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Denver's proposed camping ban passes council on first reading

Kreton

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Denver's proposed camping ban passes council on first reading - The Denver Post

This is something that has caused a ton of discussion here in Colorado so I wanted to see what some of you folks think about the issue.

A divided Denver City Council voted early this morning to preliminarily approve a homeless camping ban after almost five hours of discussion and testimony that ended after the vote at 1:35 a.m.

Opponents believe this measure will criminalize homelessness, that it was drawn up without community involvement and that there aren't enough services in place.

But proponents say the issue has put a problem into stark focus. They say without it, there wouldn't be 200 more shelter beds for the summer or a plan to create a 24-hour resource center for homeless. But many said the law is necessary because people are choosing to stay away from doing business downtown.


I have been to downtown Denver countless times. There are a number of homeless people around. They do harass people. They beg for money. They impede business. Some are crazy and it shows. I don't recall ever being threatened by them but I do try to avoid them and certain businesses and areas where they are more abundant. If I were one of those business owners who customers were avoiding I would be pretty upset by losing customers and business. Also from what a lot of people around here say they do get violent and demanding when you do not give them money and many people I know refuse to go to downtown Denver at night. (it is nowhere near as bad as some other big cities)

On the other hand, if you dont have a home where do you go? Can you really criminalize homelessness? Many people on the streets have no other option.
 
Denver's proposed camping ban passes council on first reading - The Denver Post

This is something that has caused a ton of discussion here in Colorado so I wanted to see what some of you folks think about the issue.







I have been to downtown Denver countless times. There are a number of homeless people around. They do harass people. They beg for money. They impede business. Some are crazy and it shows. I don't recall ever being threatened by them but I do try to avoid them and certain businesses and areas where they are more abundant. If I were one of those business owners who customers were avoiding I would be pretty upset by losing customers and business. Also from what a lot of people around here say they do get violent and demanding when you do not give them money and many people I know refuse to go to downtown Denver at night. (it is nowhere near as bad as some other big cities)

On the other hand, if you dont have a home where do you go? Can you really criminalize homelessness? Many people on the streets have no other option.

If you recall.. Denver's homeless population exploded about 8 years ago..

At one point there was tlk of letting them camp in the stdium.
 
Criminalizing homelessness is a dangerous precedent to set IMO. I used to live in Colorado, born and raised, and while homelessness is a problem, I don't think this is the answer.
 
Criminalizing homelessness will just create a black market. The correct response would be to keep it legal and regulate it.
 
I don't go near Denver...let alone to downtown Denver...so I'm not affected one way or another by their homeless problems, but it seems to me they have enough bleeding heart liberals in that city to take care of the poor suckers.

btw, though I live near the Springs, I rarely go downtown there, so their homeless problems don't affect me either.

Seriously, though, the only way any city's homeless problem can be dealt with is to encourage and enable the homeless to better their situations...but the desire to do that must come from the homeless themselves. If they don't have the desire, they will always be a problem.
 
I don't go near Denver...let alone to downtown Denver...so I'm not affected one way or another by their homeless problems, but it seems to me they have enough bleeding heart liberals in that city to take care of the poor suckers.

btw, though I live near the Springs, I rarely go downtown there, so their homeless problems don't affect me either.

Seriously, though, the only way any city's homeless problem can be dealt with is to encourage and enable the homeless to better their situations...but the desire to do that must come from the homeless themselves. If they don't have the desire, they will always be a problem.

Whether or not it affects you directly if you are here in Colorado is does affect you. As money and laws are diverted to help the homeless, or enforce these possibly needless laws it is taking away from other apsects of our communities. Furthermore, these homeless, if illegal for them to reside in denver, will be going somewhere. your town could be the destination they migrate to. You dont know. It is irresponsible to ignore the homeless problem here and nationwide. As a country we need to address it not just be covering it up.
 
Whether or not it affects you directly if you are here in Colorado is does affect you. As money and laws are diverted to help the homeless, or enforce these possibly needless laws it is taking away from other apsects of our communities. Furthermore, these homeless, if illegal for them to reside in denver, will be going somewhere. your town could be the destination they migrate to. You dont know. It is irresponsible to ignore the homeless problem here and nationwide. As a country we need to address it not just be covering it up.

Money and laws are diverted to help the homeless...diverted from the Springs, how? We are talking about Denver, right? Or do you think the State should weigh in on Denver's problems? The same can be said about your implication that this should become a national issue...do you propose the federal government get involved in Denver's problems? Your contention that the Denver homeless might migrate to the Springs is realistic, but...as I said...it won't affect me.

Anyway, I'm not ignoring the issue...as you contend. I've suggested the Denver liberals put up the money and energy to deal with that city's issues and I've expressed my opinion about any city dealing with their homeless problem.


But, you know, there is a bright side to this Denver law: It will cause problems for the OWSers if they decide to start pitching tents again. (off-topic, I know...feel free to ignore this remark)
 
The question is then, what is the answer?

Invest more into homeless shelters and outreach programs aimed at helping the homeless.
 
Money and laws are diverted to help the homeless...diverted from the Springs, how? We are talking about Denver, right? Or do you think the State should weigh in on Denver's problems? The same can be said about your implication that this should become a national issue...do you propose the federal government get involved in Denver's problems?

Homelessness IS a federal problem. Money goes to the homeless in both cities. This is not just a Denver issue, it is just Denver who addressed it last night.

Your contention that the Denver homeless might migrate to the Springs is realistic, but...as I said...it won't affect me.

