Hey buddy, can you spare a movie ticket?
By Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 08:19 p.m., July 15, 2008
Updated 08:46 a.m., July 16, 2008
Preston Gannaway / The Rocky
Joe Palmerino, Johnny Amason and Jason Klein, from left, stand along Speer Boulevard on Tuesday. With the Democratic National Convention in town next month, a homeless advocacy group plans to hand out passes to theaters and cultural facilities.
Do you think Denver is trying to hide the homeless during the Democratic National Convention?
Hundreds of Denver's homeless could be cooling their heels in a movie theater or museum while the Democratic National Convention is in town next month.
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless plans to get 500 movie tickets as well as passes to the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science and other cultural facilities for the people it helps.
Bus tickets will be provided for events beyond walking distance, said John Parvensky, the non-profit's president.
Many day shelters will have expanded hours during the convention, and big screen TVs are being donated to some shelters so patrons can watch convention goings-on without being caught up in the mayhem.
"We're trying to let folks know what activities are planned, and what other places they'll be able to go without being harassed," Parvensky said.
A two-day voter registration drive is also planned at shelters and health clinics to ensure that metro area homeless people have access to the polls in November.
Backers of the plan say it's a more sanitary and humane way to take care of people.
But not everyone buys it.
"It just sounds like another way to get rid of them," said Kayne Coy, 17, who volunteers feeding the homeless twice a week at Civic Center Park through the Food Not Bombs organization.
As for the convention, Coy said: "I've heard rumors that all the homeless people are going to be sent away to Aurora or somewhere else."
Parvensky vigorously denied that there will any attempt to hide the homeless during convention, which runs Aug. 25-28.
Tight security around the Pepsi Center means some homeless people will get booted out of their regular camps along the South Platte River. Then, there's the protests and parades.
"A person who typically sits under a tree in a park that is now occupied by 1,000 protesters won't have the peace and quiet they're desiring," Parvensky said. "Particularly those with mental illness can't cope with crowds."
Parvensky is confident Denver police won't target homeless people unless a law is being broken. Aggressive panhandling and begging for money in front of an ATM machine are both banned.
But he remains concerned for people's welfare.
"Our concern going forward is that the city doesn't control everything - the Secret Service plays a role," he said. "We don't know what will happen if protests get out of control and people get caught up in something they didn't intend to."
But some homeless people also aren't enthusiastic about the plan.
Ronnie Wand, who was panhandling across the street, said he will believe the free tickets when he sees them.
"I don't care," said the 62-year-old, who expects to land in jail for vagrancy during the DNC.
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July 15, 2008
10:05 p.m.
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Practical writes:
What a joke. Why is this happening for just the week of the convention? If this organization was serious, they would have already been doing this.
July 16, 2008
3:16 a.m.
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politwriter writes:
In 1968, Boss Richard J. Daley, the Democratic Party strongman of Chicago, erected large plywood fences along the routes from the airport to the convention center so that the Democrats wouldn't have to see the black squalor in his Democrat-run city.
If this isn't history repeating itself, I don't know what is.
So the Democrats in Denver, rather than build Potemkin Villages to hide the failure of their social programs, just shuttle the unsightly homeless off to museums or movies or some other -- out of sight -- out of mind -- place.
How benevolent these liberal Democrats.
Why not just shuttle them off to concentration camps for the interim? Stalin would have done as much without blinking an eye.
How evil and dissembling these liberals are.
July 16, 2008
6:54 a.m.
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kelloggss writes:
Ahh come on..send them to Hawaii,but if I was a homeless guy I would hold out for more.. like cash,booze..women?..I'm coming to Denver to organize a Homeless Union..WE DON'T WANT CRACKER JACK PRIZES!!...LOL
July 16, 2008
7:18 a.m.
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bluecollarbytes writes:
Great minds think alike. Democrats are absorbing the lessons of the Communist Chinese who are doing much the same thing during the Olympics. Even if the motives schuck, I suppose it'll be a nice little vacate for those who normally exist in the shadows of Liberal enlightenment.
July 16, 2008
8 a.m.
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Malbus writes:
Ah yes, let's hide the homeless so the politicians won't see them. How typically Liberal of you.
