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Two Cape Cods: Hidden Poverty
06/01/07 · 7:41 am :: posted by Margot
Two Cape Cods: Hidden Poverty
Since this last post seemed to generate some passionate discussion about poverty on the Cape, I thought I'd post the following audio series called "Two Cape Cods." It is award winning and was created by a Cape reporter. I think it does a wonderful job highlighting some of the serious problems our residents face. The links to each vignette are provided below and if you don't have the time to listen to them, at least read the text under each heading.
No matter your opinion, it never hurts to be well informed. What is the basis of your opinion if you haven't listened to the other side? If your contention is that people just prefer to whine rather than solve their own problems, perhaps this series will enlighten you. Either that, or it will add fuel to the fire you are already fanning.
I used to write for a fine magazine that highlighted the Cape's shiny corners. They photographed beautiful living rooms that looked out over the sea, pictured the season's latest fashions, recommended books and restaurants and each summer, the cover featured the perfect Cape Cod family to herald in the new season. And while I very much enjoyed writing for them and having the opportunity to interview people like Ethel Kennedy, I often felt as if I were polishing an old bike with a flat tire. I felt I was complicit in a plot to project a Cape without blemishes, creating a facade of sea roses and porch swings from Pottery Barn.
I know better than that.
Each and every community has its own unique set of problems and ours is no different. But each and every community is defined by the way they approach those problems. Looking the other way or pretending those problems don't exist isn't an approach--it's ignorance.
So take a listen. And remember that you, too, define yourself by the way you react to the pain and hardship of others...
Two Cape Cods: Hidden Poverty on the Cape and Islands
Those who serve Cape Cod's poor are the first to point out that behind the veil of the affluent summer paradise we all recognize, hides a community that continually struggles to make ends meet.
This duPont-Columbia Award-winning series examines the unique factors that contribute to persistent and hidden poverty throughout the Cape and Islands region.
Click here to listen to each or all of the audio files below.
Perception vs. Reality
Series Introduction
Behind the sunny facade of affluent seaside villages are local families who can't afford to cover the costs of healthcare, housing, and food. More
Uninsured and Underinsured
More than 40,000 Cape residents are without health insurance. This vulnerable class may be just one illness or injury away from not being able to afford their homes. More
Commuting Off-Cape
Increasingly, going to work off-Cape is the only way to escape a low paying, tourist and service-driven economy. More
Hunger
Food pantries are distributing record amounts of food as more and more families find themselves unable to earn a livable wage. Free and reduced lunch program statistics in Dennis indicate that there may be no accurate way to measure poverty. More
tressed Out: Single Parenting
According to a survey conducted by Barnstable County last year, 80% of the most needy households on the Cape wrestle with stress and anxiety. More
Youth Flight
If the next generation of teachers, nurses, and firefighters can't make the Cape their home, then who will serve and take care of the people who can? More
Elderly Poverty
The ever-rising costs of living means that for a growing number of seniors, retirement has not been the life of leisure they may have expected. More
Homeless
Shelters housed more than 500 homeless people last year. But untold others live on friends' couches, in motel rooms, and in tents in the woods. More
Wampanoag
Of the 350 Wampanoag living in Mashpee today, 90% live from paycheck to paycheck, undeniably poor. More
Empty Nets
Cape Cod, a land named for its bounty of fish, doesn't have many commercial fishermen left. More
Moving out: The Winter Rental Shuffle
With off-season rental-housing prices skyrocketing, where are the working poor expected to look for shelter? More
Lack of Mass Transit
Without reliable public transportation, working poor cannot access the job opportunities and public services they so direly need. More
Foster Care: Aging Out
More than 250 children live in foster care. When these children leave state custody, more and more are winding up on the streets. More
Childcare: Sea Babies
Struggling families must choose between spending $300 a week on childcare and forgoing a paycheck to stay home. More
Martha's Vineyard
Much of the world knows Martha's Vineyard as a rich person's playground, but many locals are struggling to find adequate food and shelter. More
1: Meals on Wheels
2: Habitat for Humanity
Workforce Housing
With a median home price of $1.6 million, many in the Nantucket workforce will never be able to live where they work. More
The Road Ahead
Series Conclusion
If living the American Dream means getting married, buying a house, and raising a family, Cape Cod may not be a viable option for future.
65 comments
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Buzz [Member] writes:
Let me tell you about 2 people I know.
The first is a woman that decided to have a child out of wed lock. She refused to name the dad even though he came from a well to do family and had the means to support the child. She worked 'very" part-time and was paid under the table avoiding taxes. She got free housing, food stamps and a free education at 4C's. She's done nothing with the degree she got. It;s much easier for her to have the state support her.