They can migrate anywhere. Unless you live deep underground it could happen wherever you live. Pueblo, Fountain, Monument, Falcon. Doesnt matter.
Anyway, I'm not ignoring the issue...as you contend. I've suggested the Denver liberals put up the money and energy to deal with that city's issues and I've expressed my opinion about any city dealing with their homeless problem.

Are you really suggesting that conservatives stop taking part in the city/state lawmaking? So no matter what legislation the liberals pass you'd be ok with?
 
The question is then, what is the answer?

Dealing with the problem WHY people are homeless. It's different for everyone so there isn't a one size fits all solution.
 
Denver's proposed camping ban passes council on first reading - The Denver Post

This is something that has caused a ton of discussion here in Colorado so I wanted to see what some of you folks think about the issue.







I have been to downtown Denver countless times. There are a number of homeless people around. They do harass people. They beg for money. They impede business. Some are crazy and it shows. I don't recall ever being threatened by them but I do try to avoid them and certain businesses and areas where they are more abundant. If I were one of those business owners who customers were avoiding I would be pretty upset by losing customers and business. Also from what a lot of people around here say they do get violent and demanding when you do not give them money and many people I know refuse to go to downtown Denver at night. (it is nowhere near as bad as some other big cities)

On the other hand, if you dont have a home where do you go? Can you really criminalize homelessness? Many people on the streets have no other option.


I have a little experience with this...first let me say I empathize with both sides in this issue...one thing everyone has to keep in mind...these people are homeless for a variety of reasons..some pure economic...some psychological...in the end if you ban their homeless camp...they will HAVE to go somewhere else...they are humans they do need some shelter and subsistence to survive and the human instinct to survive gets stronger under threat....anything the state provides will be temporary and then they still will have to go somewhere....its been said its better to let them have a camp where they are pretty much off to themselves....if you break up what they consider their home now...you may created more crime....tough call...like I said I understand both sides of the issue...no easy solutions...and this problem is going to worsen around the country
 
Dealing with the problem WHY people are homeless. It's different for everyone so there isn't a one size fits all solution.

In my opinion the biggest factor (as far as those that can be controlled) is the economy. Our economic policies are creating the homeless in this country. That goes to my arguments yesterday about jobs here in the United States. Until Americans stop supporting foreign economies with their spending habit and start supporting American businesses we are going to continue to see the number of homeless rise in this country.
 
1. Homelessness IS a federal problem. Money goes to the homeless in both cities. This is not just a Denver issue, it is just Denver who addressed it last night.



2. They can migrate anywhere. Unless you live deep underground it could happen wherever you live. Pueblo, Fountain, Monument, Falcon. Doesnt matter.


3. Are you really suggesting that conservatives stop taking part in the city/state lawmaking? So no matter what legislation the liberals pass you'd be ok with?

1. Homelessness is a local issue...and should stay that way. Bring the Feds into it and see the problem...and the costs...skyrocket. No thanks.

2. LOL!! Sorry, dude, but there's nothing the homeless will find where I live...so they won't come here.

3. I've made no such suggestion. My words were very clear.
 
1. Homelessness is a local issue...and should stay that way. Bring the Feds into it and see the problem...and the costs...skyrocket. No thanks.

When you have an issue that affects every city in the country it is a federal issue. Especially when the city/states laws will have an effect on cities across the country.

2. LOL!! Sorry, dude, but there's nothing the homeless will find where I live...so they won't come here.

they wiill find what they might need. A place to lay down where it is not illegal.

3. I've made no such suggestion. My words were very clear.

yes they were clear and that is what you said.
 
I've been to Denver, really nice people. I think the first order of business should be to provide mental health care to those who need it. After that, new shelters should be open, they don't cost exorbitants amount of money to run so I'm pretty sure existing state funds can be diverted from the millions given to farm subsidies in order to fund this.
 
1. When you have an issue that affects every city in the country it is a federal issue. Especially when the city/states laws will have an effect on cities across the country.



2. they wiill find what they might need. A place to lay down where it is not illegal.



3. yes they were clear and that is what you said.

1. Spoken like a true liberal...the government is the solution, eh?

2. Nope, they won't find that here. Like I said, they won't come.

3. If you really think I said that, then homelessness is not your problem...comprehension is your problem.
 
I've been to Denver, really nice people. I think the first order of business should be to provide mental health care to those who need it. After that, new shelters should be open, they don't cost exorbitants amount of money to run so I'm pretty sure existing state funds can be diverted from the millions given to farm subsidies in order to fund this.

???

Does the State of Colorado provide millions for farm subsidies?

That's news to me.
 
1. Spoken like a true liberal...the government is the solution, eh?

LOL So I am a liberal now?

2. Nope, they won't find that here. Like I said, they won't come.

Where are you in Colorado that homeless people are not able to come to?

3. If you really think I said that, then homelessness is not your problem...comprehension is your problem.

This is what your argument has come down to? Claiming comprehension issues? How original.
 
???

Does the State of Colorado provide millions for farm subsidies?

That's news to me.

Don't know how much the State itself pays, but the USDA paid Colorado over 300,000,000 bucks in 2010.
 
I wonder if part of this isn't a response to the "Occupy" movement, and a means to ensure that the Police can simply go in and dismantle any camp that they may try to rebuild this spring?
 
Same place all government money comes from, taxes.

Generally speaking people would strongly oppose an increase in taxes. Especially the conservatives (which there are plenty of in colorado) who think everyone is homeless because they are lazy and shouldn't be helped.
 
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