Hello list, I didn't mean to say that there doesn't need to be an increase in policing in troubled areas. But, I wanted to point out that the drug dealers and drug addicts aren't the central problem. They are, indeed, symptoms of a deeper disease that needs to be cured in the city. And, of course you aren't going to see a dramatic decrease in the number of drug dealers and addicts. As long as we continue to invest in incarceration instead of education and rehabilitation the cycle will continue. And, even once a person has been educated/rehabilitated there needs to be livable wage jobs available so that folks can support their families.
I grew up with a Mother who worked full time, was single, and raised two kids. Often my Mother had to work two jobs and still had to get some support from the state (medical insurance). As long as we keep believing in the myth that the free market will provide and that if you just get out there and get a job all your ills will be fixed, we won't seriously address the issues of poverty and the working poor. It's hard to have time to mow the lawn, paint the house,and make the neighborhood look pretty when you just got off your 8-5 and you are getting ready to start your 7-12. Vicky Heller asked the question does anyone know how hard it is to earn an honest buck in this city? Yes, thousands of people know just how hard it is to earn money AND provide for themselves and their families. It's time we stopped paying Bob Ulrich at Target Corporation a couple million dollars a year salary and start paying the average Jane $15 an hour so she can feed her family and have time to raise it as well. -Brandon Lacy Campos -Powderhorn Park _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
