Tent City?

**Pam** · December-31-14, 08:10 AM

I wouldn't want to be out in this weather. Stay warm everybody. Here is tonight's forecast:

Partly cloudy, with a low around 14. Wind chill values as low as -3. Breezy, with a southwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

**Dan Wesson** · December-31-14, 09:25 AM

I know that true freedom is nothing left to lose.

If I was in their situation I would be Florida bound. No Lie.

I wish I could do it now...

**sumas** · December-31-14, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Dan Wesson

I know that true freedom is nothing left to lose.

If I was in their situation I would be Florida bound. No Lie.

I wish I could do it now...

I so agree. I'd be in a warm clime in a heart beat. I hated winters
since I was about 19. That winter, there was run of several sub zero temps, not accounting for wind chill. WSU never closed down for anything. DeRoy auditorum lost heat but lecture profs braved on so we all showed up. If they could do it, so could we. 150 huddled masses. We got through because Stewart brought Southern Comfort, Swindel brought bourbon and Rodriquiz [[known now as Sugar man) brought Courvoisier. The bottles passed freely after a couple of days the professors caught on and asked to share too.

Someone asked why we never relocated. The answer is simple...family is here.

**sumas** · December-31-14, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by Django

Thank you Sumas and Ronaldj for bringing me over to tent city and introducing me to everyone. It would have been a lot more difficult photographing without your knowing everyone there. They certainly love you. LOVE, what an amazing thing. Money and a condo, meh.

Ok, Django, I try to respect peoples privacy unless its ancient history. At least I can say now that you are an excellent photographer. Don't forget to tout your book.

Pretty much anyone who knows me knows that I rally behind any cause that I believe in, I put my heart,soul and yes money too into the goals. I like my creature comforts but if my bills are paid, my car runs and I eat. Excess money means little, my husband doesn't agree but is resigned after 39 years.

**G-DDT** · December-31-14, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Dan Wesson

I know that true freedom is nothing left to lose.

If I was in their situation I would be Florida bound. No Lie.

I wish I could do it now...

Unless you have folks in Florida ready to look out for you, I wouldn't advise it. There have been serious controversies in parts of Florida where folks engaged in charity have been arrested for assisting the poor [[issues levied against Food-Not-Bombs, Arnold Abbot, and Rev. Dwayne Black are fine examples). First, it was a matter of distancing all of that from the tourism, but the draconian laws passed down there have made it a bigger issue.

**sumas** · December-31-14, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by G-DDT

Unless you have folks in Florida ready to look out for you, I wouldn't advise it. There have been serious controversies in parts of Florida where folks engaged in charity have been arrested for assisting the poor [[issues levied against Food-Not-Bombs, Arnold Abbot, and Rev. Dwayne Black are fine examples). First, it was a matter of distancing all of that from the tourism, but the draconian laws passed down there have made it a bigger issue.

Guess it doesn't surprise me, FLA state is serious republican. My aunt turned 90 this past Oct and planned to visit. Driving tour and maybe a little vacation tucked in somewhere. Our closest friend is 67, a home owner and a religious sort. We were to share driving. [[He lived in Florida for 10 years) My aunt had hissys. "My condo community won't welcome a black man visiting", we had no plans to put up at her house and planned to stay at a local motel.

We didn't go. I love my aunt, my last surviving senior blood line relative. If my friends are not welcome than I don't feel welcome either. Strangely very sad.

**G-DDT** · January-01-15, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by sumas

We didn't go. I love my aunt, my last surviving senior blood line relative. If my friends are not welcome than I don't feel welcome either. Strangely very sad.

I'm like that, too. Very stubborn about that principal. I've left girlfriends, jobs, and towns because the racism was far too overwhelming to stomach. It's even worse when some folks are so resignative or apologetically defensive about it [[the "Aww-everyone-is-a-little-racist-someway-so-why-play-games-about-it" B.S.-the same reasoning folks use for lying, thievery, violence, even pedophilia). All you can do is pray for a change of heart in some folks.

**sumas** · January-01-15, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by G-DDT

I'm like that, too. Very stubborn about that principal. I've left girlfriends, jobs, and towns because the racism was far too overwhelming to stomach. It's even worse when some folks are so resignative or apologetically defensive about it [[the "Aww-everyone-is-a-little-racist-someway-so-why-play-games-about-it" B.S.-the same reasoning folks use for lying, thievery, violence, even pedophilia). All you can do is pray for a change of heart in some folks.

