They're human beings, "Frank." Human beings. I know that the right has no empathy for their fellow beings nor indeed for any living creature, but human beings deserve dignity. Thank goodness Portland gives them a little of what they need.
Arloe | Los Angeles, CA | Report Abuse

FRANK YOUR LOGIC THAT IT HAS A DRUG PROBLEM BECAUSE ITS A LIBERAL CITY IS FOOLISH. THE BIBLE BELT IS ALSO THE METH BELT AND THAT AREA IS NOT LIBERAL AT ALL. SOUTHERN CITIES HAVE DRUG PROBLEMS TOO, AMONGST OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE LOW WAGES, UNEDUCATED UNSKILLED WORKERS AND OVERT RACISM. YOU'RE REALLY REACHING FRANK. ALSO WHY ARE WE YELLING?
B | Belmont, NH | Report Abuse

They're attempting to fix this. They have a new program where they drive around every morning and offer homeless people work. Things like picking up litter in the park etc.. If people would stop giving them money the problem would decrease by itself. There should be more public awareness. Maine is one of the best places for homeless people to live. There are tons of resources. The only things they can't get without cash are alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. There are so many jobs right now. On t.v. they said there are more jobs than there have been in about 50 years. The employers just can't get enough help but I've heard homeless people say that they make more money panhandling than working. I'm very disappointed that a court decision was made allowing them to do this. This is unreported income and that's another reason why they do it. It's bad for tourism. The reviews from out of staters are proof but it isn't really much different than in New York city or Boston, MA. As long as panhandling is a lucrative career they will be there. I don't think that they're SUPPOSED to ask though. I think they're only supposed to be allowed signs or it becomes harassment or a public nuisance. If it weren't allowed to they may get a damn job.
Shelly | Portland, ME | Report Abuse