The second person I know never graduated from high school. He worked construction, learned the business while working hard for very little. He also raised a family doing so. He paid his bills on time, saved a little and was able to get a small loan to purchase a bulldozer. Today, he employees about 20 people and provides health care and retirement benefits to his Cape Cod employees.
You see Margot, live is full of choices. Opportunity exists for all of us wether we want it or not.
The first is a woman that decided to have a child out of wed lock. She refused to name the dad even though he came from a well to do family and had the means to support the child. She worked 'very" part-time and was paid under the table avoiding taxes. She got free housing, food stamps and a free education at 4C's. She's done nothing with the degree she got. It;s much easier for her to have the state support her.
The second person I know never graduated from high school. He worked construction, learned the business while working hard for very little. He also raised a family doing so. He paid his bills on time, saved a little and was able to get a small loan to purchase a bulldozer. Today, he employees about 20 people and provides health care and retirement benefits to his Cape Cod employees.
You see Margot, live is full of choices. Opportunity exists for all of us wether we want it or not.
capemom [Member] writes:
Buzz, amen.
"Struggling families must choose between spending $300 a week on childcare and forgoing a paycheck to stay home."
Where in the USA is this NOT true?
"The ever-rising costs of living means that for a growing number of seniors, retirement has not been the life of leisure they may have expected."
Where is this NOT true?
"More than 40,000 Cape residents are without health insurance."
That's 20% of our year round pop. of 200,000, which is 5% higher than the national average of uninsured (about 15%). Probably due to seasonal employers. Solution? Move to where the jobs are.
The only constant in this world is change--changing economies, demographics, etc.
Cape Cod is in America, and America is the land of opportunity--just ask any Brazilian if they'r rather live in American poeverty, or Brazilian poverty.
"Struggling families must choose between spending $300 a week on childcare and forgoing a paycheck to stay home."
Where in the USA is this NOT true?
"The ever-rising costs of living means that for a growing number of seniors, retirement has not been the life of leisure they may have expected."
Where is this NOT true?
"More than 40,000 Cape residents are without health insurance."
That's 20% of our year round pop. of 200,000, which is 5% higher than the national average of uninsured (about 15%). Probably due to seasonal employers. Solution? Move to where the jobs are.
The only constant in this world is change--changing economies, demographics, etc.
Cape Cod is in America, and America is the land of opportunity--just ask any Brazilian if they'r rather live in American poeverty, or Brazilian poverty.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
Yeah, but the problem is, in America, Brazilians are afforded more opportunity than people who are born here! Let me ask you, do employers do credit checks on Brazilians who apply for jobs? Beause last year, my job started late, and I was desperate for a job, any job. And three of the jobs I applied for asked for permission to do a credit check. When I walked in and saw many workers there from other countries, I had to wonder ifd the same standards applied to them. Doubt it. Then, as for affordable housing, there are people who have been living in hotels,on a waiting list for years, yet they are superceded by any foreign person who claims homelessness. And by the way, these are single Brazilian mothers, you know, like the kind of Americans you are always berating? And my daughter lives in an apartment complex in Hyannis with a lot of Brazilians. Her neighbors directly above her are very noisy. but if she complains, they say she is doing it because of predjudice. The Brazilians filed a complaint about it once, and now they run the show caue the apt, fears a lawsuit. Who matters here?
crusader [Member] writes:
bittersweet:
You raised another good point. It's obvious that business owners just want to make money by employing foreigners who are willing to accept less, they cater to the rich baby boomers who fill their pockets, and pay handsomely to politicians who will will look the other way and not create real change to help those in need.
Buzz: There are some good companies on the Cape, but the bad outway the good.
Most who choose not to believe this is the grim reality for middle income residents have made their money, so they don't give a damn about the rest.
There are some of us who have compassion for those who wish to remain, sad that others don't care if they have to change their entire life because of the greed which has swept over Cape Cod.
This does not go on everywhere in the country, just in places where GREED HAS GONE OUT OF CONTROL!
You raised another good point. It's obvious that business owners just want to make money by employing foreigners who are willing to accept less, they cater to the rich baby boomers who fill their pockets, and pay handsomely to politicians who will will look the other way and not create real change to help those in need.
Buzz: There are some good companies on the Cape, but the bad outway the good.
Most who choose not to believe this is the grim reality for middle income residents have made their money, so they don't give a damn about the rest.
