The street beggars are out of control

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I pass through Union Station twice a day and walk up Mass. Ave seven blocks for work. I'm out and about around Gallery Place for lunch. While I've seen greater numbers of homeless individuals, these pearl-clutching stories of rampant "out of control" behavior amount to nothing more than hyperbole. They definitely remain the exception instead of the norm.

Lying prone on the street is out of control behavior. The fact that you don't recognize that is super sad

By your standard, “out of control” behavior has been occurring for decades.

If your child were lying face down in their own filth in a bus stop and refusing shelter, I'm pretty sure you'd think they're out of control. And that's the least of what we see, but by your admission you see it every day and are not concerned enough to call in a wellness check or feel unease over their situation.

I feel unease about the situation such people are in; I don't feel unease for myself in proximity to them, however.

I understand what you are saying, that you do not feel your personal safety is threatened. However, the fact that you do not view chronic homelessness generally as out of control behavior or feel unease over what you have observed are greater numbers is odd. Even if you do not feel personally threatened, I am sure you are capable of understanding that many of us have observed erratic behavior, that some people's daily business takes them on routes where they are harrassed by panhandlers, and that there was a spate of random killings of mostly young women in the past five years in DC by homeless. Just because it hasn't happened to you, or someone you know, I would urge you to understand two things--seeing homeless as someone's child and being concerned by their welfare, and seeing an uptick in mentally ill folks without any services on our streets is not "pearl clutching". I hope you can bring yourself to this realization and be part of the solution. For example, calling in a wellness check for some of the folks you pass every day who are no doubt in great distress.

Yes, thanks for the lecture -- I have never used the phrase "pearl clutching" and I frequently make calls to D.C. homeless service lines on behalf of people who appear to be in distress.

Unfortunately, many people (especially on here) who are fortunate enough to be housed and mentally healthy view increased homelessness primarily as a problem for themselves, and all too often, an aesthetic problem. It is in fact a problem primarily for the people who are living on the streets without getting (for whatever reason) the services they need.

That's not to dismiss actual harassment, and everyone has their own comfort level with interactions in the world. But I also don't personally consider myself to have been harassed when people ask me to give them money, even if it's verbally aggressive at times. Speaking only for myself, I am not a victim of D.C.'s homelessness situation.

When I was in my teens there were panhandlers in every doorway up Connecticut from Dupont Circle. Their aggressive asking was incredibly uncomfortable to this teen, and I used to find alternative ways home. It's not a great thing, homelessness or panhandling. You may have the psychological makeup to enjoy your walk despite aggressive panhandling, but a lot of people may not. As a young woman I felt really uncomfortable, as th ask can be very manipulative. Either you "please" or you get cussed out or whatever. It sucked and really sapped a lot of enjoyment from strolls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Biden economy and every important issue is in the crapper.

You are correct. He doesn't even acknowledge any of our current problems thus issues are compounding rapidly.

Wrong. Boring, and wrong.

I will wait for you to post links of any video's of Biden recently addressing inflation, crime, the border and homelessness.

Good luck!

And don't forget the housing shortages!!!

“Housing shortages” is only a problem in democratic run cities

Housing shortages are only a problem in places where there is demand for housing (i.e., people want to live there). Weird how that works.

There is a housing shortage covering the entire us.

[Anonymous]

There is a guy selling water in the median by the intersection of Georgia Ave and Military rd who drives me nuts. It’s so unsafe and also he has all these signs, little slogans, the water all the time. He’s more than demonstrating that he’s capable of managing a job and he’s fairly creative and entrepreneurial. So why should he get to run an unsafe, unlicensed, dangerous and annoying business in the middle of the road?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I pass through Union Station twice a day and walk up Mass. Ave seven blocks for work. I'm out and about around Gallery Place for lunch. While I've seen greater numbers of homeless individuals, these pearl-clutching stories of rampant "out of control" behavior amount to nothing more than hyperbole. They definitely remain the exception instead of the norm.

Lying prone on the street is out of control behavior. The fact that you don't recognize that is super sad

By your standard, “out of control” behavior has been occurring for decades.