Standing on principal can be hard sometimes. I take people as I find them. It is an individual decision not based on age, race, or color. I find most people likeable, but do have a short list of people I dislike. If they leave me alone, I just ignore them, if they get in my face, I am/can be, still rather evil.

I am that old style liberal and embrace all. Private lives, political position, unique religious beliefs are fine with me. If I have one negative inclination it would be towards tea party folk who want to decimate the poor, withhold funding and of course hunt wolves.

**RaumVogel** · January-01-15, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by sumas

Of course we have considered what you suggest, government rules are bizarre and keep changing with no notice. Don't like sounding selfish but we do need to consider what we do and impact on us. How can we help people if we get screwed helping'

Can't help but ask, were you heavily involved with Creekside at some point. Your name is just so familiar. Its been a bit since we were heavily involved with the org. So many people I deeply respected have now passed, Suzanne died, Patty died. Anne moved from her drop dead fabulous home after a bullet came through her wall and lodged in her pillow while she was in bed. John has just given up. Sharron tried to forge on but hard to carry the burden alone. The city CDC members are fools. Still know plenty of people there but all got frustrated with politics so they just forge on privately. So much of the leadership is gone and the strong ones left get no support. The temple is floundering and sold off lots of residencial property which undermined some of the stability. Brown ruined the island and Morgan estates failed enterprise destroyed the Fisher woodlot. Don't get me started on that bastard. He makes Brown look good. If you aren't who I think you are this is all gibbersh so just ignore, in that case.

Not the person you are thinking of...sorry.

**sumas** · January-02-15, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by G-DDT

I'm like that, too. Very stubborn about that principal. I've left girlfriends, jobs, and towns because the racism was far too overwhelming to stomach. It's even worse when some folks are so resignative or apologetically defensive about it [[the "Aww-everyone-is-a-little-racist-someway-so-why-play-games-about-it" B.S.-the same reasoning folks use for lying, thievery, violence, even pedophilia). All you can do is pray for a change of heart in some folks.

Thank you for being involved with homeless issues and groups that care. Not my business but am a little curious, do you live in or near Detroit? Not really important as Detroit can use all the friends and supporters it can get. Amazing how many on the board from around the world have an interest and concern for Detroit moving forward.

Sending you a PM that you may find amusing.

**G-DDT** · January-02-15, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Jimaz

Me too. I suspect G-DDT has a lot to teach us all that we don't yet know. I am grateful for these insights.

Thanky much [[only if I can get the young ladies to feel the way you do) but no-I'm not as cool as you may think. In fact, get me on certain topics [[which I try to avoid in today's cultural climate) and despite all of the evidence and experience I would have to offer, I'd get a very ugly reception of folks saying "Ohh, he's like that..." I may be very politically liberal, but socially, I'm very buttoned-down, almost conservative, I tell you what.
Also, I'm not a sage, seer, prophet; I'm quite flawed. In fact, I've been going through somewhat of a mid-life crisis [[actually had girls dry-humping me at a local afterhours last weekend-?!?) lately. I have a messed-up blood sugar condition with food allergies [[makes bar-hopping or the ritual of dining out with a prospective date-or having diner with her folks-a difficult one). My kidneys are messed-up and they can't handle stress. None of these qualify me for disability [[not that I'd want it or the scrutiny that goes with it). As a health nut, I've done wonderfully to maintain these issues [[even overcoming long-term childhood issues with asthma, lactose intolerance, and having to wear glasses since I was six months old), yet, while my cognizant nature remains intact, when issues hit me all at once, I'm an emotional tyrant. In short, you wouldn't want to hang with a chap like me.
Truth, facts-they stay the same. What I say here would be no different if someone else came along and said the same thing. Don't look to me. Look at what I say. Consider it carefully-check it, balance it, question it, compare it, but be fair and do the same towards things you embrace and anything else said by others [[without showing preference just because someone said it first or last or packaged it more attractively-or with better brevity).
Yet, I'm sure I didn't need to even go into all of that with most of you.
Oh, yeah, regarding Snowden, I agree. Folks in Boston, were big on defending Chelsea/Bradley Manning, as well. The same disclosure of unethical practices in the U.S. was happening in the '70s, and child abusers like Bing Crosby were calling the whistleblowers traitors. My quotative rebuttals to that come from a better contrasting source:
"I know it's hard to defend an unpopular policy
Every once in a while"
"Save your money, don't go to the show."

