are looking handouts for money to buy drink with and have somewhere to stay.The only genuine poor I see are East Europeans begging,in one case that hit the headlines at Christmas,a 30 year old woman from Latvia lost her job,and thus her digs,not speaking very good English she didnt know were to turn for help and had to sleep rough,on one particular nite it hie -15 and this woman contacted frostbite,she had to have her legs amputated,when well enough the gov,deported her,which leaves a bitter taste in my mouth,at the end of the day,most people are 5 weeks from living on the street.

Well Florida is one of the redest of red states so of course, they will be against giving anyone a leg up or a hand out that might make a difference in that person's life. Conservatves are like that.

Guess what, Lungdop, Pompano Beach is an almost totally blue city in the bluest county in Florida. Pompano Beach and Broward County are blue, blue, blue. I guess you can say, Liberals are like that.

paulc, I guess you didn't see where I differentiated between those who are homeless due to circumstances beyond their control and those who are homeless because of their own actions.

If someone has hit hard times because of circumstances he or she cannot control I am all in favor of helping that person. If someone has hit hard times because they have chosen to take drugs, not take their free medications, drink themselves into daily oblivion, not work when work is available, I feel no responsibility toward that person. It is not my responsibility to subsidize someone's disfunctional choices.

Fair enough Frogger,but do tell me,whats this blue and red business.

Not all homeless people, but the majority of them are homeless by choice. They are people who spend their money on drugs and alcohol, people who would rather pan handle than work, people who prefer to rely on society rather than themselves. There are some people who are homeless due to circumstances beyond their control and these people should be helped by society. The rest should not have any claim to public funds, public facilities or public grounds.

Pompano Beach, Florida has mad it against the law to root around in public waste baskets. That might sound mean but the homeless were sleeping on the beach and tipping over the wastebaskets looking for whatever they could find. Of course, they left the trash to blow all over the beach.

It is not mean for a municipality to safeguard the rights of its taxpaying citizens. They are the ones who pay the piper and as such they should be the ones to name the tune being played. If homeless don't like the rules in one place they are free to pick up and move to another place. After all, how long can it take them to pack?
I couldn't agree more. Well said, Frogger.

Paulc, red states are those states that voted for George Bush and blue states are those that voted for John Kerry. Red states tend to be more conservative and blue states tend to be more liberal. .

You could've had a lot more fun with that answer, Frogger.

I'd rob a bank before I'd BEG for money.
Imagine that--going up to a complete stranger and asking them for money.
Lord.

Yes, but Paulc is Irish so I have to keep my responses very simple and to the point. :D

Well Florida is one of the redest of red states so of course, they will be against giving anyone a leg up or a hand out that might make a difference in that person's life. Conservatves are like that.

Guess what, Lungdop, Pompano Beach is an almost totally blue city in the bluest county in Florida. Pompano Beach and Broward County are blue, blue, blue. I guess you can say, Liberals are like that.

So what? The state of Florida has a republican governor and at the state and municipal levels is nearly completely controlled by republicans. Under those conditions, democrats in government and on the streets have no power whatsoever ... witness the dems at the federal level who have the same situation ... not a single democratic bill even gets to the floor.

Nice try, Dop, but state governments don't involve themselves in homelessness and street begging issues.

Nice try, Dop, but state governments don't involve themselves in homelessness and street begging issues.

Well I guess that settles it ... so how about explaining just why state officials have no say in what happens to the homeless.

Imagine that--going up to a complete stranger and asking them for money.
Lord.
I have it happen to me all the time. I use public transportation almost exclusively, and miraculously, after a 45 min. ride, it feels as if I should take another shower when I get to work. The next degenerate bum that asks me for a cigarette is gonna to get the end of mine after I dowse him in gasoline first. The same thing goes for those assholes who actually see nothing wrong with asking a rank stranger for money. I'm like a snowflake in a coal mine on the el in south Chicago. Joliet is even scarier yet. Hell, half the time I'm frightened to say no; I think I'm gonna get shanked for being a smart-ass. Everyone riding amazingly smells like a fine mixture of B.O., Schlitz malt liquor, and Dentyne. Word of advice to people everywhere: don't drink and drive. It's simply not worth it...

I've been approached by beggars just a few times...once, it was a raggedy-looking, skinny kid..I gave him everything I had, which was just a few dollars. He seemed grateful and thanked me profusely--a few other times it's been decently dressed, able-bodied-looking grown men who were uppity to boot....no, they didn't get a cent..guess it depends on the circumstances. I was really shocked.

Praetorian,let me get the facts,before you start playing with the answer,thanx.

Praetorian,let me get the facts,before you start playing with the answer,thanx.
No problem.