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless probably got paid off by those wonderful "caring" Liberals in the DNC to hide the homeless. That way, nobody at the convention would have to see reality and face up to the fact that the Liberal "war on poverty" accomplished absolutely nothing except wasting money on an ineffective government bureaucracy.
July 16, 2008
8:21 a.m.
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RealityCheck writes:
The "Homeless" (otherwise known as Aggressive Professional Panhandlers), and not going to hide away in theaters and museums while there are so many dupes in town attending the Dem convention. I bet the "Homeless" will each be pulling down $500 or more per day begging.
July 16, 2008
8:27 a.m.
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Shapdawg1 writes:
Yes, this is all a plan by the evil libruls to take over the world. Thanks communist liberals for high gas prices!! Thanks for not letting us invade evil countries like Iran, where they hate freedom and torture puppies! Thanks liberals for murdering millions of babies every year, babies who could have one day grown up to die for their country in uniform!
Grrr... I hate socialist commie libruls!!! Grrr.. drool.. slurp!
July 16, 2008
8:30 a.m.
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MileHighCritic writes:
They are not homeless. Correct term is Structurally Challenged.
July 16, 2008
8:50 a.m.
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Libertarian_Thinker writes:
"Parvensky vigorously denied that there will any attempt to hide the homeless during convention, which runs Aug. 25-28."
More honesty from the left!
I wonder if they’re also going to feed the homeless "color coordinated” food as well?
LMAO
July 16, 2008
9:36 a.m.
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TJH writes:
HOW have the leftist lunatic fringe taken over this once great State?? This is what happens when dope smokers are in charge of dope smokers...the law abiding taxpayer base leaves (a la California) and all you have left are illegals and parasites.
Thank GOD we moved to Idaho. Come join us!!
July 16, 2008
9:41 a.m.
Boils writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 16, 2008
9:41 a.m.
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ColoradoSpringsVoter writes:
...John Parvensky vigorously denied that there will any attempt to hide the homeless during convention, which runs Aug. 25-28
Then what are they calling it ? Humane displacement?
BTW Are these not the same people or at least a portion of the Democrats so-called "shadow people"... you know the ones they want to save and elevate to voter status, give licenses to, create "pathways" to social acceptance.... the same ones we all need to help as com-patriots of the new green globalized community ?
Wait ! ! ! YES....... these are some of those same people that the Democrats have sooooo much compassion for and yet... they want to stuff them further into the crevices of society, the shadows of democracy, at a time when OBAMA the messiah could simply confer legitamacy and credibility.
Oh... I did read also they the deomcrats will offer to register them to vote, probably only offer a democrat pathway to the american voter process all the while giving them FREE stuff. Sounds like a paid-for-advertisement.. brought to us by the Homeless Coalition, a branch of the Democratic PAC.
And.. as a Colorado resident and taxpayer I have been expected to help pay for this, even though I was not solicited.
I say... give the homeless a ticket to the convention so that they too can get a healthy green meal, the homeless should not be expected to eat greasy popcorn nor fried chicken and murdered cow patties, although I like all of that. And... BTW where can I get some of these free tickets maybe I can catch a movie and a meal if I were to visit.
July 16, 2008
9:42 a.m.
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nickinva writes:
""Particularly those with mental illness can't cope with crowds."
Doesn't that mean that most of the democrats won't be able to handle being at their own convention?
July 16, 2008
9:45 a.m.
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AreYouPayingAttention writes:
Are you all really going to sit there and say this "solution" has ANYTHING to do with a political party? Would the Republican National Convention and its organizers be tolerant of the aggressive panhandlers we have here in Colorado? I am just disappointed that the only solution is a temporary one. The rest of us that live here do not believe that other people have the right to yell or follow us home because they feel entitled to our money. I have no problem with flying signs. I have a problem that this aggressive behavior is not reprimanded.
July 16, 2008
9:51 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
Since the dems are in town anyway, they should redistribute their wealth and give each homeless person 50% of their existing bank account to keep in step with their agenda.
July 16, 2008
10:05 a.m.
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Duckster writes:
Proof once again that a Liberal is someone who pretends to advocate for those people that he wouldn't allow into his neighborhood.