There are some of us who have compassion for those who wish to remain, sad that others don't care if they have to change their entire life because of the greed which has swept over Cape Cod.
This does not go on everywhere in the country, just in places where GREED HAS GONE OUT OF CONTROL!
bubslola [Member] writes:
Capemom, You are still making ignorant uppity yuppy comments. What does it take for you do understand the large population of working poor on Cape Cod? Margot provided you educational links to see the other side and you still aren't seeing it. I can tell you if you can find your way out of the dark room you are in I'd suggest you read the report that was done by Barnstable County Health and Human Services Commission, maybe then you'll get it.
Bittersweet, please just don't slam one whole group of people. For every negative example, I can tell you of a positive one. I do agree with you the business owners need to take more responsiblity and be fair with who they hire not who is easiest,that ridiculous!!
Bittersweet, please just don't slam one whole group of people. For every negative example, I can tell you of a positive one. I do agree with you the business owners need to take more responsiblity and be fair with who they hire not who is easiest,that ridiculous!!
Margot [Member] writes:
Yes, life is full of choices, but some of us are born on a different rung of the ladder and our choices are whether to have spaghetti-o's or grilled cheese for lunch. There are kids who live on Cape Cod and are breaking into houses for food. They have a whole other set of choices you've never even had to consider. People with mental illnesses didn't get to decide their fate, either do disabled people. You get my drift here? The so-called choices you all like to applaud are stacked differently for different people. That's the nature of life. My contention here is that poverty exists and not everyone deserves it, as you all like to point it. I still say that the amount of compassion and understanding one holds towards this reality defines who you are as a person.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
I know bub's...I really don't mean to slam anybody. And believe me, the place where I work depends on foreign worker's...it's just that I am so tired of hard working Americans being slammed and ignored for not accepting this whole business-oriented profit-only way of life. And every time I hear "well, the Brazilians can make it, why not you?" I want to scream! If we all work for the same wages, and have the same opportunites, then why can they make it and we not? They must be getting some extra help that we are not privvy to. how else do you explain it? They save more? How can they if they have the same bills? They live a bunch to a house? Well, how do they find a land-lord that will allow that? No, there is something else going on, that cuts out Americans.,There has to be. And I can tell you too, that some people we had working in the past from Easten Europe said they could live for a whole year back home on what they made here in the summer. Also many who plan these great trips all over the country after the season, and I always think "I wish I could do that!" We value them more.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
Thank you Margot-you speak my heart.
bubslola [Member] writes:
Bittersweet, I am not making excuses but many familes when they come here, they all come together. Moms,Dads,Aunts,Uncles etc...close family friends..etc.. They all work, they all share the money as one. How many American familes do that? That is one way they get further.
Many landlords are friends or relatives of friends so they are more relaxed on them all being jammed in one home. Plus they don't mind being all jumbled up, because they accept that is the way it is. Imagine an American "tween", they get upset if they don't have the fashionable cell phone or IPOD.
I have worked with many foreign seasonal workers from all over and its true, the American dollar goes twice as far at least in another country. Most of those workers think nothing of two jobs at a time and banging out a 16 hour day of hard work. Once again, how many Americans do that? How many do a 60 plus work week? I know some but its few and far between.
I hope that gives you a little insight.
Margot, Your comments ROCK!!!
Many landlords are friends or relatives of friends so they are more relaxed on them all being jammed in one home. Plus they don't mind being all jumbled up, because they accept that is the way it is. Imagine an American "tween", they get upset if they don't have the fashionable cell phone or IPOD.
I have worked with many foreign seasonal workers from all over and its true, the American dollar goes twice as far at least in another country. Most of those workers think nothing of two jobs at a time and banging out a 16 hour day of hard work. Once again, how many Americans do that? How many do a 60 plus work week? I know some but its few and far between.
I hope that gives you a little insight.
Margot, Your comments ROCK!!!
bittersweet [Member] writes:
well you explained one question...if their landlord's are friends or relatives, they get a break not many of us do. When my kids were little, I tried endlessly, but no one would rent me an effeciency so we could all just live in one room. That would have been a big help financially.And, how do they get all these jobs? It was a scary wake-up call for me last year trying to find a job. Once these businesses started including a credit-check, I was screwed. And this includes Cumberland Farms, where you can go and not see one American working there....did these employee's have to undergo a credit check? I think it's discrimination. And I always hear people saying that American kids are spoiled, won't work, etc. But once I said that to my supervisor, because an American boy had quit because he refused to stand in the trash bin and squish down the trash. And she said,"well, why don't we pay them $24.00 dollars an hour (which is what the foregn workers made in "real"money)then maybe he wouldn't mind." And that thought has always stuck with me. Pay them$3.00 or $4.00 and hour and its equal.
crusader [Member] writes:
God Bless you Margot for telling it like it is---I've tried to do that too, but few listen, maybe more will listen to you.
