-> 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
-> To me they are no better than the people who live off
-> the system by getting welfare, medicare, food stamps,
-> et al.
DeB> Be careful with the aspersions, friend.  All of these social
DeB> services can be a god-send.  The news reports in LA
You didn't read close enough, I said LIVE OFF. . .
If they are used as intended, i.e. to help someone down
and out get back on their feet, then they are all good
programs.  When they become a way of life for two,
three and more generations then.
DeB> continually relate the diminished unemployment.  I wonder
DeB> where these jobs are, if not at McDonalds or Burger King. 
The last I heard MD and BK in some markets were paying
$2-$5 over minimum wage and even offering to help with
transportation for workers.  Its called supply and
demand, when the number of available workers go down
wages go up and vice-a-vera.
DeB> Employers seem not in a hurry to hire elsewhere, holding
DeB> onto applications for months before accepting interviews,
DeB> then deliberating in slow-motion as if applicants have
There are lots of reasons for this.  If you are talking
about a union shop that is the biggest reason.  Once
you get a person on the payroll in a union shop it is
dang hard go get them off no matter how bad they are.
DeB> stipends to live on while waiting to get a job.  When the
DeB> money runs out while waiting for one of those employment
DeB> opportunities to materialize, you must do what is practical
DeB> to survive.  If it is food stamps or welfare--then so be it.
Which is exactly what they were made for, to hold you
over during the bad times.  Not so you could sit at
home and draw a check for it.
                      Remember:  Freedom isn't Free!
--- timEd-B11
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