And even the usual lies of "but we're doing it for the poor homeless" are falling flat when everyone can see that it's only during the one week that all of the Liberals want to use the downtown area. Once the Liberals are through with Denver, the homeless will be kicked to the curb and left to languish again.
July 16, 2008
10:19 a.m.
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DrizztD writes:
Give me a break, Liberals hiding the homeless... I suppose the GOP would give them hugs and invite them to dinner.
July 16, 2008
11:10 a.m.
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kodijack writes:
This is what the 50 million is going to go to? Hollywood? The Zoo? The Museum? Hey, sounds better than going to work during that time.
July 16, 2008
11:18 a.m.
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Geokid21 writes:
For bobojake:
Oil Shale costs about 1.3X more energy to extract and process into something we can use, than it puts out. That means you are WASTING energy(oil) to get it. I hope people will stop pushing solutions that are not viable.
As for the homeless thing, yes it is a sham. When did hiding society's problems do any good, sometimes things that make us uncomfortable are good for us.
July 16, 2008
11:22 a.m.
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OhBrother writes:
Man I can't stand friggin bums-how bout instead of hiding these jerks we force them to work? Oh, that's right-Jesus is busy saving them! j/k but if your able to draw up a "booze" sign and stand on the corner, you are more then capable to sweep the streets and empty trash bins. I'm sure if it wasn't for all those darn illegal's, these type of true Americans would be hard at work, right?
So what if I wanted to enjoy any of these attractions during this time? I should pay to get in while Mr. Stain enjoys a free ride because he chooses to call a bus bench a bed? Don't bring this non sense to Aurora either, we have enough trash as it is without these guys flopin around sleepin it off on the Safeway grass.
Don't give these maggots tickets to anything, give them brooms and a paycheck or a billy club to the head and a trip to jail. The comp tickets need to go to all the shelter volunteers that give freely of themselves to help others. I'm sorry but after I was harassed by a group of these punks begging for drug money to get high, while I was walking with a 7yr old kid I have lost any sympathy I had (the kid was hysterical-crying and clinging to my arm while they were following us, mocking him because he thought we were going to be attacked). Working for a living isn't a walk in the park but it sure beats sleeping there-
July 16, 2008
11:23 a.m.
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navy65 writes:
500 tickets won't go very far to supply the supposed 50,000 homless in Denver, again the lib dems are too cheap to take care of it right.
July 16, 2008
11:27 a.m.
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ChangeMuch writes:
Good luck getting the homeless to leave. With Obama always talking about "change," I am sure they will be swarming the convention.
July 16, 2008
11:34 a.m.
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Chicago_Slim writes:
The funniest thing of all isn't the cynical herding of the homeless by these supposed bulwarks of compassion - no, the funniest thing is the way they expect it to work. It won't.
Suppose you're a homeless guy. Even a legitimate one, not one of the many hucksters camped out on every off-ramp. Someone gives you a $20 movie pass or zoo ticket.
Are you going to USE that $20 ticket, or are you going to SELL it for $5 so you can get hammered tonight?
All this program will do is get a few hundred bums schlitzed for the night - and bring them around the convention looking for more.
That's what they do. I guess you have to be a conservative to know a bum when you see one.
July 16, 2008
11:40 a.m.
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Jackieg218 writes:
"A person who typically sits under a tree in a park that is now occupied by 1,000 protesters won't have the peace and quiet they're desiring," Parvensky said. "Particularly those with mental illness can't cope with crowds."
Peace and quite that they are desiring????? Give me a break! Dont ya think they desire acceptance??? I think so. Even if they choose the livestyle of homeless, do you not think they want to be accepted fo who they are? I think this is an outrage that they are shipping them off. I myself think its just saying to the homeless... you are as accepted as a pile of dog poop. It comes down to being a decent person. If we all accepted each other for color, religion, job title, etc the world would be a better place.
Remember, tomorrow isnt promised, what you have today, you could loose tomorrow and find yourself right where they are.
July 16, 2008
11:42 a.m.
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Chicago_Slim writes:
navy65 writes:
500 tickets won't go very far to supply the supposed 50,000 homless in Denver, again the lib dems are too cheap to take care of it right.
*****************
Yes, that's right. It won't work because the Dems won't pop for a DOUBLE FEATURE.
Sheesh.
July 16, 2008
11:43 a.m.