Willi · January-02-15, 04:39 PM

Now if only the unions would stand-down , these folks could do some work;
- in the right to work state that is now Michigan .
Maybe Duggan can create some Work Projects in a barter/trade for some housing ?

**sumas** · January-02-15, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Willi

Now if only the unions would stand-down , these folks could do some work;
- in the right to work state that is now Michigan .
Maybe Duggan can create some Work Projects in a barter/trade for some housing ?

Thank you thank you for my extra laugh of the day.

"Unions stand down" thats a ridiculous statement, I see them stand up. Never been a union worker, but they have and will always receive my support. Must drive you nuts that DED largely through union funding keeps people in their homes.

"Right to Work'" there is a huge joke there too.

Please keep the laughs coming. Sumas

**sumas** · January-02-15, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by G-DDT

Thanky much [[only if I can get the young ladies to feel the way you do) but no-I'm not as cool as you may think. In fact, get me on certain topics [[which I try to avoid in today's cultural climate) and despite all of the evidence and experience I would have to offer, I'd get a very ugly reception of folks saying "Ohh, he's like that..." I may be very politically liberal, but socially, I'm very buttoned-down, almost conservative, I tell you what.
Also, I'm not a sage, seer, prophet; I'm quite flawed. In fact, I've been going through somewhat of a mid-life crisis [[actually had girls dry-humping me at a local afterhours last weekend-?!?) lately. I have a messed-up blood sugar condition with food allergies [[makes bar-hopping or the ritual of dining out with a prospective date-or having diner with her folks-a difficult one). My kidneys are messed-up and they can't handle stress. None of these qualify me for disability [[not that I'd want it or the scrutiny that goes with it). As a health nut, I've done wonderfully to maintain these issues [[even overcoming long-term childhood issues with asthma, lactose intolerance, and having to wear glasses since I was six months old), yet, while my cognizant nature remains intact, when issues hit me all at once, I'm an emotional tyrant. In short, you wouldn't want to hang with a chap like me.
Truth, facts-they stay the same. What I say here would be no different if someone else came along and said the same thing. Don't look to me. Look at what I say. Consider it carefully-check it, balance it, question it, compare it, but be fair and do the same towards things you embrace and anything else said by others [[without showing preference just because someone said it first or last or packaged it more attractively-or with better brevity).
Yet, I'm sure I didn't need to even go into all of that with most of you.
Oh, yeah, regarding Snowden, I agree. Folks in Boston, were big on defending Chelsea/Bradley Manning, as well. The same disclosure of unethical practices in the U.S. was happening in the '70s, and child abusers like Bing Crosby were calling the whistleblowers traitors. My quotative rebuttals to that come from a better contrasting source:
"I know it's hard to defend an unpopular policy
Every once in a while"
"Save your money, don't go to the show."

Be careful or I might adopt you.

**Richard** · January-03-15, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by sumas

Guess it doesn't surprise me, FLA state is serious republican. My aunt turned 90 this past Oct and planned to visit. Driving tour and maybe a little vacation tucked in somewhere. Our closest friend is 67, a home owner and a religious sort. We were to share driving. [[He lived in Florida for 10 years) My aunt had hissys. "My condo community won't welcome a black man visiting", we had no plans to put up at her house and planned to stay at a local motel.

We didn't go. I love my aunt, my last surviving senior blood line relative. If my friends are not welcome than I don't feel welcome either. Strangely very sad.

Where were you visiting that a condo community said that?

Personaly I find the north by far more rasist then most of the south,maybe pockets here and there of retirement communities. I was born and raised in the twin cities and my uncle was a Ford afirmitive action thug,he would not even speak to my Hispanic wife.

If you are into boating and mild weather then the police state of Fla is okay,but it was pretty chilly at 68 degrees on Chirstmas,sweater time.

Unless your self employed the pay is low and you can be fired at the drop of a hat for no reason,the grass is not always greener.

Plenty of homeless migrate south for the winters and plenty of scams.

Bussing tables at 16,out of the blue a old gentleman grabbed my arm and said - you make money off of the poor and not the rich- then he was gone.

**sumas** · January-03-15, 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by Richard

Where were you visiting that a condo community said that?