Bittersweet, you are always on target.
If we don't have compassion for the mentally disabled and those with little opportunites, who will?
Good thing there are some people let who care.
I wouldn't give up a diversified community ever--that is why I choose to live by the city of Boston.
People are more tolerate of differences here. There is not such a wide a gap of class diversion as you have on the Cape up here.
There are still plenty of beautiful places to visit; the north shore and N.H. and Maine.
Most people don't know there is another side to Cape Cod. The chamber does a good job promoting only what they want people to see. So glad I didn't sell my victorian. Deep down I think I already knew it was a place that was too good to be true.
Bittersweet, you are always on target.
If we don't have compassion for the mentally disabled and those with little opportunites, who will?
Good thing there are some people let who care.
I wouldn't give up a diversified community ever--that is why I choose to live by the city of Boston.
People are more tolerate of differences here. There is not such a wide a gap of class diversion as you have on the Cape up here.
There are still plenty of beautiful places to visit; the north shore and N.H. and Maine.
Most people don't know there is another side to Cape Cod. The chamber does a good job promoting only what they want people to see. So glad I didn't sell my victorian. Deep down I think I already knew it was a place that was too good to be true.
capemom [Member] writes:
bittersweet: the real solution is for you to emigrate to Bulgaria or Brazil. Move there, learn the language, get a job, etc.
Then for the summers, you can get an H1B Visa to work on the Cape, bank the money, and then live like a king the rest of the year in your new country.
As a matter of fact, I don't know why I didn't think of this before. Maybe I should consider it...hmmmm
Then for the summers, you can get an H1B Visa to work on the Cape, bank the money, and then live like a king the rest of the year in your new country.
As a matter of fact, I don't know why I didn't think of this before. Maybe I should consider it...hmmmm
Buzz [Member] writes:
Margot,
"There are kids who live on Cape Cod and are breaking into houses for food"
Really? I haven't heard that. Where are you hearing this?
"There are kids who live on Cape Cod and are breaking into houses for food"
Really? I haven't heard that. Where are you hearing this?
wolfram [Member] writes:
Buzz, I think she meant booze.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
capemom-
I have actually thought about it...not moving to Bulgaria, but working here in America in different states in different seasons. But, do you think if I e-mailed a place of business with the request to live there, work, and have my housing provided for they would go for it? It's worth a shot...And would I be welcome in Bulgaria or Brazil with no money, but needing some? Do hotels in those countries contract out for American workers? How about if my employer here pays me enough money so that I can afford a vacation, then I can see those other countries like the rest of you do?
I have actually thought about it...not moving to Bulgaria, but working here in America in different states in different seasons. But, do you think if I e-mailed a place of business with the request to live there, work, and have my housing provided for they would go for it? It's worth a shot...And would I be welcome in Bulgaria or Brazil with no money, but needing some? Do hotels in those countries contract out for American workers? How about if my employer here pays me enough money so that I can afford a vacation, then I can see those other countries like the rest of you do?
bubslola [Member] writes:
Bittersweet, I do hear what you are saying and I am sorry for some the issues that you've dealt with,its unfair. But I do know of Americans who are all squished in a 2 bedroom apartment with several family members.
I have also been on the hiring end of things. I would hire an American teenager/college student. They couldn't work at this time or that, they'd call in sick when a nice beach day arose..etc..etc.. I'd hire a foreign worker and they couldn't work enough an I was usually one of two jobs.
Capemom, just STOP making such ridiculous statements when other people are trying to have a good conversation. Do you hear yourself??? Go back into your narrow-minded self-important box.
Margot, Your comments still ROCK!! Keep going and trying to educate people and have them see there are two sides to everything,its not all about being self-serving.
I have also been on the hiring end of things. I would hire an American teenager/college student. They couldn't work at this time or that, they'd call in sick when a nice beach day arose..etc..etc.. I'd hire a foreign worker and they couldn't work enough an I was usually one of two jobs.
Capemom, just STOP making such ridiculous statements when other people are trying to have a good conversation. Do you hear yourself??? Go back into your narrow-minded self-important box.
Margot, Your comments still ROCK!! Keep going and trying to educate people and have them see there are two sides to everything,its not all about being self-serving.
Buzz [Member] writes:
Crusader,
As usuall, you are so far off-base it's not even funny.