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OhBrother writes:
Seriously, take a close look at the picture? Why all the smiles and laughs, sure seems like they are enjoying themselves out there. Glad to see all the free handouts give them enough time to focus on what really matters. It's probaly all of 11am on a bright sunny nice day in that picture and these a$$ clowns are...well I guess it's quite clear what they are doing. Give these guys MORE free stuff? Yup, I'm sure this time it will help them turn there life around.
July 16, 2008
11:48 a.m.
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SteveM writes:
There are few cities doing more to end homelessness than Denver. And let's be fair, there is a big difference between the truly homeless and the panhandlers--all of whom should be scooped up, arrested, and placed in a prison in far, far, far Eastern Colorado. Panhandling is a despicable crime that takes advantage of good people who think they are helping someone in need. Do not give money to panhandlers--that is THE best way to help the homeless. Instead give your money to one of the countless local agencies working to help these truly needy people and not scam artists who've figured out a way to make a great living, pay no taxes, and work their own hours.
July 16, 2008
12:02 p.m.
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ThomasMc writes:
Can't have the delegates thinking about issues that don't affect the filthy-rich, now can you?
July 16, 2008
12:09 p.m.
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midnight2u2 writes:
Who are you kidding people. The homeless could be lined up on either side of the road and the Dems. or Rep. and most people would not see them. They are walked over every minute of every day all around the world. They will be glad for what you give them although they will prob. sell the tickets as most of them know they would not be welcome at the venues, and could use the money more.
July 16, 2008
12:15 p.m.
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johnp writes:
typical kneejerk GOP response: if it's charity it must be liberal... But as any liberal-arts graduate can tell you, there's NO GOVERNMENT ENTITY HERE. This is a charity. Go back to nursing your thumbs and listening to Rush. This is not government work.
July 16, 2008
12:27 p.m.
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johnp writes:
Just think before writing, eh?
.. they want to stuff them further into the crevices of society,
(a museum?)
...Instead he houses these 'children of god' in our neighborhoods where they do the devils work... (you live by the museum?)
...all you have left are illegals and parasites...
(oh yeah, and republicans)
Thank You democracks for the high gasoline prices. (when W took office gas was under $2, now it's $4...and you're blaming democrats? Follow the money, moron.
July 16, 2008
12:41 p.m.
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chellie99 writes:
As I understand it, this is just one part of a larger effort by homeless organizations in Denver to give homeless people options during the convention. There will be efforts to engage homeless people who are interested in the process, by providing places for them to watch the convention on TV, get tickets to Thursday's acceptance speech at Invesco and participate in voter registration drives. But not everyone wants to be involved, and - when thousands of people are invading your living space - it's nice to have other options of places to go - like museums and movies.
Homeless organizations should look at the convention as an opportunity to increase awareness about the problems of homelessness in Denver and across the country, and I think they're heading in the right direction.
July 16, 2008
12:41 p.m.
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P_Denver writes:
johnp:
"If it's charity it must be liberal"? That's what you think that conservatives think? I'm conservative, and I don't think that way.
My church is predominately conservative and we share readliy with others, including funding food banks for the homeless.
Charity is not a liberal or conservative trait -- it's compassionate. You see it in both sides.
July 16, 2008
12:44 p.m.
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Colorado writes:
This is shameful. The comparison between Denver trying to hide its homeless and Beijeng trying to hide its dissidents is all to true. Instead of trying to hide problems Denver and Colorado should be trying to solve them.
July 16, 2008
12:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
DrizztD writes:
Fair enough, for starters, where do we get that the Democratic party is trying to hide the homeless? The Colorado Coalition for the homeless is not a party affiliated organization. The city of Denver are the ones trying to get them out of plain sight. Similar to what they would do if they were hosting the Olympics or any other high visibility event. The better the city "appears" to the rest of the world, the more likely they are to be selected for future large events, hence increasing revenue to the city itself. So lets not go blaming the Democratic party for something that the city of Denver is responsible for.
July 16, 2008
1:01 p.m.
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terrorofgod writes:
I dink dat' 'dese damn librals 'dook mah derb!
July 16, 2008
1:04 p.m.
