What happened to homelessness as political issue?

[Number_6]

Fifteen-twenty years ago, it was a widely discussed topic, especially raised by liberals to paint the Reagan administration as heartless. But I almost never hear any politicians address it anymore. It seems everyone has just conceded that it's not the government's responsibility to solve that issue. And I agree that it's not the government's job to make sure everyone has a cushy life.

But as a quality-of-life issue, cities would be a heck of a lot nicer if you could walk or drive around without being hit up for change at every street corner. And it would be nice if you don't have to worry about getting jumped by a mentally ill guy who thinks you put a chip in his brain. People who live in gated suburban communities don't have to deal with this as much, but not all of us have that option.

 

[Iconoclast Texan]

"Compassionate conservative" and Reagan's horrific presidency has led to all of the bums on the street in downtown Houston and other major cities. Prior to this there used to be things called state mental institutions where most of the deranged and chemically dependent homeless used to be housed.

I am as liberal as they come and love cities and urban living. I hate going to midtown Houston and being pestered by the homeless. Seriously, our insane tax policies have consequences and one of them is all the homeless. I would love for someone to reestablish mental hospitals and for the homeless to be confined to them where they belong.

 

[Horn6721]

Icono
It would help if you did some research before posted this slam at the Reagan admin as if he closed these places:
"Prior to this there used to be things called state mental institutions where most of the deranged and chemically dependent homeless ought to be.

These places still exist but people can't be FORCED to go there.
are you ,Icono, advocating FORCING any homeless on drugs or who is mentally deraqnged into a " instituation?

 

[Iconoclast Texan]

The whole deinstitutionalization process has been a disaster. Since the 1970's, states have cut funding leading to this program. So, no Reagan is not totall responsible but he sure as hell did not help. Thousands of homeless belong in mental institutions and yes I would force or commit them to those places to get the help they need and to get them off the streets.

 

[Horn6721]

Icono
You might be all for FORCING homeless into institutins but the gov't isn't.
I learned this the hard way many years ago whileg volunteer ork with homeless and trying to " force" some into shelters so they wouldn't freeze.
some simply refused to go into a shelter where it was warm. the kicker was they couldn't drink -drugs in the shelters plus some worried about their " stuff"
Courts decided they can't be forced., unless it can be proved they are a danger( freeing to death apparently isn't considered enough of a danger to be able to use force) they have the right to remain on the streets

 

[Texas_Curl]

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[TahoeHorn]

The homeless didn't make ehough campaign contributions so they lost their influence.

 

[MRCC]

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[Mr.Wizard]

Plasma or LCD color televisions?

 

[SomeMildLanguage]

Insane tax policies cause homelessness? That's a really, really, really bizarre argument.

Mental institutions fell out of favor thanks to Ken Kesey, not the Reagan administration.

Seriously, weird, weird post up there.

 

[El_Guapo]

The only way tax policy causes homelessness is when taxes are so high that you can't afford your house payment.

Iconoclast, are you of the opinion that taxes are too high?

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

I read a research article once about what % of people on food stamps had cable television. The number was jaw dropping.

 

[Oilfield]

Did the article address cell phoness?