There are plenty of people who "care" about the poor on Cape Cod and the mentaly ill.
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce promotes Tourism and industry on the Cape...that's there job.
As usuall, you are so far off-base it's not even funny.
There are plenty of people who "care" about the poor on Cape Cod and the mentaly ill.
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce promotes Tourism and industry on the Cape...that's there job.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
yeah....a lot of American kids have it easy compared to other countries, and I also know that foreign workers work hard and a lot. BUT...would that change if the wages were compatable? If an 18,19,or 20 yr old American college student had the opportunity to earn $24.00 and hour, don't you think they would take it, and work damn hard at it too? OR, take the foreign workers down to $4.00 and hour....would they work as hard? But this is how I feel, and maybe the American kids do too: My job is always in jeopardy, even though I work my butt off too. My boss can always decide he wants to pay someone less, and there will always be someone there to take it. I live here, yet I feel that I have more hurdles to overcome in the job-search world. OH, and once the season's over, you never"fire" someone, you just cut their hours enough so they can't afford to work there anymore. That's not a problem with guest workers who are just hired for a certain amount of time; and who, by the way, are guaranteed a certain amount of hours per week...we don't get that guarantee. So, you tell me-should I worry?
capemom [Member] writes:
bub's -- you said you have been on the hiring end and described your experience hiring Americans vs. foreign workers.
I wonder, if you paid $24/an hr. like bittersweet said employers should to pay equivalent wages compard to foreign worker's--would your experience employing Americans have been better?
First of all, you couldn't afford to pay that much. Second, I'm sure it would attract some better American workers, but I bet at the end of the day you'd still have 1/3 foreign workers.
Especially if the work was unpleasant, sweaty, etc. A lot of younger American people live at home with their parents, many don't pay rent, and they simply don't have the pressure to earn like self-sufficient young adults or cash-starved foreigners.
bub's, you are right about immigrant families all living, working, earning, and sticking together, that is their strength.
Anyone who can live so closely with so many family members--that's a fourth job all in itself ;)
I wonder, if you paid $24/an hr. like bittersweet said employers should to pay equivalent wages compard to foreign worker's--would your experience employing Americans have been better?
First of all, you couldn't afford to pay that much. Second, I'm sure it would attract some better American workers, but I bet at the end of the day you'd still have 1/3 foreign workers.
Especially if the work was unpleasant, sweaty, etc. A lot of younger American people live at home with their parents, many don't pay rent, and they simply don't have the pressure to earn like self-sufficient young adults or cash-starved foreigners.
bub's, you are right about immigrant families all living, working, earning, and sticking together, that is their strength.
Anyone who can live so closely with so many family members--that's a fourth job all in itself ;)
bittersweet [Member] writes:
The problem is though...that employers know cash- starved foreigners will take the unpleasant jobs for little pay, making the whole thing legitimate for everybody else in the work-force. In my opinion, if my boss wants someone to jump in a disgusting, smelly, maggot-ridden trash bin with trash strewn everywhere because he saves money by buying cheap trash bags... LET HIM DO IT!! he's the one who's raking in the dough! But, if he can get someone to do it, that gives him the leverage to say,"this is a job Americans won't do" Well, nobody should be doing it, but it sure makes it more palatable if you're doing it for$24.00 pr. hr., rather than $8.00. Don't you think? And the beauty of it is, it still only costs him $8.00 regardless. So, he wins, they win, we lose.
Buzz [Member] writes:
bittersweet,
you are right on... fight the fight. I think you should start a business and show your boss how it's done.
Just think, all your employees making all that money with plenty of opportunity to take vacations.
Gosh, those business owners have it sooooooo easy.
you are right on... fight the fight. I think you should start a business and show your boss how it's done.
Just think, all your employees making all that money with plenty of opportunity to take vacations.
Gosh, those business owners have it sooooooo easy.
capemom [Member] writes:
Business ownership gives you such flexible hours--you can choose to work whichever 14 hours a day you want.
Cape Cod, or elsewhere, the "problems" decried on this thread are the whinings of losers in the game of America. The losers have one thing in common - a sense of entitlement, wanting something for nothing, and an unwillingness to do what is necessary to improve their lot in life--which is working harder or moving.
Cape Cod, or elsewhere, the "problems" decried on this thread are the whinings of losers in the game of America. The losers have one thing in common - a sense of entitlement, wanting something for nothing, and an unwillingness to do what is necessary to improve their lot in life--which is working harder or moving.
