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A Shamed City

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Our mayor and city council know what to do The county supervisors and talk show hosts too Budget measure HHH we Angelinos passed Costing billions, homelessness would end at last There were 57,000 unhoused in L.A. last year Now it’s 68,000, growing with elections near The garment district downtown and all of skid row Are squalid tent camps where filth and despair flow From the Valley, to Hollywood, out to the beach Huddled in parks, under bridges, hills out of reach Some scream and curse, drugged or drunken Others silent and still, bodies broken, spirits sunken They’re bad for business, they spread disease! Will our elected officials do something? Please! Neglected, abused, mentally ill There’s really no urgent civic will Some may receive disability pay Enough for liquid comfort, but a room? No way A lifelong Angelino, I feel enraged and defeated For I see my town by how our worst off are treated 5/31/22

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Michael Tor

Date: 10/6/2022 8:46:00 PM

Robert your cries for help are heard my friend. This is a sad truth that is found in almost every major city. The disregard for humanity is evident in our leaders and even public for not protesting and bringing attention to the reality of the streets. A champion you are to bring this to the forefront. God bless you for it...

Robert Lindley

Date: 6/7/2022 8:05:00 AM

Politicians speak lies for votes. Many are just arrogant, selfish leeches themselves. Idiots that reward bad behavior and attempt to paint themselves as heroes! Those that reward the lost ones that take drugs, refuse to aceot responsibility only encourage that behavior, imho. Proper help is rarely ever given. God bless.

L Milton Hankins

Date: 5/31/2022 7:17:00 PM

I hear you, Robert. The politicians hear you. The religious hear you. The social workers hear you. WE HEAR YOU. But, don't count on any empathetic response. Perhaps the bigger problem is too many deaf ears!!! Too many blind eyes!!!

Robert Gorelick
Date: 6/1/2022 10:38:00 AM

I am so relieved I am not alone in my sadness and outrage! Robert

John Lawless

Date: 5/31/2022 6:12:00 PM

...with politicians and religious leader playing the "ostrich game" there is little hope for anything being done

Robert Gorelick
Date: 6/1/2022 10:44:00 AM

It seems what once would have caused civic shame, is now just the norm. Thank you for your visit! Robert

Gershon Wolf

Date: 5/31/2022 5:16:00 PM

A complete shame, Robert. You nailed it... I remember 'Skid Row' in Chicago in the 50's and 60's. It burned down during the M.L. King riots. Some of it has never been restored, to this very day. So, don't hold your breath. ~ Gershon

Robert Gorelick
Date: 6/1/2022 10:46:00 AM

L.A. is both the entertainment capitol and third world capital of the U.S. Thanks for your visit, Gershon! Robert