If your child were lying face down in their own filth in a bus stop and refusing shelter, I'm pretty sure you'd think they're out of control. And that's the least of what we see, but by your admission you see it every day and are not concerned enough to call in a wellness check or feel unease over their situation.

I feel unease about the situation such people are in; I don't feel unease for myself in proximity to them, however.

I understand what you are saying, that you do not feel your personal safety is threatened. However, the fact that you do not view chronic homelessness generally as out of control behavior or feel unease over what you have observed are greater numbers is odd. Even if you do not feel personally threatened, I am sure you are capable of understanding that many of us have observed erratic behavior, that some people's daily business takes them on routes where they are harrassed by panhandlers, and that there was a spate of random killings of mostly young women in the past five years in DC by homeless. Just because it hasn't happened to you, or someone you know, I would urge you to understand two things--seeing homeless as someone's child and being concerned by their welfare, and seeing an uptick in mentally ill folks without any services on our streets is not "pearl clutching". I hope you can bring yourself to this realization and be part of the solution. For example, calling in a wellness check for some of the folks you pass every day who are no doubt in great distress.

Yes, thanks for the lecture -- I have never used the phrase "pearl clutching" and I frequently make calls to D.C. homeless service lines on behalf of people who appear to be in distress.

Unfortunately, many people (especially on here) who are fortunate enough to be housed and mentally healthy view increased homelessness primarily as a problem for themselves, and all too often, an aesthetic problem. It is in fact a problem primarily for the people who are living on the streets without getting (for whatever reason) the services they need.

That's not to dismiss actual harassment, and everyone has their own comfort level with interactions in the world. But I also don't personally consider myself to have been harassed when people ask me to give them money, even if it's verbally aggressive at times. Speaking only for myself, I am not a victim of D.C.'s homelessness situation.

When I was in my teens there were panhandlers in every doorway up Connecticut from Dupont Circle. Their aggressive asking was incredibly uncomfortable to this teen, and I used to find alternative ways home. It's not a great thing, homelessness or panhandling. You may have the psychological makeup to enjoy your walk despite aggressive panhandling, but a lot of people may not. As a young woman I felt really uncomfortable, as th ask can be very manipulative. Either you "please" or you get cussed out or whatever. It sucked and really sapped a lot of enjoyment from strolls.

Right, I realize that, that's why I said I was only speaking for myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Biden economy and every important issue is in the crapper.

You are correct. He doesn't even acknowledge any of our current problems thus issues are compounding rapidly.

Wrong. Boring, and wrong.

I will wait for you to post links of any video's of Biden recently addressing inflation, crime, the border and homelessness.

Good luck!

And don't forget the housing shortages!!!

“Housing shortages” is only a problem in democratic run cities

Housing shortages are only a problem in places where there is demand for housing (i.e., people want to live there). Weird how that works.

There is a housing shortage covering the entire us.

No there isn’t. In many places, housing prices are lower than 20 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Biden economy and every important issue is in the crapper.

You are correct. He doesn't even acknowledge any of our current problems thus issues are compounding rapidly.

Wrong. Boring, and wrong.

I will wait for you to post links of any video's of Biden recently addressing inflation, crime, the border and homelessness.

Good luck!

And don't forget the housing shortages!!!

“Housing shortages” is only a problem in democratic run cities

Housing shortages are only a problem in places where there is demand for housing (i.e., people want to live there). Weird how that works.

There is a housing shortage covering the entire us.

No there isn’t. In many places, housing prices are lower than 20 years ago.

That's not the only metric that's relevant for determining whether there is or isn't a housing shortage, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I pass through Union Station twice a day and walk up Mass. Ave seven blocks for work. I'm out and about around Gallery Place for lunch. While I've seen greater numbers of homeless individuals, these pearl-clutching stories of rampant "out of control" behavior amount to nothing more than hyperbole. They definitely remain the exception instead of the norm.

Lying prone on the street is out of control behavior. The fact that you don't recognize that is super sad

By your standard, “out of control” behavior has been occurring for decades.

If your child were lying face down in their own filth in a bus stop and refusing shelter, I'm pretty sure you'd think they're out of control. And that's the least of what we see, but by your admission you see it every day and are not concerned enough to call in a wellness check or feel unease over their situation.

