Comment Archives: stories: Voices: Abdul
Re: “Indy's Crime & Punishment, Part 1”
I really enjoyed the article; I think you are a little presumptuous as to why a person got killed (owing drug dealers? Doubt it). Nevertheless; I like the statistics you mention, and the information you provided.
Re: “An At-Large Risk”
If the problem is too many councilors, then consolidate districts. Don't eliminate at-large.
Re: “An At-Large Risk”
How is it that the state legislature has authority over elected municipal positions? So much for letting local government handle its own matters.
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
A guy actually had the audacity to accost me in my private driveway begging for money a few weeks back. I told him to get the f*%$ off my property or I was going to shoot him. He then proceeded to knock on the doors of my neighbors. I called the police. No idea if they did anything as I was leaving.
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
Mr. Shabazz, you don't annoy me at all... but I do feel media commentators have a certain responsibility to enlighten the public and to try to elevate dialogue. I don't see how expressing a desire to douse largely harmless and innocent people with a "giant fire hose" is responsible journalism by any definition.
Last year a homeless man was senselessly beaten to death in Downtown Indianapolis - I understand you're making a distinction between homeless people and panhandlers. However, your hateful rhetoric is completely unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
Also, I ask again to see facts or statistics illustrating your assertion that the majority of panhandlers are not homeless.
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
Instead of worrying about panhandlers, you should worry about the greed of a Zionsville attorney, Derek F Johnson.
Zionsville Lawyer, Derek F Johnson, takes Advantage of Woman in Small Claims Court.
http://www.topix.com/forum/indy/TS1K6IF1TMR8HIP58
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
I've seen several 'panhandlers' who aren't really homeless. Where to start...
a) There is a group of 4-5 individuals who frequent the 465/Michigan Rd who switch out from time to time. I've seen them hand each other the sign and at one point, one of them had the gall to use a wipeoff board?!!??
b)2 to 3 people frequent the Michigan and 71st street corners. Sadly there was one gentleman who was trying to sell water to passerbys. The 2-3 people that just hold a sign were all and are still there. The guy trying to actually give something back to people? He got told to leave or get arrested.
c)Keystone and 86th st is notorious for the 'panhandler' Bob & Tom asked a guy who used to be there if he'd like a job and he said he made more money standign there than he did with a regular job.
d)38th & Michigan Rd - 2-3 individuals, all under the ages of 35 by my estimate. Aggressive and will ask you to roll down your windows. Called the police on these folks more than once since they're impeding traffic vs standing off to the side.
In all of these situations I have seen multiple instances of examples of non-homeless behavior. Cellphone usage, Parking their car as they walk to the area, swtichign of signs, even as much as 'shifts'. It's sad to me that in every one of the situations except for one, the person was completely capable of standing in a location for hours upon end, but to ask them to do that in the capacity of a real job is too much. These people take away from those that are really in need of help. It's disgusting.
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
And Kyle, I will be more than happy to take you around and show you who is really homeless and who isn't.
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
Sorry to disappoint you Kyle, but I plan on being even more annoying in the future.
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
"Panhandlers are scam artists" - where are the statistics/facts backing up your claims?
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
Mr. Shabazz, you seem to encounter a lot of difficult situations living in a free society... maybe you should consider moving to North Korea or Myanmar where you share values with the ruling class. I'll chip in a few bucks for airfare.
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
You are so right though they aren't committing a crime. It's better to ask (beg) than to take (rob) someone. I happen to know a few panhandlers who aren't broke, homeless, in need of money just attention. This is just a hobby or extra money between receiving their SSI checks. Those who do contribute to their cause? There's a sucker born every minute.
Re: “Time to start the tough love”
While this may not be the best or most appropriate solution, the conversation is past overdue.
Re: “Let's Start Over”
I've lived in Indy since 1988, and IPS has been broken at least that long. I'm just thankful that I was able to attend a public township high school. I feel sorry for kids who are relegated to attend IPS schools.
Re: “Let's Start Over”
There is already way too much money influencing state educational directives. Keep the Fat Cats out. Business people DO NOT belong in education.
Re: “Bobby and me”
@Kyle Long. Abdul knows better. As a fellow lawyer, he knows that oftentimes, there is no common sense to "the law." We were taught that our first semester (no, day) of law school.
Hence, his argument that "If you aren't out breaking the law, odds are you won't end up in jail!" is of very little merit.
You're right. Sometimes, the police are wrong. Sometimes, the judge is wrong. And sometimes, THE LAW IS WRONG.
Re: “Bobby and me”
@David Bruce. What's with the use of "dun sumpt'n" and "culdn't" in your comments? Do you suggest that those on public assistance are unintelligent and can't speak "proper" English? And by extension, do you imply that those who are on public assistance and speak thusly are always Black?
I know of many highly educated and intelligent Blacks who, due to unfortunate circumstances (e.g., divorce) are forced to take public assistance. Not one, speaks in the Black vernacular.
Your comments reek of racism and classism, and show how myopic and narrow-minded you are. You should get out more.
Re: “Bobby and me”
Mr Long; It's not a matter of fair. It's about what is realistic and the most possible in the face of an unfair injust world.
What is the possible outcome in the longrun?
I think both Huey Newton and MLK considered the longrun.
just my one opinion.
Re: “Bobby and me”
"fair"????
saw a bumper sticker;
God is coming and boy is He pissed off!
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Re: “Panhandling Problems”
I'm still waiting on your reply???