Good words, OWO!
Homelessness is a terrible thing...[Or, tabulae rasae, a mixed discussion...]
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 11:04am
been around
Thanks Sippy for your kind words.
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 11:39am
Battle Scarred Vet
Sometimes people just don't want to march to the same beat as everyone else. Sometimes they are quite content to live differently and there isn't anything wrong with that. Not taking you prescribed meds is a personal choice. Living in abandoned buildings is a choice much of the time. I am very familiar with Ken's house. I walk by it frequently in the summer time and Ken was never anything other than a genuinely nice guy when we would pass. Very friendly.
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 11:50am
Official AFP Tourist
With all due respect, not taking prescribed meds isn't a personal choice if you can't afford them. 
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 11:54am
been around
PatriotDan, I know that you are a long time poster, here and at HB, but, even so, your analysis here is much too simplistic. Ken did not chose this path, alcohol chose it for him. I have seen Ken when he was angry, and it was not at all pretty. Furthermore, it was not "Ken's house" -- it was someone's empty house who did not know they had a squatter. Your solution appears to be like that of George Bush's and Kevin Smith's strategy on many issues -- benign neglect. What say you PatriotDan?
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 11:56am
Battle Scarred Vet
With all due respect, not taking prescribed meds isn't a personal choice if you can't afford them.
That wasn't noted in the post. Also, in Madison County there are multiple places that can help with meds. It doesn't fix everything and sometimes they can't help, but all in all it isn't a bleak situation.
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 12:02pm
Battle Scarred Vet
PatriotDan, I know that you are a long time poster, here and at HB, but, even so, your analysis here is much too simplistic. Ken did not chose this path, alcohol chose it for him. I have seen Ken when he was angry, and it was not at all pretty. Furthermore, it was not "Ken's house" -- it was someone's empty house who did not know they had a squatter. Your solution appears to be like that of George Bush's and Kevin Smith's strategy on many issues -- benign neglect. What say you PatriotDan?
That was a pretty tactfully worded reply. Thank you.
There are places to help you get out of the alcohol though and Ken apparentely doesn't choose to take those options. I am not advocating any kind of neglect but it isn't illegal to be an alcoholic. It also isn't legal to force someone into treatment that they don't want. It comes down to the sovereignty of the person. Self destruction, while very sad, isn't against the law as long as you aren't taking direct steps to end your life.
Truth is that I don't know Ken other than when I saw him by walking by. I do know some though who live in houses without heat and water. They aren't alcoholics, they aren't poor, they just choose that lifestyle. That was my point. To the appearance of anyone walking by on the street Ken appeared to just be a nice guy who would say hello from the stoop when people walked by.
You are right, it wasn't his house on paper but when he is living in it, for all intents and purposes it was his house. Ownership wasn't the inference here, possession was.
Again, thanks for that very nice rebuttal. I hope mine is as tactful and fruitful to the discussion.
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 12:14pm
been around
PatriotDan, I have considered your most recent post and I must bring to your attention two necessary points: The first is that since this is my forum, I must unfortunately rule that your comments were not, alas, "fruitful to the discussion." The second point is that your wit is legendary, so no need to be polite to me; I can take it.
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 12:17pm
Shiraz/Syrah
First goal is to get him off the street and then can work through the rest of the problems. The sad thing is there are not nearly enough shelters in this town to deal with the problem for all the homeless we have in Anderson.
I am sure it would surprise peole to know how many homeless we really do heve in this city. I am sure they are not homeless by choice,even though some people seem to thing they are.
Tue, 12/04/2007 - 12:32pm
Expert
If I ever won the lottery I would build Homeless Shelters and Have me a huge house built for all the kiddos I would adopt.
Wish I could do it now! 
Full Of Sunshine!
I know this Kent Hancher, also known as “Mountain Man” that was mentioned in the HB the other day. He had a fire set by an errant ten year old which left Ken homeless, again. We called him ‘Ken,’ and although we did hear around that he preferred ‘Mountain Man,’ we called him ‘Ken’ anyway. Ken was known to have lived under the bridge, literally; in other unheated and un-watered homes, in tents and things, and did all of this in rain, snow, freezing temps, ultra hot temps – you name it. He was known not to have always taken the medication prescribed for him, other than self-medicating himself with hops. I say these things to bring attention to those in our City who suffer quietly, and make their own way in silence. They are commonly known as homeless – double-homeless, in fact -- but now we can truly attach a face to the matter. Does anyone really care? I call on those who can, especially those who know what they are doing, to help Ken, and to help the homeless. Colts Fan, this means you. You are good at this type of thing.
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.