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awhite411 writes:
WHY DON'T THEY JUST PASS OUT A BUNCH OF LIQUOR AND THEY CAN ALL JUST PASS OUT AND PEE ALL OVER ALL THE SILLY DEMS.
July 16, 2008
1:12 p.m.
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terrorofgod writes:
yeah! damn libras try to hid the homeless! I bet dese dam librals wud be sponble for globa worming if it existed! ha! librASS!
July 16, 2008
1:38 p.m.
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Libertarian_Thinker writes:
"Parvensky vigorously denied that there will any attempt to hide the homeless during convention, which runs Aug. 25-28."
More honesty from the left!
LMAO
BTW… I wonder if they’re also going to feed the homeless "color coordinated” food as well?
July 16, 2008
1:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
Chicago is right.
The bums will sell the tickets for money and buy booze/
Nuff Said!
July 16, 2008
1:49 p.m.
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Libertarian_Thinker writes:
Stupid is as johnp says.
Re: post of July 16, 2008 12:15 p.m. and 12:27
1st. It is a documented fact that conservatives are far more charitable than so called liberals. Libs seem to think it is the governments or someone else’s responsibility to get things done while conservatives believe in personal responsibility.
2nd. Gas prices were pretty steady for the first six years of President Bush’s administration. It’s when the San Francisco Freak Nancy Pelosi and the left took over the congress that prices have gone out of control.
But hey we all know to a lefty facts are meaningless and just get in the way.
July 16, 2008
1:58 p.m.
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Formercolorado writes:
Oh this is hilarious! Where to start? What a chance for Obama to use his 1 skill: Community Organizer. He could recruit the homeless into to his "Civilian National Security Force" that he spoke of July 2nd in Colorado Springs. I hear the pay is going to be top wage...it will give the "homeless" something to do, and keep them off the Denver Dole. I understand the uniforms will be Brown Shirts. Question: Do they have to be Democrats to receive the free "goodies"? Will they be registered to vote as they enter the movies? Will the festivities at Mile High Stadium be "piped in" to the shelters. What plan does the DNC have for their future?
July 16, 2008
2:02 p.m.
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O_TRAIN writes:
nickinva writes:
""Particularly those with mental illness can't cope with crowds."
Doesn't that mean that most of the democrats won't be able to handle being at their own convention?
- No, it likely means the homeless/mentally ill are Republicans - how do I know?...I have a houseful of them (family members) and yes I send them to the movies as often as I can afford as they whine way too much...and no, I'm not a democrat.
July 16, 2008
2:03 p.m.
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samsmargolis writes:
All a big misunderstanding. See, Project HID actually is a "celebration" of the Homeless in Denver, not what they're doing with them during the convention. Heh-heh. It's so funny how things get taken out-of-context when the spotlight is shining so brightly, isn't it? Heh, heh.
July 16, 2008
2:10 p.m.
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Libertarian_Thinker writes:
To: Formercolorado
As for your question - Will they be registered to vote as they enter the movies?
Quoted from the article - A two-day voter registration drive is also planned at shelters and health clinics to ensure that metro area homeless people have access to the polls in November. End Quote.
There you go!
July 16, 2008
2:15 p.m.
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bone writes:
....i heard the white boxcars left wyoming and were on the way
July 16, 2008
2:30 p.m.
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51dj51 writes:
I assume that the left in St Paul is going to respond in kind to entertain the homeless for the Republican convention.
July 16, 2008
3 p.m.
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Bronte writes:
johnp:
Are you claiming that the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless IS A CHARITY?
Do you have ANY IDEA who funds the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless?
ARE YOU NOW CALLING TAXPAYER MONIES "CHARITY?"
Rather than spending your lifetime hating Republicans, why not educate yourself instead? It might help your logic.
July 16, 2008
3:09 p.m.
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glassguy writes:
The left in St.Paul will do like their fearful leader does, close their eyes, say something stupid, and hope it just goes away.
July 16, 2008
3:40 p.m.
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Yo writes:
What a shame!! How dare we try & do this only at this time & at no other time during the year, like when it's freezing & below 0 degrees out! Why only do this now?! And I'm sorry, but the shelters are opening their doors during the day & providing extra cots to sleep on during the evening...wow! I hope this isn't going to put them out or anything. Oh, & are you also providing free meals, clothing, etc. to these people during this time? Whoever came up with this idea, is heartless!! Why don't you take them into your homes during this time insteading putting them away like they are an embarassment to society?! Shame on you!
