[Sharp Phil]

This is a contentious and controversial issue; hence this seemed like the appropriate forum.

It is my assertion that the homeless -- street people in general -- represent a personal security threat as a demographic, and must be dealt with on these grounds. This is not bias, prejudice, or some sort of lack of compassion speaking; it is instead simply a recognition of reality.

I feel so strongly about the issue that I've created a PDF file that can be downloaded here, completely free. It's not linked to my main website and is not intended to promote anything; it is simply the compilation of my own experiences over more than a decade of regularly dealing with the homeless issue. I hope you find it helpful, though it is likely to spur strong debate as well.

It is not for those who are easily offended and contains mature language.

[admin]

I started reading this book though have not finished. Though the topic is somewhat controversial and may make some people "cranky", the premise of the book is right on. I believe what Phil is saying..... BTW check out Phil's site: The Martialist: For Those Who Fight Unfairly - Good stuff, thought I believe they are going through a redesign. Like I saying, I think the point is to start being more aware of personal safety and security. And the homeless are typically desperate, chemically altered, and or mentally "different". They pose the unknown factor. When dealing with them, it is wise be more alert and aware then just annoyed.

As you guys know I spent 9 years working in a city night club environment, staying late hours and leaving when the city was dead except for the homeless. There were some guys out there who you just knew, and they were "ok". But there were always a few that were different. They didn't care about you or anyone else. They were either addicts trying to get their next fix and or drunks and or people with serious issues. We / I always dealt with these guys differently.

I'll continue my post after I read some more. Thanks Phil!

[bamboo]

How about steering clear of what you perceive to be a security threat and working on social solutions to the homeless problem that you have in your city?

I would suggest that lobbying for accessable mental health therapy at the cost of the state in order to better the community as well as enriching social safety net programs may be a better answer than arming yourself.

As far as awareness- While I certainly agree that awareness is a good thing and something that every martial artist (be it a professional fighter or once a week hobbyist) strives for, I think it should be an all encompassing awareness as the threat you don't perceive, well thats the one to worry about, not the one staring you in the face.

regards,

Bamboo

[admin]

I agree with that, the homeless are a "problem" that needs to be addressed on a city / state / country level. On a personal level, there is little we can do except for voting in favor of solutions to help the problems.

[zefff]

I haven't read any linked information presented here but I think that housed citizens are more likely to cause a threat* to the homeless than the homeless are likely to cause a threat to those who live at an address. We are all members of a single society - fear never creates anything worthwhile.

*The threats can be direct or indirectly created. Peer views, government policy, local council strategies, programs, charity, education and awareness, etc, all affect the potential of 'threats'.

peace

[bamboo]

For the record- I did infact read the material linked.

[zefff]

LOL now I feel bad. At the time I wasnt sure if it was a spamlink but I'll go read it maybe tomorrow.

[bamboo]

I'lll a couple more thoughts on the booklet.

First I'd like to commend Phil on his writing- the man knows how to write and does it quite well, i can see why this is your chosen field to support yourself. So why not use your pen and obvious intelligence to affect real social change in policy and behaviour or write an amazing piece of literature?

If I show this booklet to someone to whom it might matter the first thing they see is the alarmist "rape 4 fun" picture on the front that could immediately turn them off. I know many would find it nothing short of extremely distasteful and akin to the radical whitepower pamphlets you see circulated by neonazi groups. I for one would have thrown it in the garbage if the pdf had been mailed or handed to me outright without a second thought.

While I understand your reason for writing it (you state your reasons in the booklet) i still fail to understand the motive behind what seems to be some real anger and loathing towards those very much less fortunate than yourself.

Most rapes take place from people that know the victim, not some random homeless guy. In the book you simply stared down a homeless man asking for change (note he never actually presented any physical threat to you, at least none that you noted) and went on his way when stonewalled by silence. Does not this lesson in the power of nonviolence and perhaps even compassion (although you do state that you were loathing and hating this man so I admit my own naevity hopes for compassion that obviosly was not there) not prove itself? I know when confronted by a homeless man inmy city of well over 1 million, my smile and answer of "would you care for sanwich" or "sorry friend, I can't help you today" has never, ever resulted in my furthur being harrassed. At least this is my experience.

regards,

bamboo

[Sharp Phil]

My only anger is for those who are made to suffer intimidation and phsyical danger, as I stated in the booklet. I believe I did outline quite clearly why I was writing it, within its pages. The problem is that whenever you actually speak the truth on the real security problems posed by the homeless as a demographic, you are accused of some sort of mean-spirited attack on those who are "less fortunate." I do not care about class distinctions. I only care about personal safety.

As for "writing an amazing piece of literature," I am, in fact, a published author.

[bamboo]

As for "writing an amazing piece of literature," I am, in fact, a published author

Yes, um, you do reailize I was trying to pay you a compliment right?