Brian Fesler wrote: >Litter is sort of a small issue compared to acts of violence, theft, >property damage etc. But it is a good start. Tackling that is probably >good practice for taking on the larger issues and really cleaning up our >town.
I agree with both of your points, Brian -- it is a smaller issue, and it is one that is probably easier to take on. I would imagine that many of us here have heard the concept of "broken windows", which says that environmental disarry leads to increased crime. As the streetscape deteriorates, people move out, they withdraw from the community, they stop walking along streets. This decrease of "eyes on the street" makes it much safer for crime to increase, and it becomes a cycle. I'm certainly not saying it's a panacea, but I can't help but wonder if being vigilant about litter would increase everyone's pride in the neighborhood. In my mind, it's *LITTER* that makes people feel like they can litter! If the street's already full of it, what's a little more? With regards to Michael Hohmann's comments, it certainly is a societal problem. And it's not just teachers and parents -- it's everyone in society who sends forth the message of "well, it's not my problem. Someone will clean it up." And, of course, poverty and a feeling of futility that comes along with it add to that. Where does fixing this start? I think with teachers is a great idea. Mr. Searles wrote: >Excuses, excuses, excuses. There is no sense of personal responsibility. >Minneapolis will continue to degrade if this is this prevailing attitude. Since when is trying to put a finger on the problem an excuse? It's only an excuse if we say "well, it's povery, we can't do anything." Otherwise, it's trying to get to the root of the problem in order to help it. For myself, preparing for life as a city planner, this kind of discussion can help me prepare for a lifetime of fighting against this. I submit that your attitude is much more problemati. You treat this as a Minneapolis problem that you want no part of, rather than a societal problem which you'd like to discuss remedies for. The attitude of saying "well, I don't live there, screw 'em" translates into people driving through our city and tossing things out car windows because it doesn't affect them. Doubtless, these people will then complain that the city is dirty when they come to go to the Orpheum. --Jeff Rosenberg Cedar/Riverside . . . picking up trash as he goes. REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