July 16, 2008
4 p.m.
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Blondo writes:
The RNC does not have to deal with this same "issue" in its convention planning--at least not nearly to this magnitude. I have never been able to explain it, but Mpls/St. Paul does not have the same visible homeless problem as other big cities. (The cold climate only explains why the homeless are not visible for 6 months out of the year.) By my observation, Denver's homeless issue seems to be right up there with Chicago and San Francisco. Something needs to be done--on a long term basis. The denials that these "solutions" are anything but an attempt to clean up for the convention are quite hilarious.
July 16, 2008
4:29 p.m.
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mp5shooter writes:
I'm sure those fine folks in the People's Republic of Boulder would be ecstatically happy to open their homes, kitches, and use of their BMWs to those destitute and unfortunate souls during the convention of their liberal Democratic heroes...
Right?
July 16, 2008
5:08 p.m.
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Alive writes:
Guests,
Welcome to Denver.
Sorry about us not having a freaking clue on how to host a big event like this. Most of us locals are going to stay the hell away from it. Please turn out the lights when you leave.
July 16, 2008
5:31 p.m.
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UIUC_Student writes:
This is really sad. Part of me wants to trust the people at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, but this plan is an obvious attempt at covering the city's blemishes.
I'm a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I just led an Alternative Spring Break trip to Denver. We worked with the wonderful people at the Denver Rescue Mission both at the "Jesus Saves" building on Lawrence Street and at the Crossroads facility. We were awe struck and humbled by the work these people do and the effect it has on the men and women that decide they want something better for themselves than walking the street all day and jockeying for a good bed at a rescue mission.
I think the best people to ask about this current situation are the folks that run the DRM. They have nothing but the best intentions for the homeless, or "people without homes" as they like to call them.
Is anyone in your city concerned with the attempt at re-gentrification going on around the Lawrence Street facility? These people are about to be sent even further into the margins of the city so apartment developers can pave over "Jesus Saves" with some posh new bourgeois buildings. Sick.
From what I know of the men that came in to get meals at Jesus Saves, most of them won't want anything to do with a stupid movie or the zoo. They are too busy either trying to find work, hold down a job, or find their next hit.
Are you going to let this happen Denver?
July 16, 2008
5:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
demmud writes:
Did anyone think this might be a way to keep some of the homeless out of jail?
And as a matter of fact, most homeless are suffering from mental health problems, or addiction, or both.
The typical stereotype who stands on the street corner with the sign may not be homeless at all.
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is a great organization and I am proud to support them.
July 16, 2008
6:27 p.m.
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Duckster writes:
You know why Denver has so many homeless? Same reason that beaches and parks where people are allowed to feed the pigeons are infested with pigeons.
July 16, 2008
6:44 p.m.
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Formercolorado writes:
So glad to be advised that the "homeless" will be given a chance to register to vote. It makes my heart glow!!! .. and they will be able to hear/see Obama's Big Show at the stadium. And all this, to make them feel a part of it all..It is touching, if a bit obviously buying the "electorate".. Couple of more questions: 1) How will Denver citizens know who is homeless and who is just freeloading? 2) How is this political rallying for the DNC convention going to be slipped into the city budget? With the past revelations of non-payment of campaign bills, I hope the City Treasurer is alert to default. 3) Does the clean up crew get extra pay for hazardoud duty? Well, 'nuff said. The parodies are limitless.
July 16, 2008
8:50 p.m.
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tracerbullet writes:
Okay, if you do not have an address (a.k.a. homeless) how in the world can you register to vote?? And what identification can these people possibly have? And how do you guarantee there are no felons in the lot of them?
This just frickin' stinks to high heaven in my book. Do all of you who do occupy residences WANT these people voting? I don't think a more delusional or uninformed group could even be found...oh wait, there's a DNC convention!!! LOL!!
Now, I am a Republican but I do have some first hand experience trying being charitable to serve the homeless people in my city (shocking, I know). Last Thanksgiving I volunteered to work in a line feeding the homeless. I thought it would make me feel good giving back to the community, especially since these people are far less fortunate than I. Boy, was I wrong and I ended up feeling terrible at the end.
