2020 summit in Canberra (Full Version)

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Giulia -> 2020 summit in Canberra (4/20/2008 3:27:16 AM)

I so would've liked to go. Seems the amount of homelessness in has doubled in 10 yrs. I don't understand why the prisons couldn't be emptied (except for the small percentage of violent rodents), and used for homes for the homeless, prison does not work, we are looking at a deeper problem of drug addiction which brings with it reckless behaviour and if some of teh medical associations are mostly in agreeance with defining addiction as a disease (I don't share that view btw) then I don't see why the govrnements are choosing to still treat the problem of crime with punishment even after they acknowlede the crime was drug related.

It would seem that if drug addiction is a disease then they should also accept that most crime is commited reluctantly and the motivation for it is borne out of a craving for the drug, as responsible people we should be looking at the cause of the disease and look at healing that first, not punishing behaviour which we prior to acknowledged as a disease.

Personally I think it's a choice, however I know the lack of self control one can have in desperation and though I don't condone it, I do understand it and I think that an atmosphere of healing and freedom, of trust and loyalty is a lot more encouraging and conducive to change.

There are so many vacant buildings, big buildings which are not being used, empty governement property should be used for the homeless, it's ridiculous, if Australia is well off then we should be looking after our own.

Anyway, got heaps to say on the subject and that is why I would've really liked to have gone to the summit.



colliefan -> RE: 2020 summit in Canberra (4/20/2008 2:15:04 PM)

The vast number of homeless simply b/c they want to be so; they dislike rules and having someone tell them what to do so they will not go to homeless shelters.

They can earn enough money panhandling to eat something to eat and to buy cheap booze. Many do have mental issues, but they do not want to seek help.



Giulia -> RE: 2020 summit in Canberra (4/22/2008 2:31:38 AM)

quote:

The vast number of homeless simply b/c they want to be so; they dislike rules and having someone tell them what to do so they will not go to homeless shelters.

They can earn enough money panhandling to eat something to eat and to buy cheap booze. Many do have mental issues, but they do not want to seek help.


That is a vast generalisation and is not true. Many people don't like rules and rules without compassion are only devices which oppress. I think that the environment contributes to someone's well being, even if one has been born again and made new, how much is one able to flourish in a prison cell watching "Four Corners" or "The Fly"?

It is also a generalisation to say they have mental issues and don't want to seek help. One very prevelant mental condition is that of schitzophrenia (which often is characterised by feelings of distrust). In this state a person is expected to have issues of distrust towards authority figures, sometimes it will save someone's life (can't always trust a person who is in a position of authority such as a police or doctor).

Anyway the Summit was a great initiative, it does require a nomination and I have never even been nominated to play on the baseball team, let alone anything else, still without dwelling on my woes I am still able to see that this summit allowed for a lot of voices from members of the general public to be heard, it will interesting to see if anything comes of it and i am sure it will.

Though I must say that the socialst motivation behind it doesn't always end up working on a practical level in that a few elite are always chosen to sit at the round table and have the most say and the concept of socialism is then thrown out the window.



clayton994 -> RE: 2020 summit in Canberra (4/22/2008 3:22:57 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Giulia

I so would've liked to go. Seems the amount of homelessness in has doubled in 10 yrs. I don't understand why the prisons couldn't be emptied (except for the small percentage of violent rodents), and used for homes for the homeless, prison does not work, we are looking at a deeper problem of drug addiction which brings with it reckless behaviour and if some of teh medical associations are mostly in agreeance with defining addiction as a disease (I don't share that view btw) then I don't see why the govrnements are choosing to still treat the problem of crime with punishment even after they acknowlede the crime was drug related.

It would seem that if drug addiction is a disease then they should also accept that most crime is commited reluctantly and the motivation for it is borne out of a craving for the drug, as responsible people we should be looking at the cause of the disease and look at healing that first, not punishing behaviour which we prior to acknowledged as a disease.

Personally I think it's a choice, however I know the lack of self control one can have in desperation and though I don't condone it, I do understand it and I think that an atmosphere of healing and freedom, of trust and loyalty is a lot more encouraging and conducive to change.

There are so many vacant buildings, big buildings which are not being used, empty governement property should be used for the homeless, it's ridiculous, if Australia is well off then we should be looking after our own.

Anyway, got heaps to say on the subject and that is why I would've really liked to have gone to the summit.


Giulia, hi...

You have raised a number of important issues here.

Regarding homeless: While I agree with you that homelessness is an increasing problem that needs to be addressed as a high priority, I don't believe that clearing the prisons is the best solution. I think we really need to address the underlying reasons why more people are becoming homeless - this is a complex issue, but some reasons may include family breakdown and abuse, causing many young people to try to 'escape' their situation; and also the increasing cost of living. There have been many reports on the current affairs programs here about people being evicted because they can't afford the rent/mortgage, and having no place to go.

Regarding prisons: I'm not sure why you don't believe prison works. Personally, I believe that prisons are, unfortunately, a necessary part of life. They do, for example, keep criminals off the street so they can't commit further crimes - particularly important for rapists, armed robbers, etc. Also, prisons act as a deterrent. I'm curious as to what you would suggest in place of prisons.

Regarding substance abuse: I agree that it's not always ideal to treat drug addiction as a crime, although addicts can commit crimes either while under the influence of drugs, or in order to obtain money to pay for their drugs. In this sense, they are both criminals and victims. But again, I believe we really need to address the reasons why people turn to drugs in the first place.

Regarding the 2020 Summit. I always think it's good to discuss issues and hear people's ideas. It's good to hear your ideas, too, which is why I like these forums.

Cheers,
Clayton.



Giulia -> RE: 2020 summit in Canberra (4/24/2008 5:54:44 AM)

quote:

Regarding homeless: While I agree with you that homelessness is an increasing problem that needs to be addressed as a high priority, I don't believe that clearing the prisons is the best solution. I think we really need to address the underlying reasons why more people are becoming homeless - this is a complex issue, but some reasons may include family breakdown and abuse, causing many young people to try to 'escape' their situation; and also the increasing cost of living. There have been many reports on the current affairs programs here about people being evicted because they can't afford the rent/mortgage, and having no place to go.


I heard today that they are going to house some of teh homeless in the city in a model like somewhere in New York has, yes I realsie that the homeless are a very diverse lot and that it is a complex issue.

I think that instead of all these community places where people often use as dop in joints (with no purpose but to aide in idle time), there should be more rehabilitation, holistic places with diverse healing technique and different creative outlets, proper leaders who are not afraid of taking charge and mix in a bit of hard work and discipline.

I think a situation where you have officers (who are imperfect) having authority over a bunch of people then there is no room for them to start taking responsibility for themselves and it is not fair. People get treated like dogs, they will act like dogs and there is no amount of corrective program that is later able to rectify this rebellion aginst authority.

Causes so many problems to do with the sense of worth that there is no hope for rehabilitation, they may as well continue what they know how to do. People cannot learn under oppression they will only get more oppressed.

I think also that the money that is spent on prisons could be spent on strategies of healing. The rapists and other violent ones that are a danger are the ones that should be locked up, the others should be treated for their addiction, given opportunities for work and development.

In an oppressive environment there can only be further damage made.



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