Sc-rrr-aaape, shuffle, dddd-rrrr-ag.

Screeeeech, push, sc-rrr-aaappp-eee,  ddddddrag, pull.

Okay, I try not to do this, but now that I've dragged my soap box out of its dark corner,

here I go again.

Many years ago, it was thought our community needed a new jail, and lo, the powers that be made that happen.  Oh, it was (is) a fine, beautiful, state of the art, building.  It has everything...except the money to operate it.  So, it was that after a community Open House, it has remained...empty...not one single person has been incarcerated there.  It's as bright and shiny new today as it was when it was built. The only thing operating there is maintenance, especially the plumbing.

Occasionally, some local television news program will do a short 'update' on the facility.  Yes, there they stand microphone in hand, talking about what the local government's next 'bright idea' is to turn this facility into something useful. They are at it again.  NOW THEY WANT TO TURN IT INTO A FACILITY FOR THE HOMELESS.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

Yes, they are now saying with modest funding (LOL), this facility can be remodeled into a wonderful place for the homeless to stay/live.  Safe.  Warm.  Secure.  I'm sure these remodeling funds will eventually climb into millions, which, EVENTUALLY I'm sure we tax payers will pay for.

Here's the thing.  I'm sick and tired of supplying 'freebees' for the homeless.  Here I am, hanging on to the ledge of middle class living by my fingernails trying to survive on a limited income, while the homeless, (illegal aliens, and a heck of a lot of free-loaders) seem to be better off than I.

And, yes, I know this sounds like a lot of sour grapes, and it is.  Frankly, I'm seriously p***ed off.  I'm barely managing to keep a roof over my head, pay my bills, buy groceries, afford health care and my medications, without ever getting so much as a pat on the back or a 'well done'.  Again, while the homeless, (illegal aliens, and a heck of a lot of free-loaders) seem to be better off than I.

My question is, what will happen to this beautiful facility after, let's say, a year? Hmmm, scratch that, let's say six months after the homeless have taken it over?  I suspect it will be like the public park a few years back when they took over one of our beautiful parks for a month and COMPLETELY RUINED IT.  Which, once they vacated it, the city, with tax payer money...(don't kid yourselves...no matter what they say, it is tax payers money that pays for the government..not the government's 'budget')...had to pay goodness knows how much to repair the damage.

Come on, I feel there are many other options for this facility, especially if tax dollars are going to be used to help maintain, fund, and otherwise keep it running.  How about a re-hab center for returning vets, good use of tax dollars don't you think?  Or a shelter for battered women, their/or at risk children.  Maybe, a care facility for senior citizens when a family member needs a rest from months or years of caring for their elderly parent/parents.  How about an alternate education and/or training in a trade facility for young adults who can't afford to go to college.  I would much rather my tax dollars go to these kinds of endeavors, wouldn't you?  

However, if you must...if you feel...this facility absolutely needs to go to the homeless, (illegal aliens, and free loaders), let's make sure there are some very strict rules in order to qualify for shelter.

1.  Whatever monthly government subsidies you receive, 95% will go to support the facility, taking the burden off the tax payers to pay staff salaries.
2.  There will be no smoking, alcoholic beverages or drugs allowed on the premises. Use of them will be cause for immediate expulsion from the facility.
3.  You will work, in the kitchen, in the maintenance of the building, in keeping the grounds in immaculate condition.
4.  You will commit to random drug testing.
5.  You will surrender your animals to qualified shelters so they can spend the remainder of their years in loving, caring homes.
6.  You will endeavor to reconnect with family.
7.  You will look for permanent employment...McDonald's is better than nothing.
8.  You will shower, shave, shampoo, wear clean clothes daily.
(Readers: Feel free to add to this list.)

You know what?  If restrictions like those above are required, not one single homeless, (illegal alien, or free loader) will stop by or show up.  Know why? Because, not a one of them wants to be responsible for their own actions.  Heaven forbid they should have to give, give, give.  For them it is all about get, get, get.

And, there you have it.  I'm going to put my soap box back into its corner.  Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.  Me thinks I should probably be ready for stray bullets and rock throwing.  Sigh.


Sc-rrr-aaape, shuffle, dddd-rrrr-ag, screeeeech, push, sc-rrr-aaappp-eee,  ddddddrag, pull.