What a bunch of lost souls. Basically they break up into one of three groups-severe mental illness, addicts, and those who just wanted to check out from life. Very, very few were the people who fell victim to unfortunate circumstances. I didn't talk to ANY, though I'm sure they exist.
These people really should not vote, I'm sorry but they shouldn't.
T in PHX
July 16, 2008
10:54 p.m.
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Thunderwalker writes:
I don't think anybody who thinks Barak Obama would be a good president based on "he's a great speaker", "because we need change", "he stands for hope" should be allowed to vote. Our country has obviously become a land where lawyers are elected to pass laws which protect stupid people from themselves, who in turn re-elect the lawyers to build their empires at the producers and achievers expense.
See the largest zoo in the world, August 25 thru August 28, Denver Colorado. You'll take away stories to tell your grand children.
July 17, 2008
2:44 a.m.
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BigDuke6 writes:
You all should be ashamed of yourself for being associated with a paper that allows such hacked up piece of garbage.
DNC holding their convention in Denver will bring your city MILLIONS of dollars in hotels, restaurants, rental cars and other income to countless other SMALL businesses.
It is not the responsibility of the DNC to deal with Denver's homeless problem- its YOUR PROBLEM DENVER.
DO an expose on exactly who is responsible for this and your cities other problems- Here is a hint:
Focus your efforts on YOUR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS if you want to get some thing done
July 17, 2008
5:39 a.m.
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JonBen writes:
The bad news for the homeless is: the movie is "Love Guru."
July 17, 2008
9:42 a.m.
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NWDengal writes:
they should ship them out of the city, the same way they brought them here. Didn't most of them get bus tickets from other cities to come to our fair city??
ugh!
or, they should be able to build their own city along the river, near LODO.
ANd, Outlaw panhandling - aka begging
July 17, 2008
10:02 a.m.
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Formercolorado writes:
I am so glad to learn that the "homeless" will be able to continue their cultural pursuits by attending the museum and zoo. Seriously, those are important and worthy sites any visitor to Denver should see. I recommend them highly. Alas, Obama has deleted his "Civilian National Security Force" remarks from the published accounts of his speech July 2nd in Colorado Springs.The Denver Post did not have it in their copy, I understand. It would appear that he won't be recruiting for a Brownshirt Brigade from the groups at the shelters. Perhaps later, after the general election. Better not to reveal too much too early!!!!!
July 17, 2008
10:49 a.m.
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HE5t writes:
what are the republicans doing in Minneapolis?
July 17, 2008
1:18 p.m.
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LBCsurfgoddess writes:
That's right, just hide the problem instead of fixing it. Maybe it would be good for the Limo-Liberals to actually see a homless person in their native environment.
We have Americans with out running water, and we have these elightests who drive Prius' to their mcMansion style condos....
I think the DNC needs to see the homeless, and then maybe we, as america, will actually act for once.
July 17, 2008
2:29 p.m.
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Rickenator writes:
Gee...since most Republicans don't acknowledge the concept or existence of being "homeless," why not have all registered Republicans participate in a convention "lotto," where the winners open up their spacious homes to these unfortunate souls during the convention?
Think of it as a "foreign exchange program" where the homeless can learn solid, Republican virtues and the hosts can learn a new culture. Republicans can share their knowledge of fine wines while learning about "two buck chuck" and special "Mogan David" cooking recipes. At the very least, they can let them sleep in their three car garages, next to (but not too close to) their BMW's.
July 17, 2008
3:33 p.m.
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Buckwheat writes:
The movies what??? "Meet Dave"?? Let's see..At $10.oo a pop. That's 2 bottles of Night Train and a pack of Lucky's. Oh yea, I'am diggin' this DNC gig....Can we have another next year????
July 17, 2008
4:19 p.m.
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summerinthesprings writes:
Okay I will admit I did not read everyone's post/comment, but did anyone mention the homeless people?! I see a lot of people complaining about this and believe me I think it IS wrong, but what do the homeless people say? In the above article the reporter just talked to ONE man who was "panhandling"...that doesn't necessarily mean he was/is homeless!! I totally understand some people without homes have mental illnesses and therefore may not be able to "understand" what is happening, but why doesn't the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless go out and ask the homeless people what THEY WANT!! If they want to stay where they are it is their right to do that!! Let the homeless people decide what to do during the DNC...if they aren't hurting themselves or others then they have that right!! It is called self-determination!!
