Last August, I had a couple of posts here that ruffled a few feathers. I proposed that the Greensboro Aquatic Center open its doors to the homeless to allow them to shower there and attend to their personal hygiene.
Of course, the proposal did not get adopted by city staff or the Melderec con SImkins majority on the Greensboro City Council.
Recently, there was a service here in remembrance of homeless individuals who had died. Robbie and Marikay attended; but neither have advocated allowing the homeless who are still alive to use the facilities at the aquatic center.
It turns out (ht: Jeff) that another major jurisdiction is considering a similar action. State legislators in Florida are proposing that professional sports franchises there be required to house the homeless in their taxpayer-subsidized facilities-- for instance, in stadiums and arenas used by professional sports teams. Of course, this proposal is much more bold than that which I offered. They are proposing housing the homeless; whereas I only requested that the showers be made available to them one hour per day.
But they probably have a good idea in Florida. Perhaps we can use the aquatic center to house the homeless.
Did you read the article? At any rate, let me know how it works out for them and you too. Keep us posted.
BTW ... "but neither have advocated allowing the homeless who are still alive to use the facilities at the aquatic center."
Cold dude. Real cold. Now I know your heart is obviously in the right place on this.
Posted by: Mick | January 25, 2012 at 10:50 PM
I like it, Joe. Let's call it "Occupy Greensboro Aquatic Center". Or alternately, "Occupy Performing Art Center", if collectively we are dumb enough to let that particular amenity be built.
It would be fun to see our local "progressives" and their media tag team partners be conflicted over something like this, wouldn't it?
Posted by: bubba | January 26, 2012 at 08:36 AM
I suspect they may already be conflicted, Bubba. Notice how few of them have said a word.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | January 26, 2012 at 08:52 AM
There'd be pushback from the Lake Jeanette and Greenway types. Their kids rubbing elbows with bums and derelicts and such. Wouldn't go over to good. Out of towners either.
Posted by: Harold Milner | January 26, 2012 at 09:33 AM
How many of "them" do you think actually bother to visit your blog Joe? Much less bother to comment on your fabricated concerns?
I dont really think many parents prefer their kids "rubbing elbows" with... how'd you put it Harold? .... bums and derelicts? Regardless of the circumstance or who payed for what? I suppose that is a tad better than Joe's smelly, differant looking people commentary. And certainly better than the "homeless that are still alive" line.
Good job guys. Lookin good. Keep it up.
Posted by: Mick | January 26, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Change of topic.
This is big if it happens.
According to a Democrat official governor Perdue is expected to announce today she won't run for guv.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2012/01/26/article/papers_gov_perdue_will_not_seek_second_term
Posted by: Harold Milner | January 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Gee, wonder why? To say the least she hasnt been very good at it. NC could use a good Gov. Been while.
Posted by: Mick | January 26, 2012 at 11:21 AM
As long as this is seen as a short term treatment and not a long term solution then it seems perfectly reasonable to this liberal. Publicly owned and or funded institutions should serve as many uses as possible. Utilizing public buildings in such a manner would also help to make said buildings closer to being ready for large influxes of people should natural disasters strike when any or all of us might suddenly become homeless.
If a massive tornado were to strike any neighborhood in Greensboro today, where would the survivors go? Are we ready?
Posted by: Billy Jones | January 26, 2012 at 12:17 PM
I ge ill seeing certain council people on the news, no names. I got an idea for the silly council, how about open the landfill, save millions and give some to the homeless projects. I got so ill with hearing about the landfill and how some fought to keep it closed, they never mentioned the homeless like I did, oh wait they dont vote so why bother fighting for them.
MAKES ME SICK THE FAKENESS ON THE COUNCIL.
Posted by: Sal Leone | January 26, 2012 at 03:21 PM
Some good points, Billy.
Sal, you are absolutely right about the artificiality of the Melderec con Simkins majority. They feign concern about the interests of minorities and lower income residents in order to get elected; but a modest, reasonable measure to assist the most destitute among us is not adopted. Hypocrites.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | January 26, 2012 at 04:32 PM
Apparently "reasonable" is quite debatable.
Posted by: Mick | January 26, 2012 at 04:56 PM