Random Political Thoughts

[GuerrillaUnReal]

I'd propose homeless detention centers, preferably in a rural setting outside cities.  Maybe call them ReEntry Camps.  If "jails were not set up to be treatment facilities", why not build ones that can provide treatment?...Drug and alcohol rehab, mental health services, GED, job training--all of the services provided in homeless outreach but in a safe and controlled environment, with an emphasis on teaching self-sufficiency, and basic activities of daily living (ADLs), sadly lacking in today's society.

I like the way you think but that's such a sticky and scary slope as well as violating the civil rights of those folks.

I like the idea of government built and controlled homeless camps that provide help and services for the homeless but then that would take away all the wealth and political fuel these folks create.

[Lt.Uhura]

I like the way you think but that's such a sticky and scary slope as well as violating the civil rights of those folks.

I like the idea of government built and controlled homeless camps that provide help and services for the homeless but then that would take away all the wealth and political fuel these folks create.

Re the "wealth and political fuel" of the homeless industrial complex, as some see it.

http://www.povertyinsights.org/2013/08/05/is-there-a-homeless-industrial-complex-that-perpetuates-homelessness/

Furthermore, homelessness has major repucussions to society in many ways not easily seen in the present.  Even if the public learns to look the other way, the businesses and tourists keeping many cities financially solvent will eventually go away.  San Francisco is a good example of a dystopian social experiment.  It's a microcosm of the disappearing middle class.  Multi-million dollar real estate surrounded by homeless shitting in the street.

[albrecht]

Meanwhile, the costs to cities across the US for the homeless, with or without mental illness, are in the MILLIONS of dollars, yet like in Los Angeles--their numbers continue to grow. 

There are no easy solutions, and most plans fail in assuming the homeless will willingly cooperate and participate in efforts to get them off the streets.

One of the worst solutions I've heard is taking services to the homeless encampments--another strategy that sounds good in theory, but fails in practice.  The idea of providing services unconditionally only enables them to continue their self-destructive behaviors. A Bandaid on a plague.

Homelessness in itself is not a crime for which you can lock people up.  But the majority do have outstanding warrants for petty crimes, and as mentioned in the PBS story above provided by b_dubb-- 


"The man involved in this call has three outstanding warrants for low-grade misdemeanors, including public drinking. Technically, any of them qualifies him for arrest. But Simola says today, he won't be carted off to jail.

"He'll have to appear on the warrants later," Simola says..."

Right.  As if a chronically homeless, mentally ill individual has the wherewithal to appear in court.

I'd propose homeless detention centers, preferably in a rural setting outside cities.  Maybe call them ReEntry Camps.  If "jails were not set up to be treatment facilities", why not build ones that can provide treatment?...Drug and alcohol rehab, mental health services, GED, job training--all of the services provided in homeless outreach but in a safe and controlled environment, with an emphasis on teaching self-sufficiency, and basic activities of daily living (ADLs), sadly lacking in today's society.

SC, apparently, is trying a version of this but the HuffPosters and "Infowarriors" decried the plan (either for civil rights reasons, further marginalization of homelessness, or as "testing" for the future FEMA camps coming to get you...)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/22/columbia-south-carolina-criminalizes-homelessness_n_3795397.html

There could, possibly, be some value in mitigation of core-problems, even if considered "enabling?" Is the far-gone junkie or older chronic alcoholic going to quit? Stats say not very likely and the costs for a good program, health monitoring, and follow up (and shelter, food, and education?) But maybe if they can get their "fix" it would help cut down in the crime, disease, and other social problems?
http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/amsterdam-gives-alcoholics-beer-to-clean-city-streets-a-934916.html
http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-02-04/vancouver-combats-heroin-giving-its-addicts-best-smack-world
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-11-30-switzerland_N.htm

[albrecht]

https://twitter.com/lachlan/status/652181982475067397/photo/1
Who knows if true, because I imagine IPs can be spoofed or images altered fairly easily, but wouldn't it surprise me, considering what we've seen in the IRS, NSA, etc. I personally think it likely goes much deeper and the databases and intelligence networks aren't used by "someone" (the government or maybe even some sub-group thereof) for political purposes and/or political blackmail when it comes to certain votes, weapons system funding, base closures, funding bills, powerful trade agreements/treaties, and so on.