Carl B. Freeman [Member] writes:
Who's felt the cost of living creeping up on us? It is called the costs of goods & services. Anyone saying no will be among those rich enough to not have to worry about the rise of those expenses. These costs are choking small business, & presenting poverty line family units with the tough choices. Being poor or rich, it still seems to me it is of great importance to live ethically.
I see a world were the many aggressively rich corporations whose goods & services come at environmental costs. This increasing profit margin is often at the cost of where the poor live, statistically more toxic residue of mining, manufacturing, transport & use is generated in poorer areas.
Hey, there are ethical business' out there, but usually with lesser profit margins & less clout.
Local, renewable, sustainable, clean energy starts to lift away the layers of grime on our poorer communities, while lessening the costs. $ has more value the closer to home it stays. Best of 2 worlds.
I see a world were the many aggressively rich corporations whose goods & services come at environmental costs. This increasing profit margin is often at the cost of where the poor live, statistically more toxic residue of mining, manufacturing, transport & use is generated in poorer areas.
Hey, there are ethical business' out there, but usually with lesser profit margins & less clout.
Local, renewable, sustainable, clean energy starts to lift away the layers of grime on our poorer communities, while lessening the costs. $ has more value the closer to home it stays. Best of 2 worlds.
Carl B. Freeman [Member] writes:
P.S. I've been working w/ people involved in habitat for humanity & other affordable housing projects, trying to incorporate renewable & green building practices into their work under the theory that there's no sense building home's using fossil fuels who's prices are constantly rising w/ no end in sight. It is starting to catch on.
Hurray for renewables!
(sorry for the spill over)
Hurray for renewables!
(sorry for the spill over)
Democrant [Member] writes:
Thank you Margot, for talking about this. It seems for many,it is easier to lay complete blame on those that find themselves in that position. The number and types of choices people have, varies greatly. A simple fact that I have mentioned elsewhere underscores part of the problem- average wages on the Cape are 20% below the state average. Wages are low, cost of living is highand it doesn't take a genius to know that is not sustainable.
Margot [Member] writes:
CapeMom-Not everyone who has problems is a loser, and I'm really quite shocked at your contentions. My best friend was a well-known local graphic designer who is facing a very serious health issue right now. She's raised two wonderful children alone and made very good money "for the Cape." She is no longer able to work and her problems are huge right now. By your standards, we should just call her a loser and tell her to move away?! Are you raising your children with this lack of compassion and empathy towards the world? Discussing serious problems that plaque our community is hardly whining--in fact, it's healthy. You seem to typify the prevailing attitude so abundant on Cape Cod that "the world is cruel, so suck it up or move away." People with mental or physical disabilities are not "losers," but I think you've made it clear where you stand in line for sensitivity chips.
Buzz [Member] writes:
Margot,
Read through the GBH series. Still can't find where kids are breaking into houses to steal food?
Read through the GBH series. Still can't find where kids are breaking into houses to steal food?
Margot [Member] writes:
I heard that kids were breaking into houses to steal food from a friend of mine who is really involved in one of the Cape commmunities and school systems. One of the headmasters at school told her this as it was brought to his attention by the local police.
capemom [Member] writes:
Margot--I take issue with the fact that you assert that these problems are somehow unique to, or worse, on Cape Cod than anywhere else. It's just not true.
Your friend being sick is a shame but people get sick everywhere in the world.
Hopefully, she can get disability and other help from federal and local governments. Will it be enough to pay rent or a mortgage on Cape Cod? Hopefully. Does she own a home here and can she get a reverse mortgage? Maybe, but that is not a good plan for someone under age 75 or so.
I am suggesting just that--she move if necessary. What do you thing should be done? That Cape Codders pitch in and buy her a house? And pay all her bills? So she can maintain the status quo? Her status quo is over--she's seriously ill.
If she has equity in her house--count her among the lucky sick--there are plenty of sick people who have NO equity.
You're not being practical or realistic.
Your friend being sick is a shame but people get sick everywhere in the world.
Hopefully, she can get disability and other help from federal and local governments. Will it be enough to pay rent or a mortgage on Cape Cod? Hopefully. Does she own a home here and can she get a reverse mortgage? Maybe, but that is not a good plan for someone under age 75 or so.
I am suggesting just that--she move if necessary. What do you thing should be done? That Cape Codders pitch in and buy her a house? And pay all her bills? So she can maintain the status quo? Her status quo is over--she's seriously ill.
If she has equity in her house--count her among the lucky sick--there are plenty of sick people who have NO equity.
You're not being practical or realistic.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
capemom-
Here's a realistic question for you...how much money would it cost for a family of four to move?
