-> DB> Why is it Seattle has a large homeless (tramp, bum, hobo,
-> DB> etc)  population without the massive problems other areas
-> DB> seem to have.  Yes, there's societal problems but they're
-> DB> over on Cathedral Hill,  another part of town. You do see
-> DB> the indigent walking around, even  sitting on public
-> DB> benches. You don't see them sleeping under downtown
-> DB> underpasses and public parks.
-> To me they are no better than the people who live off
-> the system by getting welfare, medicare, food stamps,
-> et al.
Be careful with the aspersions, friend.  All of these social services
can be a god-send.  The news reports in LA continually relate the
diminished unemployment.  I wonder where these jobs are, if not at
McDonalds or Burger King.  Employers seem not in a hurry to hire
elsewhere, holding onto applications for months before accepting
interviews, then deliberating in slow-motion as if applicants have
stipends to live on while waiting to get a job.  When the money runs out
while waiting for one of those employment opportunities to materialize,
you must do what is practical to survive.  If it is food stamps or
welfare--then so be it.
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