I feel unease about the situation such people are in; I don't feel unease for myself in proximity to them, however.

I understand what you are saying, that you do not feel your personal safety is threatened. However, the fact that you do not view chronic homelessness generally as out of control behavior or feel unease over what you have observed are greater numbers is odd. Even if you do not feel personally threatened, I am sure you are capable of understanding that many of us have observed erratic behavior, that some people's daily business takes them on routes where they are harrassed by panhandlers, and that there was a spate of random killings of mostly young women in the past five years in DC by homeless. Just because it hasn't happened to you, or someone you know, I would urge you to understand two things--seeing homeless as someone's child and being concerned by their welfare, and seeing an uptick in mentally ill folks without any services on our streets is not "pearl clutching". I hope you can bring yourself to this realization and be part of the solution. For example, calling in a wellness check for some of the folks you pass every day who are no doubt in great distress.

Yes, thanks for the lecture -- I have never used the phrase "pearl clutching" and I frequently make calls to D.C. homeless service lines on behalf of people who appear to be in distress.

Unfortunately, many people (especially on here) who are fortunate enough to be housed and mentally healthy view increased homelessness primarily as a problem for themselves, and all too often, an aesthetic problem. It is in fact a problem primarily for the people who are living on the streets without getting (for whatever reason) the services they need.

That's not to dismiss actual harassment, and everyone has their own comfort level with interactions in the world. But I also don't personally consider myself to have been harassed when people ask me to give them money, even if it's verbally aggressive at times. Speaking only for myself, I am not a victim of D.C.'s homelessness situation.

When I was in my teens there were panhandlers in every doorway up Connecticut from Dupont Circle. Their aggressive asking was incredibly uncomfortable to this teen, and I used to find alternative ways home. It's not a great thing, homelessness or panhandling. You may have the psychological makeup to enjoy your walk despite aggressive panhandling, but a lot of people may not. As a young woman I felt really uncomfortable, as th ask can be very manipulative. Either you "please" or you get cussed out or whatever. It sucked and really sapped a lot of enjoyment from strolls.

Right, I realize that, that's why I said I was only speaking for myself.

Yes, but let's acknowledge that you described the feelings of others as hyperbole.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Biden economy and every important issue is in the crapper.

You are correct. He doesn't even acknowledge any of our current problems thus issues are compounding rapidly.

Wrong. Boring, and wrong.

I will wait for you to post links of any video's of Biden recently addressing inflation, crime, the border and homelessness.

Good luck!

And don't forget the housing shortages!!!

“Housing shortages” is only a problem in democratic run cities

Housing shortages are only a problem in places where there is demand for housing (i.e., people want to live there). Weird how that works.

There is a housing shortage covering the entire us.

There's a housing shortage but the panhandling isn't about housing. it's about substance abuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a guy selling water in the median by the intersection of Georgia Ave and Military rd who drives me nuts. It’s so unsafe and also he has all these signs, little slogans, the water all the time. He’s more than demonstrating that he’s capable of managing a job and he’s fairly creative and entrepreneurial. So why should he get to run an unsafe, unlicensed, dangerous and annoying business in the middle of the road?

Why? Because you happen to encounter him on your drive home? Poor you. Should probably incarcerate him to spare your feelings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I pass through Union Station twice a day and walk up Mass. Ave seven blocks for work. I'm out and about around Gallery Place for lunch. While I've seen greater numbers of homeless individuals, these pearl-clutching stories of rampant "out of control" behavior amount to nothing more than hyperbole. They definitely remain the exception instead of the norm.

Lying prone on the street is out of control behavior. The fact that you don't recognize that is super sad

By your standard, “out of control” behavior has been occurring for decades.

If your child were lying face down in their own filth in a bus stop and refusing shelter, I'm pretty sure you'd think they're out of control. And that's the least of what we see, but by your admission you see it every day and are not concerned enough to call in a wellness check or feel unease over their situation.

I feel unease about the situation such people are in; I don't feel unease for myself in proximity to them, however.

