Get a haircut . .

. . . and get a real job

This may be the most cynical, most un-PC, perhaps the rudest post I have had yet. But someone needs to say it. Michael Moore wont say it because it wont go against the president, the TV news rarely talk about anything this deep, and you wont read about it in any newspaper because it may offend those that use the paper for a pillow.

The issue is the homeless, bums, moochers, leeches, and general scabs on society. Why is it so hard to get a job? Why do I have to get flooded with requests for change when I'm walking down the street? Why do I have to go out of my way to avoid folks, or lie to those that I can't manage to avoid. Don't get me wrong I will occasionally help a person out, but it depends on my mood and their delivery. Isn't this behaviour the same as a telemarketer without the phone??? See you are qualified for something, now get your ass off the street.

There are different levels of bums in my mind. Street performers are not bums as they are providing entertainment. The next are the windshield washing bums, who are at least trying to provide a service. Then you have your bums that walk up and down the street, at least these have to motivation to move. One rung down from them are the ones that hang out on the sidewalk. Just sort of sit there and talk to folks as the pass. The worst type of bum is the intersection, sign holder. Your sign proves you are at least semi-literate, and you choice location shows you understand marketing. So get your ass out there and get a job.

This rant is inspired by a great cab ride I had today from a nice Russian guy. I got to pick his mind for 25 minutes or so as he picked me up from the cycle shop and took me home. He admitted he hated his job, but the language barrier is keeping him from doing what he was trained to do. Never did get around to finding out what that was. I also don't think his English was bad at all, very good conversationalist and had some deep thoughts that were fun to discuss. His comment that really got me was "If I wanted to be a bum I could do that in Russia. There are opportunities here." WOW Why cant the folks living on the street here see the opportunities that this guy sees. Even thousands of miles away from his family he keeps his held high and nose to the grindstone in order to make a better life for himself.

Opportunities are everywhere, if you want to find them. I know grown men and women don't like to work fast food but isn't that better than begging? I may be missing the entire appeal of the homeless, or I'm not open minded enough to understand all of the circumstances behind these peoples situation. If someone can explain it I am more than willing to listen.