[Lt.Uhura]

SC, apparently, is trying a version of this but the HuffPosters and "Infowarriors" decried the plan (either for civil rights reasons, further marginalization of homelessness, or as "testing" for the future FEMA camps coming to get you...)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/22/columbia-south-carolina-criminalizes-homelessness_n_3795397.html

Ha, it's interesting that both sides of the political fence oppose the idea, even if for different reasons.

Listen, I normally avoid political discussions for good reason.  I refuse to pick a side and don't have the time or desire to argue who's right or wrong.  But when I go to work in the ER I see a society in failure.  I feel it's an exercise in futility to point fingers and sling blame.  I'm interested in discussing possible solutions, especially at the grassroots, community level.  I think SC has the right idea, but large warehouse-style shelters are no solution to homelessness.

Both my parents came of age during the Great Depression.  They lived in poverty before the depression, so imagine what it was like afterward.  As a young man forced to drop out of school, my father found work in the CCC camps, first in Texas, then Arizona.  It was a lifesaver for him and thousands of others. My uneducated and unskilled father was able to parlay his CCC experience into a job with Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked for 30 yrs.

http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Conservation_Corps

"Principal benefits of an individual's enrollment in the CCC included improved physical condition, heightened morale, and increased employability.  Implicitly, the CCC also led to a greater public awareness and appreciation of the outdoors and the nation's natural resources; and the continued need for a carefully planned, comprehensive national program for the protection and development of natural resources."

Perhaps it's time to revitalize the CCC, or develop something similar.  I believe that in spite of the pathos and despair felt across the US, people want and need a sense of purpose, even those living on the fringes of society. 

[albrecht]

Ha, it's interesting that both sides of the political fence oppose the idea, even if for different reasons.

Listen, I normally avoid political discussions for good reason.  I refuse to pick a side and don't have the time or desire to argue who's right or wrong.  But when I go to work in the ER I see a society in failure.  I feel it's an exercise in futility to point fingers and sling blame.  I'm interested in discussing possible solutions, especially at the grassroots, community level.  I think SC has the right idea, but large warehouse-style shelters are no solution to homelessness.

Both my parents came of age during the Great Depression.  They lived in poverty before the depression, so imagine what it was like afterward.  As a young man forced to drop out of school, my father found work in the CCC camps, first in Texas, then Arizona.  It was a lifesaver for him and thousands of others. My uneducated and unskilled father was able to parlay his CCC experience into a job with Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked for 30 yrs.

http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Conservation_Corps

"Principal benefits of an individual's enrollment in the CCC included improved physical condition, heightened morale, and increased employability.  Implicitly, the CCC also led to a greater public awareness and appreciation of the outdoors and the nation's natural resources; and the continued need for a carefully planned, comprehensive national program for the protection and development of natural resources."

Perhaps it's time to revitalize the CCC, or develop something similar.  I believe that in spite of the pathos and despair felt across the US, people want and need a sense of purpose, even those living on the fringes of society.

Some of the cabins, trails, etc build by the CCC still are being used. I know, these days, we need firefighter support (have to have more training to really fight but in logistics, thinning forests, making firebrakes, maintaining fire roads, etc) and forest service workers. Hard work and I wonder how "many Americans," especially younger ones would do it as summer jobs etc? But I agree that it is good for mental health, or even just a sense of some accomplishment, for people to work; even if volunteer, poorly paid, etc. There should be some kind of program if one the dole that you work in some capacity- even if it sweeping up your projects, mowing the lawn there, answering phones, painting graffiti, delivering groceries for the older or shut-ins, etc. I also like programs that get young people out of cities/suburbia, unplug, and enjoy nature, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening, farms, etc.

