An open letter to the homeless of Portland from one of your own.
An open letter to the homeless of Portland from one of your own.
What you will find here are a number of generalities. Because of this chances are only one or two may apply to you so do not take this as a blanket statement towards the entire homeless community.
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Stop asking me for cigarettes. I paid for them with money I earned.. Offering me a quarter will not work either. Granted it’s a fair price for one but what good is that quarter going to do me once I am out of smokes?
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Stop walking down the middle of the damn sidewalk. Find the flow and go with it. Most of the people you encounter have someplace to be in a limited amount of time.
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Stop flicking your cigarette butts where ever the hell you please. There are more than enough ashtrays and trashcans for these.
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If you are getting on the MAX with many other riders and the train is already packed just wait for the next if you are staying within Fareless Square.
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I have a question for those of you with dogs. What the hell are you thinking? You can’t even take care of yourself and you decide now would be a good time to take on the responsibility of a pet?!? Does the dog get your leftovers or does he get a food that will provide for his/her nutritional needs. Oh yeah, when was the last time your dog saw a vet for a regular check up? Sure they are cute and fun to play with but you are in no position to give that animal what it really needs aside from your love.
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If you have to get drunk is there really any reason for being a belligerent ass also? I understand the desire to get a buzz on but that does not give you the right to become a problem to others.
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If you’re going into some business while others are, offer to hold the door open once in a while.
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Make a point to pick up at least one piece of trash a day.
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To the panhandlers, I realize you can claim freedom of speech but you also need to realize it can be interpreted as harassment when it happens ten times between lunch and the office. And your sad story about how hungry you are holds no water whatsoever. You as well as I know there are plenty of service providers and no reason for ANYBODY to starve in Portland.
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To those of you who spend every day running from one appointment to another in search of public assistance I have one thing to say. If you spent that time seeking employment you would be off the street by now.
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On Friday and Saturday nights when people are seated out side restaurants there is no need for a pack of you to schlep down the sidewalk making a crapload of noise. Those folks are paying good money for dinner and chances are you are not, I repeat NOT invited.
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If you are sleeping outside clean up your area so it will appear nobody has been sleeping there. Some of you folks seem to have a talent for generating copious amount of trash. Stop leaving it for others to clean up.
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And finally, QUIT ASKING ME FOR CIGARETTES!
While the general public will always see us as a nuisance most of the time others may see a difference and every bit helps.
Sincerely,
PDX Urban Outdoorsman
January 19, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Why do I or anyone have to subsidize somebody’s nicotine addiction? Make them pay for their own cigs. Frankly, why do the homelesses smoke? Cigs are expensive these days anyway, and with the new smoke-free Oregon law, they ought to quit, or otherwise the legislature needs to pass a law prohibiting sales of tobacco products to a homeless.
October 17, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Pass a law prohibiting sales of tobacco products to the homeless!?!
So what you are saying is I should not be able to purchase something on the basis of my living situation? That is the statement of an arrogant elitist asshole.
How is a retailer to know that I am living on the streets?
Perhaps a scarlet letter of some sort.
February 4, 2012 at 3:30 pm
wow what kinda wacko fantasy werld do you live in? while you are at it, lets pass a LAW (that always helps) that sterilizes poor folks who make kids they can’t afford. America is based on HUMAN RIGHTS, you don’t belong here. please leave.
March 3, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Hey! We talked at HOMEpdx on March 1st & you had asked if I had read back this far…I actually had and remembered the post when I saw it…you do have an incredible way with words! I am glad you are blogging!!!
November 4, 2011 at 12:08 am
Right on man!