Here's a realistic question for you...how much money would it cost for a family of four to move?
Buzz [Member] writes:
"headmasters" ? What are they stealing.... brie?
crusader [Member] writes:
Margot,
There are those of us who know the hidden truths about your story and those who are trying to keep Cape Cod's image pure as the driven snow. Well, it's time to break out the snow plows and take a look at what goes on under those large piles of all White BS.
I'm genuinely sorry to hear of your friend's hardship. I hope she heals and finds a way to manage. A strong faith and good friends like yourself is a blessing I'm sure will get her through.
Sometimes realizing a place is not what you want to be part of is a harsh reality none of us want to face---unless some big changes take place and in a hurry I don't see improvements on the horizon. It is a shame that most who are in power to make these changes don't see the big picture. Having an elitist colony is not all it's cracked up to be--they were soon learn their errors when it's too late. Someday, all they will have is an island of snobs.
There are those of us who know the hidden truths about your story and those who are trying to keep Cape Cod's image pure as the driven snow. Well, it's time to break out the snow plows and take a look at what goes on under those large piles of all White BS.
I'm genuinely sorry to hear of your friend's hardship. I hope she heals and finds a way to manage. A strong faith and good friends like yourself is a blessing I'm sure will get her through.
Sometimes realizing a place is not what you want to be part of is a harsh reality none of us want to face---unless some big changes take place and in a hurry I don't see improvements on the horizon. It is a shame that most who are in power to make these changes don't see the big picture. Having an elitist colony is not all it's cracked up to be--they were soon learn their errors when it's too late. Someday, all they will have is an island of snobs.
capemom [Member] writes:
rental to rental: depends on how much stuff you have to move--let's say less than 5K to move to North Carolina
owned home to owned home: 6% realtor's fee, plus around 10K. If they sold their home here for 400K, they could buy the same size in NC for 200-250K and bank the difference.
Either way, you have a better chance of getting year round jobs there than here, plus you have a lower cost of living.
A smart choice for people who are struggling here.
If our house of cards falls tomorrow, there's no way we'd sit around whining about how broke we are on Cape Cod. We don't do broke. We'd move. Hasta la vista, Cape Cod.
The south is great--nice weather, and there are a lot of Yankees down there so culturally it's not as much of a backwater as it used to be.
Also, people are moving to Las Vegas and Arizona--lots of jobs. It's great out there, too.
owned home to owned home: 6% realtor's fee, plus around 10K. If they sold their home here for 400K, they could buy the same size in NC for 200-250K and bank the difference.
Either way, you have a better chance of getting year round jobs there than here, plus you have a lower cost of living.
A smart choice for people who are struggling here.
If our house of cards falls tomorrow, there's no way we'd sit around whining about how broke we are on Cape Cod. We don't do broke. We'd move. Hasta la vista, Cape Cod.
The south is great--nice weather, and there are a lot of Yankees down there so culturally it's not as much of a backwater as it used to be.
Also, people are moving to Las Vegas and Arizona--lots of jobs. It's great out there, too.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
capemom-
Did you say "less than 5K? I just choked on my ice. 5K? Are you telling me you have that kind of extra money lying around? You really do not understand what i am trying to tell you. I live paycheck to paycheck. there is no x-tra money for me to "put away". the only chance I have of saving 5K is to wait till my kids are grown and I have only myself to think about. Then I can work all I can and save....and even that is going to take years! And that's only if these people around here will hire me. And just for the record,I do work hard, and I'm very loyal to my job. And I go the extra mile when they need me to. And I truly believe my boss should be paying me more. And there is no way i can quit now, and start at a job that pays even less. But it would help if the price of things weren't so high. And it is because some people at the top keep taking more and more for themselves. CEO's making 5 million?Come on!
Did you say "less than 5K? I just choked on my ice. 5K? Are you telling me you have that kind of extra money lying around? You really do not understand what i am trying to tell you. I live paycheck to paycheck. there is no x-tra money for me to "put away". the only chance I have of saving 5K is to wait till my kids are grown and I have only myself to think about. Then I can work all I can and save....and even that is going to take years! And that's only if these people around here will hire me. And just for the record,I do work hard, and I'm very loyal to my job. And I go the extra mile when they need me to. And I truly believe my boss should be paying me more. And there is no way i can quit now, and start at a job that pays even less. But it would help if the price of things weren't so high. And it is because some people at the top keep taking more and more for themselves. CEO's making 5 million?Come on!
Margot [Member] writes:
No, actually lots of schools on the Cape have headmasters now who are in charge of specific grades.
