Re: OT: Inflation in the US
- From: John Smith <assemblywizard@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:34:49 -0800
John Larkin wrote:
...
A sign that says "will work for food" doesn't mean that they are
serious. Most panhandlers know exactly what works to maximize revenue.
In front of our building, the panhandlers work in organized 2-hour
shifts. The signs are always crudely lettered on brown cardboard,
because that's what works best. The panhandlers are almost universally
youngish white males; in a town that's 30% Chinese, I've never seen a
Chinese beggar.
You certainly demonstrate that is one way of "looking at it." However, I live in Stockton, California. We are inundated with Indians from Mexico representing themselves as Spanish. They gather, every morning, in various locations in the poorer districts, liquor store parking lots, vacant lots, quick stop lots, etc. You can hire them for ~$5.00 an hour cash. If the "homeless" must compete with them for "start positions", "take-a-job-just-to-survive-situations", etc.--they probably opt for a sign in front of your building ... can't really say what I'd do myself--keep an eye out for me. :-D
The large number of unemployed panhandlers is a symptom of widespread
prosperity. Think about it.
I do geocaching using GPS devices just for fun with the wife and a few friends (you know, the old "treasure hunt gig"--the wife just loves it) I have seen many of those suffering from "widespread prosperity" under bridges, along railroad tracks, in vacant lots, etc. Now the news may tell me one thing and gov't propaganda along with it--but, when my eyes tell me another--I'll leave you to decide what I believe ...
To tell me we are better off is a very poor joke, been there, seen it. However, they have convinced the youngsters they are better off and things are only getting better.
Sure looks to me like we are heading towards another depression and price controls ... we shall see what the future brings.
I doubt that we'll have a serious depression, and price controls only
make things worse. Besides, most things, except housing, are dirt
cheap in the USA.
Yeah, my million dollar home was a real steal ... well, it would have been two million if it was located down in so. cal., so I guess some may view it as "lucky." :-(
John
While I don't believe anyone has a crystal ball which can predict our future accurately--and especially amongst such dramatic manipulations of the economy--I am still betting on my eyes ... like I said, we shall see what the future brings.
And, handing a homeless couple a ten dollar bill makes me feel good--even if their next stop is a liquor store. Again, I can't say what I'd do in their position--however, I prefer Jim Beam! <LOL>
Regards,
JS
.
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