I understand what you are saying, that you do not feel your personal safety is threatened. However, the fact that you do not view chronic homelessness generally as out of control behavior or feel unease over what you have observed are greater numbers is odd. Even if you do not feel personally threatened, I am sure you are capable of understanding that many of us have observed erratic behavior, that some people's daily business takes them on routes where they are harrassed by panhandlers, and that there was a spate of random killings of mostly young women in the past five years in DC by homeless. Just because it hasn't happened to you, or someone you know, I would urge you to understand two things--seeing homeless as someone's child and being concerned by their welfare, and seeing an uptick in mentally ill folks without any services on our streets is not "pearl clutching". I hope you can bring yourself to this realization and be part of the solution. For example, calling in a wellness check for some of the folks you pass every day who are no doubt in great distress.

Yes, thanks for the lecture -- I have never used the phrase "pearl clutching" and I frequently make calls to D.C. homeless service lines on behalf of people who appear to be in distress.

Unfortunately, many people (especially on here) who are fortunate enough to be housed and mentally healthy view increased homelessness primarily as a problem for themselves, and all too often, an aesthetic problem. It is in fact a problem primarily for the people who are living on the streets without getting (for whatever reason) the services they need.

That's not to dismiss actual harassment, and everyone has their own comfort level with interactions in the world. But I also don't personally consider myself to have been harassed when people ask me to give them money, even if it's verbally aggressive at times. Speaking only for myself, I am not a victim of D.C.'s homelessness situation.

When I was in my teens there were panhandlers in every doorway up Connecticut from Dupont Circle. Their aggressive asking was incredibly uncomfortable to this teen, and I used to find alternative ways home. It's not a great thing, homelessness or panhandling. You may have the psychological makeup to enjoy your walk despite aggressive panhandling, but a lot of people may not. As a young woman I felt really uncomfortable, as th ask can be very manipulative. Either you "please" or you get cussed out or whatever. It sucked and really sapped a lot of enjoyment from strolls.

Right, I realize that, that's why I said I was only speaking for myself.

Yes, but let's acknowledge that you described the feelings of others as hyperbole.

No, I said I recognize other people react differently.

I do think there ARE people here who aren't threatened even verbally but think homeless people are somehow unpleasant to look at, but that's entirely different from feeling harassed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Biden economy and every important issue is in the crapper.

You are correct. He doesn't even acknowledge any of our current problems thus issues are compounding rapidly.

Wrong. Boring, and wrong.

I will wait for you to post links of any video's of Biden recently addressing inflation, crime, the border and homelessness.

Good luck!

And don't forget the housing shortages!!!

There's eight pages of listings where I live, in every price range. And there are plenty of rentals. The DMV is not indicative of what exists in the rest of the country. And, for what it's worth, a one percent here has to earn 500,000 plus to be in that category. I don't fall into that category, but there is no housing crisis everywhere.

“Housing shortages” is only a problem in democratic run cities

Housing shortages are only a problem in places where there is demand for housing (i.e., people want to live there). Weird how that works.

There is a housing shortage covering the entire us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I pass through Union Station twice a day and walk up Mass. Ave seven blocks for work. I'm out and about around Gallery Place for lunch. While I've seen greater numbers of homeless individuals, these pearl-clutching stories of rampant "out of control" behavior amount to nothing more than hyperbole. They definitely remain the exception instead of the norm.

Lying prone on the street is out of control behavior. The fact that you don't recognize that is super sad

By your standard, “out of control” behavior has been occurring for decades.

If your child were lying face down in their own filth in a bus stop and refusing shelter, I'm pretty sure you'd think they're out of control. And that's the least of what we see, but by your admission you see it every day and are not concerned enough to call in a wellness check or feel unease over their situation.

I feel unease about the situation such people are in; I don't feel unease for myself in proximity to them, however.