Personaly I find the north by far more rasist then most of the south,maybe pockets here and there of retirement communities. I was born and raised in the twin cities and my uncle was a Ford afirmitive action thug,he would not even speak to my Hispanic wife.

If you are into boating and mild weather then the police state of Fla is okay,but it was pretty chilly at 68 degrees on Chirstmas,sweater time.

Unless your self employed the pay is low and you can be fired at the drop of a hat for no reason,the grass is not always greener.

Plenty of homeless migrate south for the winters and plenty of scams.

Bussing tables at 16,out of the blue a old gentleman grabbed my arm and said - you make money off of the poor and not the rich- then he was gone.

Bradenton Fla to answer a direct question, in my post , I said we did not go.

Racism, sexism, classist sterotypes, homophobia etc is alive and doing well in all the states

Willi · January-03-15, 06:24 AM

NOAA says a lot of states are cold right now

**sumas** · January-04-15, 12:52 AM

DETBILL: I owe you a huge apology. I find a cause, I throw myself into it. You are right pretty much right. Tinsel town, pure scum. I make mistakes but never afraid to say I can be an ass. My only defense is my heart is in the right place. Just lost sometimes.

I will not help you remove them, that does not fit my personal identitity. Users, losers. and well meaning idiots like me.

I will do anything for anyone but am not a dolt. Once bite, twice shy!

**Vic01** · January-04-15, 04:36 AM

Originally Posted by sumas

DETBILL: I owe you a huge apology. I find a cause, I throw myself into it. You are right pretty much right. Tinsel town, pure scum. I make mistakes but never afraid to say I can be an ass. My only defense is my heart is in the right place. Just lost sometimes.

I will not help you remove them, that does not fit my personal identitity. Users, losers. and well meaning idiots like me.

I will do anything for anyone but am not a dolt. Once bite, twice shy!

I must've missed something...?

**sumas** · January-04-15, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Vic01

I must've missed something...?

Sorry long story. Maybe later when I am over chiding myself I'll relay the narative.

I still maintain of course that homeless shelters are disgusting. They just aren't the warriors I thought them to be.

Willi · January-04-15, 01:12 PM

Wouldn't want the USA to be socialistic by taxing people for the greater good of everyone by providing shelter and food for the unfortunate

Land of the free and democratic
Well, the masses have spoken/voted
Let them live in tents in winter
Sucks but it is fact

Socialism - Subsidize them to live in optimal conditions and to provide little work - and if they are put into labor, it's in a public enterprise run by the government, to help reduce the official share of unemployed people.

**aj3647** · January-05-15, 04:44 AM

Originally Posted by Willi

Socialism - Subsidize them to live in optimal conditions and to provide little work - and if they are put into labor, it's in a public enterprise run by the government, to help reduce the official share of unemployed people.

That might work for the transient homeless, but not the chronically homeless, where a majority are either mentally ill and/or drug or alcohol dependent. A lot of these people would be unable to hold down a regular job even if offered one.

There was that story that got national headlines a while back from NYC. A homeless man was sitting on the sidewalk, barefoot, in freezing temperatures in November. An NYPD officer noticed it and went into a store and bought a $100 pair of boots with his own money and gave it to the man. And his act of generosity made national news headlines. But as it turns out, the man wasn't homeless at all. He was an Army veteran and had an apartment that was paid for by his government benefits. But he never stayed there, he preferred the streets. And he had shoes, he just chose not to wear them. In that situation, no amount of social welfare or wealth redistribution was going to fix this guy's problems. He didn't need shoes, he didn't need a roof over his head, he didn't need a handout or money or help finding a job. It's doubtful he would have been able to hold down a job. He needed mental health care.

And even if there were ample money and resources to provide mental health care to everyone who needed it, there's the question of to what extent can society FORCE people to undergo health treatment against their will. Do we institutionalize hundreds of thousands if not millions of people for their own good? Medicate them against their will? Can we force substance abusers to undergo detox and counseling even if they don't want to?

**Hermod** · January-05-15, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by sumas

Guess it doesn't surprise me, FLA state is serious republican.

Except that most of the homeless controversy, the draconian legal proposals, and the fight against the homeless take place in the southeast part of the state which is the most Democratic. Broward County [[Ft Llauderdale) has nine commissioners and one is a Republican. The last county-wide office holder that was Republican lost in 2912. Fort Lauderdale itself has a Democratic mayor and sold Democrat commissioners. There are only a few pockets of Republican voters in the whole area.