Replies

This could all stop relatively quickly. Wanna get subsidized housing? Be prepared to live - short term - in a gated, guarded facility that provides a cooktop, minifridge, bathroom and open room with beds. No cable outlet, no televisions, no swimming pools, and no basketball court. You will be uncomfortable in your poverty.

Wanna get free food? Be prepared to make a daily trip to the food distribution center where you will be provided with enough fresh food for you and your family for the day. You will not be given a EBT card, you will be given healthy nourishment.

You will also be required to attend on site training and if you fail to attend, you're out. No more 'idle hands'.

I work in a city that has the worst crime rate in the Northwest. Fortunately we are no Chicago, but I have been to my share of gang related murders and mayhem. The thing that people do not seem to comprehend is that in these non-productive segments of society nearly all of the money comes from just two sources... the illegal drug trade and the government. The money for the illegal drugs actually comes mostly from the government. Surprisingly a relatively small amount actually comes from stealing from other segments of society. That is because they receive only a tiny fraction of the original value from stolen goods.

It is the money that fuels the violence. The top dogs do fairly well for themselves. Because of the limited perspective that those in these areas actually have... this is the way that they think that they are most likely to get ahead.

I like your solution... once you take the government money away and provide only the actual necessities of life... food, shelter, and plain clothing all in a well supervised bland, but safe setting... human creativity and perseverance would cause even these idiots to start pursuing more productive endeavors.