[GravitySucks]

Ha, it's interesting that both sides of the political fence oppose the idea, even if for different reasons.

Listen, I normally avoid political discussions for good reason.  I refuse to pick a side and don't have the time or desire to argue who's right or wrong.  But when I go to work in the ER I see a society in failure.  I feel it's an exercise in futility to point fingers and sling blame.  I'm interested in discussing possible solutions, especially at the grassroots, community level.  I think SC has the right idea, but large warehouse-style shelters are no solution to homelessness.

Both my parents came of age during the Great Depression.  They lived in poverty before the depression, so imagine what it was like afterward.  As a young man forced to drop out of school, my father found work in the CCC camps, first in Texas, then Arizona.  It was a lifesaver for him and thousands of others. My uneducated and unskilled father was able to parlay his CCC experience into a job with Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked for 30 yrs.

http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Conservation_Corps

"Principal benefits of an individual's enrollment in the CCC included improved physical condition, heightened morale, and increased employability.  Implicitly, the CCC also led to a greater public awareness and appreciation of the outdoors and the nation's natural resources; and the continued need for a carefully planned, comprehensive national program for the protection and development of natural resources."

Perhaps it's time to revitalize the CCC, or develop something similar.  I believe that in spite of the pathos and despair felt across the US, people want and need a sense of purpose, even those living on the fringes of society.

I have hiked some trails around a place called Double Lake State Recreation area in Texas that were built by the CCC. I wonder if your Dad worked there. In between Cleveland and Coldspring.

The trouble with today's Federal Government is that they would want to start a whole new level of civil servants, probably in a whole new agency to oversee and overspend any CCC-like program.  It might work if it was left up to the states to administer.

[onan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGY6DqB1HX8&feature=share

[albrecht]

But Obama fled town for some secret outing in California? Why? These Million Man-types are his core constituency. And who cannot have some sympathies views towards the Indians (feather, not dot, no sympathy for call-center people) but still I'm not sure this kind of thing generates the idea to want to help their situation.
http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4554715/usa
ps: not the misspelling on the CSPAN site; or were they trying to be "inclusive" and using ebonics
"" DOWN, DOWN, USA!"

Jusrice Or Else March"

[Eddie Coyle]

But Obama fled town for some secret outing in California? Why? These Million Man-types are his core constituency. And who cannot have some sympathies views towards the Indians (feather, not dot, no sympathy for call-center people) but still I'm not sure this kind of thing generates the idea to want to help their situation.
http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4554715/usa
ps: not the misspelling on the CSPAN site; or were they trying to be "inclusive" and using ebonics
"" DOWN, DOWN, USA!"

Jusrice Or Else March"

    Chicago, New Orleans, Cleveland, Detroit etc, probably having their least violent Saturday in ages.

[ItsOver]

I guess The Terminator isn't available this week.

Hillary Clinton: “I’m Really Not Even a Human Being”

http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/10/hillary-clinton-robot-sweat

[Claudius]

I guess The Terminator isn't available this week.

Hillary Clinton: “I’m Really Not Even a Human Being”

http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/10/hillary-clinton-robot-sweat

The funny thing about that is that people like Alex "I'll say anything for money" Jones will use that headline and say, 'SEE!!?!?!1/ SHE IS A REPTALLIAN/ROBOT/ALIEN SENT BY THE NWO!'

[b_dubb]

You're welcome

http://disinfo.com/2015/10/obama-becomes-the-first-peace-prize-winner-to-bomb-another-peace-prize-winner/

[nooryisawesome]

[CornyCrow]

I wish others in the dem debate would have been as sincere about getting multinationals out of our politics the way Bernie was.  I also agree with him on environmental issues.  I also like it that he's not disgusted about guns but about the US mental health system. 

