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Javajoe25

Javajoe25 is a Reader contributor. See staff page for published articles.

So Much Things to Say

I've never been one to interfere with another persons freedom. I've always tried to maintain a "live and let live" attitude. Those who chose to live on the streets have decided to make a living off the rest of us. But those of us who are simply trying to live our lives; work; go to the store; walk the streets and enjoy the day...we have certain rights too. When a homeless person asks for some change, or a cigarette, they are affecting the world we live in, interfering in our freedom and our rights, and that is where they cross the line. Homeless people do not seem to understand or care that their lifestyle affects our lives, and not in a good way. Having to respond to a request for a quarter may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Who wants to go through this every day: Are you going to be a good Samaritan and hand over some money? Or, are you going to be made to feel like a miser and say no? Are you helping or hurting by giving? Should you have to go through moral and ethical decisions every day because someone doesn't want to be bothered making a living? Should you have to go through the fear that often accompanies face to face contact with the homeless? Let's face it: some are not mentally stable and others are outright hostile. You never know how these encounters are going to turn out. Are we helping them by teaching panhandling can be a successful way of life? Is the world a better place when bumming smokes and loose change is an acceptable lifestyle? Today, San Diego is being overrun by homeless. It's rare to walk two blocks without seeing homeless. And if you don't see them, you hear them screaming or yelling, oftentimes unknowingly while drunk. We've stopped smoking where others are negatively affected; we've eliminated drinking in public places so others no longer have to put up with intoxicated people; we require people to pick up after their dogs. It's now time to do something about another element that fouls the environment: those who intimidate; those who chose to live like parasites off the labor of others. It's time to let the homeless know they are not appreciated or wanted. They need to go to the agencies that are designed to help them get their lives in order. You don't like working? That's your problem. Don't let your problem become my problem. Don't like working for money? Fine. But don't keep asking me for mine. It's time for the homeless to pull their own weight and stop living off the fear and generosity of others. It's time for the homeless to go home; find a home; make a home, and let those of us who live productive lives, enjoy ourselves without having to worry about who is going to spoil our day and remind us that our town has parasites, and we have to constantly be prepared to deal with them. It's tiresome, boring, and irritating. It's time for the people of this city to do something about it; it's time to stop feeding the bums...in every possible way.
— June 25, 2010 12:38 a.m.

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