Posted on 06/22/2006 1:10:30 PM PDT by John Semmens
A new program called "Community Voice Mail" will make 350 voice-mail boxes available to the homeless. The idea is to help the homeless person find a job. Each person enrolled in the program will receive a private D.C. phone number connected to a voice-mail box. The number can be used only to check messages.
The city may not have an easy time convincing the desired clients to avail themselves of the service.
A homeless man who hangs out near the Smithsonian says he doesn't need the service. "I already have voice mail right here," said the man who calls himself "The Avenger," pointing to his head. "When I get the WORD I will put His plan into action."
A woman known on the streets as "Betty Poop," criticized the service as inadequate. "I want one of those phones that plays music," said Ms. Poop. "I also want an unlisted number. I don't want just anybody calling me. I need my privacy."
Members of congress expressed mixed feelings about the plan.
"Giving these people a phone number is a great idea," said Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). "We can call them and remind them to vote. But I'm uncomfortable with the idea that these people may be pressured to find jobs. This is like saying their lifestyle is wrong. I think this may be going too far."
Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) says he isn't sure what he thinks yet. "I'll need to confer with my good friend, Senator Kennedy (D-Mass), before I can be sure of what I think about this issue," said McCain. "Will undocumented immigrants be eligible? Will these phone lines be used for unauthorized political speech? There are a lot of uncertainties right now."
Thus far, almost all the requests for the service have come from drug dealers
(Excerpt) Read more at azconservative.org ...
"But I'm uncomfortable with the idea that these people may be pressured to find jobs. This is like saying their lifestyle is wrong. I think this may be going too far."
What the heck?????? I know this is obvious, but is Ms. Pelosi the biggest idiot on the planet???
Has society really gotten to the point where people actually think homelessness is a "lifestyle" ???
Senator John Kerry thought it was a good idea, perhaps, but would be willing to change his mind, depending on what Kennedy, McCain and the polls say.
(Note to JS): "Betty Poop", absolutely priceless, thanks.
.....Bob
Not too far off - this could happen!
Speechless.....
I would appreciate it if you would clearly indicate when "news" is satirical. With the left, it is really difficult to tell the difference. I do not need any help in making myself look foolish.....
The free voice mail part is true.
Proof Nancy is just as far off her rocker as Betty Boop and The Avenger.
You weren't, and won't be the only one to fall for it. :)
It always has been a lifestyle.
There were code markings they used to leave as they rode the rails.
It may be satire but the city of Houston tried to give everyone a "free email account". As if google and yahoo and hotmail and excite weren't doing that already.
The city also paid for millions of dollars in software to permit Houstonians to do word processing and other tasks.
It pays to have friends in gubmint.
It took me a moment to even realize it was satire - no telling what's true- anything's possible with those characters.
How do you know the voice mail part is true? Any other parts true?
very tiny sarcasm tag
tankerKC told me the voicemail thing is true
It rings a bell. I think something similar was tried in Denver. Email? Voicemail? Free mailboxes?
It's primarily for those homeless looking for jobs. A prospective employer isn't going to hire you if the number they call is the number at the local shelter.
It's also useful for family members to keep in touch in emergencies and as a number for social service & government agencies to call (such as the VA hospital, etc).
Another question, how can a homeless person call voicemail to get his messages?
At our (main) local shelter, there are three pay phones inside.
And, at least in my city, community voice mail isn't paid for by the Govt.
The sad thing is that I honestly can't tell if this is a joke or not.
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