Hillary is the big money candidate and will probably win all the way to the presidency.  I found that she looked so weird when she raised her eyebrows and opened those eyes real wide.  Watching last night, I think that is her 'tell'.  She does that when she is nervous about her answer or lying. 

[FightTheFuture]

Time traveler?? Lincoln Chafee is merely the older Steve Doocy

[chefist]

CNN has to be the worst example of left biased media.

1. They stated that in the Rep debate, they would pit each candidate against the other. Last night, Cooper said he would not do that in the Dem debate.
2. Cooper belongs to a Clinton charity and votes Democratic in each election.
3. After Rep debate, headlines were all negative against almost all candidates.
4. Today, headline is a large picture of Hillary reading, "Poised, passionate and in command.", all positive tabs under headline as well.
5. Press room at debate breaks out in cheers for Hillary...

Fox did the same propaganda for the Reps.

It amazes me how so many people cannot see the bias...

[Up All Night]

The National Review said that Hillary was a strong debater. .....
Yes, she's a masterdebater. 

The Dem. sheeple know that things are getting worse and not better, so they will vote for Hillary because they fell she is well able to tell them the "Best" lies, so that can feel good in a mess.

It's almost as if Hillary's slogan is:

"VOTE ME FOR ME - I AM THE BEST LIAR ! !"

[albrecht]

CNN has to be the worst example of left biased media.

1. They stated that in the Rep debate, they would pit each candidate against the other. Last night, Cooper said he would not do that in the Dem debate.
2. Cooper belongs to a Clinton charity and votes Democratic in each election.
3. After Rep debate, headlines were all negative against almost all candidates.
4. Today, headline is a large picture of Hillary reading, "Poised, passionate and in command.", all positive tabs under headline as well.
5. Press room at debate breaks out in cheers for Hillary...

Fox did the same propaganda for the Reps.

It amazes me how so many people cannot see the bias...

Except Fox was anti-Trump during the debate. But I agree in general both networks are for the "picked" candidate in either party (though Fox's Murdoch is suspicious pro-Clinton behind the scenes in the past and so has Trump, in the past, which is why I'm still a bit suspect of him.)

[CornyCrow]

CNN has to be the worst example of left biased media.

1. They stated that in the Rep debate, they would pit each candidate against the other. Last night, Cooper said he would not do that in the Dem debate.
2. Cooper belongs to a Clinton charity and votes Democratic in each election.
3. After Rep debate, headlines were all negative against almost all candidates.
4. Today, headline is a large picture of Hillary reading, "Poised, passionate and in command.", all positive tabs under headline as well.
5. Press room at debate breaks out in cheers for Hillary...

Fox did the same propaganda for the Reps.

It amazes me how so many people cannot see the bias...

Yeah, and the media also likes to poke holes in Bernie. 

[CornyCrow]

The National Review said that Hillary was a strong debater. .....
Yes, she's a masterdebater. 

The Dem. sheeple know that things are getting worse and not better, so they will vote for Hillary because they fell she is well able to tell them the "Best" lies, so that can feel good in a mess.

It's almost as if Hillary's slogan is:

"VOTE ME FOR ME - I AM THE BEST LIAR ! !"

Hillary is the big money, establishment, candidate, but it's her turn.  I really hate our system at times.  It surprised me that Bernie Sanders is not a big gun control guy.  He's right in that.   

[CornyCrow]

I would have loved to have seen a Trump/Sanders race.  Both have things I like and dislike but neither is being financed by large corporations and billionaires.  How will we ever have honest elections that represent the best interests of the country when such groups are involved? 

[chefist]

Walmart Net Income (net profits) 2014: $16,363,000,000

Walmart # of employees: 1,400,000

If you split the net income equally, that would be $11,688 per employee. The average full time worker is paid for 2080 hours per year.  Therefore, a raise of $5.62 per hour would completely wipe out any profit of the company.