I understand what you are saying, that you do not feel your personal safety is threatened. However, the fact that you do not view chronic homelessness generally as out of control behavior or feel unease over what you have observed are greater numbers is odd. Even if you do not feel personally threatened, I am sure you are capable of understanding that many of us have observed erratic behavior, that some people's daily business takes them on routes where they are harrassed by panhandlers, and that there was a spate of random killings of mostly young women in the past five years in DC by homeless. Just because it hasn't happened to you, or someone you know, I would urge you to understand two things--seeing homeless as someone's child and being concerned by their welfare, and seeing an uptick in mentally ill folks without any services on our streets is not "pearl clutching". I hope you can bring yourself to this realization and be part of the solution. For example, calling in a wellness check for some of the folks you pass every day who are no doubt in great distress.

Yes, thanks for the lecture -- I have never used the phrase "pearl clutching" and I frequently make calls to D.C. homeless service lines on behalf of people who appear to be in distress.

Unfortunately, many people (especially on here) who are fortunate enough to be housed and mentally healthy view increased homelessness primarily as a problem for themselves, and all too often, an aesthetic problem. It is in fact a problem primarily for the people who are living on the streets without getting (for whatever reason) the services they need.

That's not to dismiss actual harassment, and everyone has their own comfort level with interactions in the world. But I also don't personally consider myself to have been harassed when people ask me to give them money, even if it's verbally aggressive at times. Speaking only for myself, I am not a victim of D.C.'s homelessness situation.

When I was in my teens there were panhandlers in every doorway up Connecticut from Dupont Circle. Their aggressive asking was incredibly uncomfortable to this teen, and I used to find alternative ways home. It's not a great thing, homelessness or panhandling. You may have the psychological makeup to enjoy your walk despite aggressive panhandling, but a lot of people may not. As a young woman I felt really uncomfortable, as th ask can be very manipulative. Either you "please" or you get cussed out or whatever. It sucked and really sapped a lot of enjoyment from strolls.

Right, I realize that, that's why I said I was only speaking for myself.

Yes, but let's acknowledge that you described the feelings of others as hyperbole.

No, I said I recognize other people react differently.

I do think there ARE people here who aren't threatened even verbally but think homeless people are somehow unpleasant to look at, but that's entirely different from feeling harassed.

You are probably right, though some homeless people are unpleasant to look at. That's just a fact. It's not a a condemnation. You can feel great empathy towards someone who is unpleasant to look at.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Biden economy and every important issue is in the crapper.

You are correct. He doesn't even acknowledge any of our current problems thus issues are compounding rapidly.

Wrong. Boring, and wrong.

I will wait for you to post links of any video's of Biden recently addressing inflation, crime, the border and homelessness.

Good luck!

And don't forget the housing shortages!!!

“Housing shortages” is only a problem in democratic run cities

Housing shortages are only a problem in places where there is demand for housing (i.e., people want to live there). Weird how that works.

There is a housing shortage covering the entire us.

No, there isn’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Biden economy and every important issue is in the crapper.

You are correct. He doesn't even acknowledge any of our current problems thus issues are compounding rapidly.

Wrong. Boring, and wrong.

I will wait for you to post links of any video's of Biden recently addressing inflation, crime, the border and homelessness.

Good luck!

And don't forget the housing shortages!!!

“Housing shortages” is only a problem in democratic run cities

Housing shortages are only a problem in places where there is demand for housing (i.e., people want to live there). Weird how that works.

There is a housing shortage covering the entire us.

There's a housing shortage but the panhandling isn't about housing. it's about substance abuse.

To be perfectly correct, there is a shortage of magical housing. A house that cleans and pays for itself so that someone with severe mental illness or drug abuse problems can live there with any "burdens" of society. You can't have people coming into these homes to clean, because they would be accused of "stealing" or worse, assaulted for imagined offenses. So where are these magical houses?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So is there a way to behave so that they leave me alone? I can’t squirt them with water or god forbid throw things at them, but is there a legal way to make them keep away from me? I haven’t had my car window banged on (yet) or my hand grabbed (yet) but how do I scare them off without getting in trouble myself?

I have never given a panhandler money. If one asks, I say no thank you and keep it moving. If I’m in my car, I put my windows up and don’t make eye contact. It’s not that hard. I do give to homeless causes and volunteer at soup kitchens. I’ve even gotten to know some of the homeless who come to the church where I volunteer. For the most part, they have addiction, job loss, or mental health issues. I feel for them but I wouldn’t directly give them money if asked.