Speaking of Friendly . . .

Um, if you’re homeless, you’re not allowed to be!

That’s right. Downtown Madison, Inc. and Mayor Dave don’t want the homeless talking to people. They’re gonna get “strict”! Some of the “get tough” talk makes some sense, but should be applied to everyone, not just the homeless and “transients” – whatever that means. More than half the City of Madison (students and renters) are “transient”.

Here’s the comment I find hilarious. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, in their story about being “strict” (I feel like my grade school teacher is yelling at me for not paying attention in class) with the homeless:

In light of that, Schmitz said public urination or graffiti isn’t acceptable, nor are unreasonably loud house parties, camping in parks or libraries, aggressive panhandling or verbal interaction with passers-by.

A few observations here.
1. Are the homeless having “house parties”?
2. What’s wrong with “verbal interaction with passers-by”?
3. And where do you find an unlocked public restroom if you’re homeless? Businesses don’t count cuz they will kick you out if you’re not a patron.

Even funnier was a comment from a casual reader of the Cap Times coverage of the same press conference where the Mayor is holding homeless to standards. One person read the story and forwarded it with excitement about Mayor Dave’s change of heart.

“The real solution to homelessness is providing services, resources and housing to those who are most in need of it,” he said.

Unfortunately, the “he” in this case was Steve Schooler from Porchlight, not the Mayor.