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The City By the Bay

There was a time years ago when the City showed its best. With majestic hills and flowered streets, the Paris of the West. Where business types and techno geeks discuss their politics. While artsy fartsy folks and Hipsters search out their coffee fix. A City in crisis where long lines form at shelters for the night. Are overcrowded and noisy and all must leave before the light. Where tents grow like dandelions to heighten a City's flaws. While Officials, Tech Tycoons and Do gooders debate the primal cause. There are addicts, alcoholics and thieves, all there to ply their trade. While those whose minds are not quite right add to the decay. They shoot up heroin in the streets unconcerned for any Law. But no matter how stoned you get, do not use a plastic straw. They flock to the Tenderloin when nowhere else to go. And human misery is on display as if in a cattle show. Where things of value have no value because before the night is sown. Someone will decide they want the thing and take it for their own. People of means display a compassion that is really quite compelling. But draw the line, when told the homeless, might live near their dwelling. There are disease filled needles and garbage piles not found on local maps. But rest assured, in the City's wisdom, they have a poop detector app. A City racing to the bottom where even families live in tents. Displaced by a growing techno boom and short on monthly rent. They suffer more in a City where the rule of Law has disappeared. And their children see the rats and filth causing constant fear. This happens when rules are banned and the Law has lost its heart. Don't take me wrong, I see the want but you need a place to start. So if I may suggest a few hundred porta potties to fight the summer heat. And tell those tortured souls their time is up, no pooping in the street. *For those who might be interested, I will be posting a new cartoon called 'Bob's Your Uncle' on my homepage every second day.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 5/3/2019 3:04:00 AM
"Tis the plight of inner cities, tho' the Tenderloin nails it, as Austin is techno, and Portland, OR shoot'em town, homeless Honolulu oust from beach to beach, across in Oakland stems notorious Fruitvale Station for wild west towns--Gavin's shadow of misdirected priorities, now an entire state will pay--Good rhyme scheme, my friend (if I may be so bold to say)
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David Mchattie
Date: 5/4/2019 11:00:00 PM
It is a sad state of affairs. Not sure what the answer will be. It will only get worse.
Date: 4/29/2019 8:15:00 AM
David, I think you are a writer amazing. I feel this story in my heart, it could be any city, even my city of Ottawa, Canada has these same problems, the uppity ups look down their noses, the people like me are frustrated because there is little we can do to help the homeless that grow by the day ~
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David Mchattie
Date: 4/29/2019 8:34:00 PM
It's a bad situation. No doubt about it. Stay strong my friend.
Date: 4/28/2019 2:47:00 PM
The opposite of law and disorder just happens to be lawlessness and disorder. I'll take the former, thank you... One more thought: Churchill is reputed to have said that anyone who is a conservative at age 20 has no heart; but anyone who is still a liberal at age 40 has no brain... btw: I think that you should send this to the WSJ. I think they'd publish it. If not, they should. Best wishe ~ Gershon
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David Mchattie
Date: 4/29/2019 8:34:00 PM
You reap what you sow. That goes for people and city councils.
Date: 4/26/2019 10:41:00 PM
David I must say that your words hurt. But the title just suggests, or rather means, San Fran. I think of all of the places in the USA that fit this description. I do think it is wonderful that our country helps others in times of distress; but it upsets me that we don't help our own since everything is a mess. Please, I'm not politicking. But travel enough to see other countries being nationalistic, and that was the MAGA war cry. But the U.S. is dying. Sadly. I've seen enough in my life time.
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Date: 4/26/2019 8:12:00 PM
By the way, San Francisco does not get hot.))) fog rolls in a bout 5 pm and it's Cold.. Sf has few hot days,,,, if any l Mellow climate, La is HOT,,tent cities there also. The ever so sad homeless will urinate on you if you don't give them enough. Or shout profanity.they all need to be moved out of the city and live near Pelosi, PR
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David Mchattie
Date: 4/26/2019 10:31:00 PM
We can all feel very sorry bur society devolves rather quickly when the rule of law is no longer applied. Have a great day my friend.
Date: 4/26/2019 8:02:00 PM
David, I lived there last time in 1979. There was only one homeless person I ever saw. I lived in the Marina in a teeny p,ace, rent was 20@ a month. Same apt.today is 3,@00 among. Poor people hang there because of freebies. I won't get bear poop town aka meddle city. Many love their tents and freeloading.. It's sad to see city blight. Panagiota
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David Mchattie
Date: 4/26/2019 10:30:00 PM
Many people do prefer tents to the shelters. More privacy and in some cases cleaner plus if you have more than you can carry, it won't be there when you return. Plus. Shelters as a rule do not allow pets.
Date: 4/26/2019 7:07:00 PM
I like the writing style...and the message too...All the best
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David Mchattie
Date: 4/26/2019 10:27:00 PM
Thanks Arturo. Glad you liked it.
Date: 4/26/2019 6:06:00 PM
So sad to see this; people should take more pride in their cities and governments should do their job. They suck enough tax off of everyone for it. Well penned.
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David Mchattie
Date: 4/26/2019 10:27:00 PM
Amen.

Book: Shattered Sighs