"We're trying to let folks know what activities are planned, and what other places they'll be able to go without being harassed," Parvensky said.
I don't know too much about the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, but why don't they offer activities every single day of the year?! I am sure that homeless people get "harassed" every single day of the year! I am sure that they would like an activity to do every single day of the year "without being harassed"!! Parvensky: This statement doesn't make sense to me?!
And who is paying for these tickets? Why don't they give that money to the homeless people or put the money towards building homeless shelters or put the money towards helping homeless find jobs or put the money towards homeless prevention and homeless education or put the money towards advocating for the homeless people or put the money towards getting services for the homeless people (such as mental health, physical health, etc.)? ETC. OR better yet ASK THE HOMELESS PEOPLE WHAT THEY WOULD WANT THE MONEY USED FOR!! (Of course not drugs or alcohol, but maybe those who are users want to get help...give the money to treatment centers for the cost of a homeless person's alcohol/drug abuse treatment!)
Sorry I am venting a little here, but I guess I feel this is a safe place to do it!
~Summer~
P.S. If anyone is interested in getting a group together to go talk to homeless people about this I am all for it!!!
July 17, 2008
4:28 p.m.
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biggfredd writes:
I know if I was given $20 worth of movie tickets and bus fare, I'd give up panhandling for a day, where I'd only make $200-500.
Same goes for making minimum wage cleaning up after the convention.
And what makes anyone think the zoo wants a bunch of social misfits wandering around, unless they can lock them up and feature them?
July 17, 2008
4:34 p.m.
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wow writes:
The number of homeless in Denver is more or less fluctuating around 10,000.
Believe it or not, all who are homeless are not "bums". Most work, many have families with kids, and most of them just need to get back on their feet. Most panhandlers make more money per day than they could working for a living. Those leeches aren't often homeless. In fact only 10% of truly homeless people panhandle. They are the 10% that likely will blow your "donation" on Night Train. Don't be hateful about the homeless problem because of the rotten 10%, or the scum that pretends homelesness for your cash.
Check out
http://www.denvergov.org/Homelessness...
It might scare you, but you should know that roughly 25% of Denver's homeless are Vets with PTSD. PTSD they got from doing what we wouldn't, or couldn't do. Its an epic problem with slow moving solutions. But at least there are people who are working on it. Your collective lack of empathy is astonishing.
If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
July 17, 2008
5:16 p.m.
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Buckwheat writes:
Actually, I would venture a guess and say that about roughly 70 of the people on this thread are only about 5-6 paychecks away from being homeless themselves. So yea, we could cut them a little slack. Like any city, they're going to do everything they can to hide any distraction from the media. Weather it be gangs, homeless, or whatever.
July 17, 2008
5:16 p.m.
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biggfredd writes:
"These people really should not vote, I'm sorry but they shouldn't."
Sure they should. How else do you think the Democrats and their handout programs will get elected?
July 17, 2008
9:50 p.m.
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Mike846 writes:
The real insult wrapped up in all this is that the Democrats actually think they can sell this bogus, self-serving, and ego-centric pap to the public via the news media, and we won't see right through it. They can't even lie right. Now there saying that the menu they demanded of caterers for the convention was "just a guideline". I saw one of the actual spec sheets, and it wasn't a "guideline". And some of you actually want these people to run the country for the next four years? They say they want "change" and "hope" and "solutions". But ever since the Jimmy Carter days, what they give us is more taxes, more wasted money on social programs that fail miserably, and a larger underclass to serve on their politically-correct plantation. Wake up, folks, particularly those of you the Dems depend on for votes: these people are NOT your friends. Mike
July 18, 2008
7:31 a.m.
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gary writes:
wow,
If you really want to help them...you would know that giving out movie tickets and tickets to the Zoo is a waste of time and resources. That is a get them out of sight plan, not a let's help the homeless plan.
This does not even qualify for "But at least there are people who are working on it. Your collective lack of empathy is astonishing.
If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem."
If you believe this program helps the homeless...you are part of the problem!
Nuff Said