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Originally Posted by BCReefer
I must say this has been one of the most intriguing set of posts I have read on the internet for months.
As a person who pays his taxes and commutes 2 hours a day I have a say in this as well. I feel like the average Joe but maybe my thoughts are on little more extreme.
For one thing, anything free people will take advantage of it. If we subsidise housing for the homeless, statistically there would probably be a lot of damage to these houses that cost the tax payer more money. I feel that there is a lot of social service help that is available but it is up the individual to look after himself/herself.
At the same time I would like to see Riverdale Hospital which is Vancouver’s mental institute (if I can call it that?) open up more beds to get some of the mentally handicapped off the streets and into the hospital.
If we also look at who some of the homeless are, a portion of that are the disillusioned youth who at their current stage in life, really don’t care about much. Look at the protestors, majority are in the 20 - 40 age group and instead of working, they prefer to raise holy do-do at major events. I understand why, as this gives them the limelight so needed to ensure some government action. But I prefer that these protestors spend as much time educating fellow street people, working with them to find jobs and get their self respect back. There are also “professional” protestors who appear at the flavour of the month protest.
I have no problem supporting anyone through tough times but not for years because they choose their life style.
Regarding the highway upgrades – considering the amount of deaths that occur yearly on the Sea-Sky highway the upgrades are long over due. If it takes the Olympics to get our fair share then all the better for it. About time Ottawa sent some money to BC instead of back east to buy votes. (had to get Ottawa into this social discussion).
After travelling to Germany/Japan and through different parts of the States we do a lot for our homeless, but unless we give everything free to them they will not be happy. Next it will be a protest about day care, then the students, then the nurses and teachers. Live in BC is interesting.
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Good post, also lets not forget that majority of homeless on Vancouvers downtown east end have addictions to a variety of drugs, they rather spend ever penny they get on drugs to fuel their addiction..they chose to be homeless because their next hit is more important than a roof under their head....
Housing for the homeless doesnt come close to addressing the real issue and would be a huge waste of money like you hinted.