Rhonda, just what I have seen in my 42 years. I do know some Homeless People. Alot choose to be homeless, due to our Society, the Government, and or Heart broken people who find their real Familes in the Streets. They are loved and accepted for who they are, they only have to meet their own expitations. Sincerely, Elaine
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-the-homeless
As Charlotte-Mecklenburg's population grows each year and our relative supply of affordable housing decreases, we continue to see the numbers of homeless families and individuals swell in our community. Over 5,000 people are homeless in Mecklenburg County on any given night and tens of thousands annually
That total includes people who are living on the streets, staying in shelters and with friends and family, or living in transitional or permanent supportive housing. Nearly half are families; more than a third are children. "Street homelessness" is the image commonly presented to portray homelessness, yet less than 10 percent of the 5,000 homeless people in our region regularly live on the streets. Almost half of all homeless adults are employed.
Why not invest this kind of money into day shelters for the homeless. You could provide lifeskills classes to these people. You could provide GED classes, and work training. this would help them transition from a life of nothing into a life of something more. Finally people would be able to get back on their feet and contribute back to society. Do you really believe that people who are homeless chose to be this way? It happens because life happens, not because this is the way they choose to live. Please think about the future of Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Think about the future of our youth. Over 2,000 children in our area are homeless.
A primary cause of homelessness in the Charlotte - Mecklenburg area is the shortage in the supply of affordable homes. A worker earning minimum wage no longer has sufficient income to afford a safe and decent apartment. And with regional fair market rents averaging more than $650 a month for a two-bedroom apartment, many working families are struggling to find homes within financial reach. With your help, we can ask the Mayor to help
someone once said: " that it is only when we climb out of our little rat holes that we can see clearly " .
Thank you Cate and members for seeing clearly, you will always have my full support. Light Love & Blessings 
Mels, you can add any petition you like. Even open your own thread.
Cate, I understand how you feel. I have submitted news that I thought were important, but most thought not.....I too felt like screaming.....
Apathy in this country has lead us down a slippery slope. There is no shock value left to what the Bush and company do. It is though they lulled this nation in believing everything okay. I actively disagree with Bush and company. I actively voice my thoughts. We need a wake call America before it is too late.
Peace and Grace
Before I posted each every part of this thread, I previewed and vetted each post to be sure it would post correctly.
The Waxman post was cut off, as was my closing sentence on the 4th post. I will re-add them here:
We the undersigned fully support your bill to free the Office of the US Surgeon General from interference from the Executive Branch in carrying out its reponsibilities and disseminating vital information to American citizens.
Now, just to be REALLY conservative number-wise, let's assume that of the ACTIVE AMERICAN members of Car32, 60% have moderate to very liberal political leanings. The next petition was aimed at this group. The number in this group should be somewhere in the 2M+ range. However, this next petition does not even have 1,000 signatures yet - far removed from a reasonable goal - I think, given the hypothetical pool to draw from - of 5000 signatures.
This post was modified from its original form on 22 Aug, 19:11
We the undersigned fully support your bill to free the Office of the US Surgeon General from interference from the Executive Branch in carrying out its reponsibilities and disseminating vital information to American citizens.
However, even though I KNOW that whatever their feelings about the war in Iraq, MOST people here care about our fighting men and women. But my petition to properly treat returning troops with mental disorders caused by their combat service has only 527 out of the goal of 5000.
The petition to support the Waxman bill to protect the Office of the Surgeon General