If the current minimum wage is around $8 per hour, and the push is for $15, companies with the net income of WalMart would not be able to maintain viability. 

[CornyCrow]

Walmart Net Income (net profits) 2014: $16,363,000,000

Walmart # of employees: 1,400,000

If you split the net income equally, that would be $11,688 per employee. The average full time worker is paid for 2080 hours per year.  Therefore, a raise of $5.62 per hour would completely wipe out any profit of the company.

If the current minimum wage is around $8 per hour, and the push is for $15, companies with the net income of WalMart would not be able to maintain viability.

I am supposing that Walmart has many part time employees which causes those figures to be so strange.  Target manages to pay their employees better and they are selling similar goods for similar prices.  I have seen Walmart prices beat all over the place.  The items they do have for a lower price are often much older models, maybe warehouse clearance.  My local Walmart is horribly stocked.  It's always hit or miss there. 

[onan]

Walmart salaries are taken out of gross profit, which for ending of July 2015 was $130.02 billion.

[paladin1991]

I wish others in the dem debate would have been as sincere about getting multinationals out of our politics the way Bernie was.  I also agree with him on environmental issues.  I also like it that he's not disgusted about guns but about the US mental health system. 

Hillary is the big money candidate and will probably win all the way to the presidency.  I found that she looked so weird when she raised her eyebrows and opened those eyes real wide.  Watching last night, I think that is her 'tell'.  She does that when she is nervous about her answer or lying.

Fucking A Skippy.  Guns, cars, hammers, knives.  What are we going to do, outlaw them one by one until we are reduced to dueling with our meals with sporks?  It's the criminalization of our populace and our ill that seems to be the foundation of our Great Society. 
If we took care of those of our ppl who are in greatest need instead of carrying the water for the rest of the globe, the 'system' would choke on the money that would flow.

Hillary?  Did I miss something?  Did old Joe Biden finally say he would not run?  *shrug*   

[chefist]

Walmart salaries are taken out of gross profit, which for ending of July 2015 was $130.02 billion.

Walmart calculates wages and salaries in "Selling, General and Administration" on the P&L...that expense is taken from Gross Profit, and depending upon the report, added into COGS (cost of goods sold).  I add all but 3 of my employees into COGS...

Here's another fun calculation: for 2014 the top 6 highest level executives (below these 6 the pay falls drastically!), was $140,500,000.  I agree I think these executives make way too much money...but if we cut their salaries/bonuses by 75%, then we would have $105,375,000 to split with the 1,400,000 employees! Those employees would get a $75 check at the end of the year for the savings...

[Rix Gins]

Hillary?  Did I miss something?  Did old Joe Biden finally say he would not run?  *shrug*

The major news corps (as we talk) are springing articles saying in effect;  Look, Joe.  Hillary was conqueror supreme in the debate...so no sense in going through all the trouble and expense of making a run for the presidency....right?  (Wink - Nod.)

[GuerrillaUnReal]

Hilary... really? Fucking Hilary?

How is this even a possibility. I am disgusted with that possibility.

The good thing about that is literally nothing will happen or improve for four years. Clinton is stagnation in it's highest form. It would be fun to have Bill around again for four years though. I don't honestly believe Hilary can win though.

[GuerrillaUnReal]

Walmart calculates wages and salaries in "Selling, General and Administration" on the P&L...that expense is taken from Gross Profit, and depending upon the report, added into COGS (cost of goods sold).  I add all but 3 of my employees into COGS...

Here's another fun calculation: for 2014 the top 6 highest level executives (below these 6 the pay falls drastically!), was $140,500,000.  I agree I think these executives make way too much money...but if we cut their salaries/bonuses by 75%, then we would have $105,375,000 to split with the 1,400,000 employees! Those employees would get a $75 check at the end of the year for the savings...

Stop stop, you're making economic sense which is something this country frowns upon.