Not to sound like a cock here, but you shouldn't be offended by a comment that wasn't meant to offend in the first place. Admittedly, playing with the definition would've been for the benefit of our humor, not yours - but let's be honest here; that's what's important anyway.

P.S. Your new avatar kicks the shit out of your old one. Che was a commie fuck bag. Oh, yeah, I just met the former president of Ireland at a diplomats meeting in Chicago. Nice lady, not to mention the first female president of Ireland – a brilliant academic, unfortunately, she’s a tad too wrapped up in feminism. She’s also VERY left leaning. I think she only served one term. Her name was Mary Robinson.

No offence taken or meant,I enjoy your thoughtful imput,as always.

No offence taken or meant,I enjoy your thoughtful imput,as always.
I think you must have me confused with someone else. :D

A few years ago I had to make an important time-sensitive delivery downtown. I found a meter close to the building I needed and thought everything was cool. Then I saw that the meter was expired and realized I had no quarters in my pocket. (In downtown Minneapolis you WILL get a ticket in less than 10 minutes if you park illegally). So I got out of the car and stood on the sidewalk waving a dollar bill in my hand and started asking people for change. This was during lunch hour and the sidewalk was crowded, but person after person walked right past me, all of them avoiding eye contact. Entire groups of people on their way to wherever turned their heads away in unison. It was pretty amazing. I was casually dressed and had long hair at the time but I was clean-shaven and didn't look like a bum. I had a large manila envelope in one hand and a dollar bill in the other for crying out loud. Anyway, after about two minutes of this a lady finally stopped and gave me change. Not sure if there's a point to this story, but I've kept a few quarters in my pocket ever since.

Lungdop, saying that because Florida has a Republican governor all the state is conservative is like saying New York City is conservative because Pataki is a Republican. Central Florida and the Panhandle tend to be conservative. South Florida is very liberal. Anything south of Lake Worth makes Cuba look like a bastion of conservatism. Martin, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami/Dade counties are very liberal.

Would I be right in saying these 'Liberal' areas all have high emigrant communities.If so,well,I aint exactly sure what that tells us.

Would I be right in saying these 'Liberal' areas all have high emigrant communities.If so,well,I aint exactly sure what that tells us.

It doesn't tell us much. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas recieve the highest influx of illegal immigration due to their proximity with the Mexican border; Florida due to their location in the Carribean. Those states are a far cry from being a "left-wing" region.

Well I guess that settles it

It's at least as meaningful as your "trust me, I have inside information" posts.

so how about explaining just why state officials have no say in what happens to the homeless.

I didn't say that have no say - I said they don't bother with purely local issues as a matter of course. They seem to be more worried about passing concealed carry laws and such things.

Isnt there a Federal Welfare system in the US.What way do they help the homeless and down and outs.

There is a federal level welfare system. It is called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

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

It is not designed, however, to deal with the homeless, but rather, needy families. The homeless are stuck with underfunded state programs.

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

Most welfare payments in the U.S. are state provided and the amounts differ widely according to the state in which you live.

If you live in Mississippi a family of three will receive $170. The same family of three living in New York would receive $474.

It's at least as meaningful as your "trust me, I have inside information" posts.


Unfair shot ... I qualified that statement in a later post by saying it runs in the family which means we have family members in the police depts.

Would the level of Welfare differ from state to state because the cost of livlig differs,or because one state might be more affluent than the other.$170 a week dosnt sound much,what could u buy with that christsake.

It's all politics, paul. Sometimes, being generous is in style, other times, harping on personal responsibility is the legislative tune. It is all decided on the people's whim

xxxxxxxxxx

Great,posted message to wrong thread,haha,gettin tired off to bed,later dudes.

nevermind......

Unfair shot ...

Perhaps. Sorry.

Perhaps. Sorry.

cool :thumbs:

Perhaps. Sorry.
God, what a pussy! :D

God, what a pussy! :D

Shouldn't you be out picking up a prostitute or something? :p

Can't. Tight on funds.

What sort of money we talking,in Chicago.

Well, I have a lease on top shelf poon with an option to buy. I'm what they call a "preferred customer". I figure it's the only kind of relationship that's still intellectually honest. Women will bleed you dry regardless, so whether or not you pay now or later is of little consequence. In answer to your question: anywhere from 1,000 to 2,500 US dollars, depending on the day and time.

Prae, you should refuse to spend any money on women, and make them pay for their own drinks, dinner, and half the rent, should they move in with you. Yeah, it'll cost you potential hook-ups, but mostly with those women you don't want anymore. Chivalry needs to die, so men can finally retain control over their pocketbooks, and many women are starting to realize this.

God, I hope so...

*reads* So Phoenix and Flagstaff got it? Well, Phoenix isn't that mean. It's Flagstaff that's the bitch. Probably the cold mountain air or something..