My friend can't move---she has family here and wouldn't be able to survive at this point without them--she still has kids at home. Of course I don't expect you to pay her bils--I was merely pointing out that not EVERYONE who has problems is a loser. If I've done nothing else with this post, I hope I've proven that.....
My friend can't move---she has family here and wouldn't be able to survive at this point without them--she still has kids at home. Of course I don't expect you to pay her bils--I was merely pointing out that not EVERYONE who has problems is a loser. If I've done nothing else with this post, I hope I've proven that.....
bittersweet [Member] writes:
Why did my post on Judge Nickerson get removed? it was definately "on topic"!
CCToday [Member] writes:
It was OFF TOPIC in this blog.
We attempted to email you to suggest putting it in the news story "Lawyer disses judge" [Xtra] where it is welcome, but your email address would not go through.
The Editors
We attempted to email you to suggest putting it in the news story "Lawyer disses judge" [Xtra] where it is welcome, but your email address would not go through.
The Editors
Democrant [Member] writes:
Capemom, where you say if it was so bad for people, it would be hasta Cape Cod, what would you call the increasingly older demographic? The diminishing populations in schools? For those that stay, there are many reasons. I certainly take a huge economic hit because I work in Boston, pay my child support, provide health care for them and choose to live here to be near them. If people are going to make up their minds by anecdote, I thought I should contribute.
capemom [Member] writes:
bittersweet--So put the 5K on your credit card. After you move and reduce your living expenses, pay it down by paying $500.mo. for a year. After one year, you'll be in the black with a lower cost of living, better jobs, etc.
Hundreds of thousands of people move to the US and within the US every year--are they geniuses and you're not?
You'd just rather sit around being broke and miserable and telling your sob story than take action and improve your life.
I know your type--"Poor me"--your situation is not Cape Cod's problem.
You are in charge of running your own life, so grow a pair and swim for the shore, instead of treading water until you drown.
Hundreds of thousands of people move to the US and within the US every year--are they geniuses and you're not?
You'd just rather sit around being broke and miserable and telling your sob story than take action and improve your life.
I know your type--"Poor me"--your situation is not Cape Cod's problem.
You are in charge of running your own life, so grow a pair and swim for the shore, instead of treading water until you drown.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
capemom-
It's not really a question of "poor me", but more like "what's going on in this country?" And i dont' remember saying I was miserable...more like shell-shocked. I've lived on the Cape for 20 years now, and it's never been as bad as it is now. And as you yourself said, "it's not just here." Is that the American game you mentioned? Of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich? And as Monponsett reminded us; liberty and justice are for the ones who can afford it.(she told us her kids will be allright--they're rich). Ok then, stop teaching our kids that crap about a govmt.of the people, for the people, and by the people. And stop making them pledge liberty and justice for all. it's not the truth.And tell the damn President to knock it off too! And my situation IS Cape Cod's problem, because it's happening to more and more people as the cost of living keeps rising. We are not the problem.Greed and YOUR entitled attitude are!
It's not really a question of "poor me", but more like "what's going on in this country?" And i dont' remember saying I was miserable...more like shell-shocked. I've lived on the Cape for 20 years now, and it's never been as bad as it is now. And as you yourself said, "it's not just here." Is that the American game you mentioned? Of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich? And as Monponsett reminded us; liberty and justice are for the ones who can afford it.(she told us her kids will be allright--they're rich). Ok then, stop teaching our kids that crap about a govmt.of the people, for the people, and by the people. And stop making them pledge liberty and justice for all. it's not the truth.And tell the damn President to knock it off too! And my situation IS Cape Cod's problem, because it's happening to more and more people as the cost of living keeps rising. We are not the problem.Greed and YOUR entitled attitude are!
bittersweet [Member] writes:
and what makes you think a credit card company is going to give me a $5,00 line of credit?
capemom [Member] writes:
Bitter--you are a miserable whining complaining loser. You are useless as teats on a bull.
If you hate this country so much, you should go live in France or go back in time to Soviet Russia.
My dear, YOU are the one with the entitled attitude. I'm not entitled to anything I haven't earned and neither are you.
It's disgusting that here you are a grownup living in a beautiful part of the greatest country on earth, a country that people risk their lives to come to every day, and all you can do is whine and refuse to make a change in your situation.
20 years from now, you'll be a miserable old broke-assed coot and you have no one but yourself to blame.
If you hate this country so much, you should go live in France or go back in time to Soviet Russia.
My dear, YOU are the one with the entitled attitude. I'm not entitled to anything I haven't earned and neither are you.
It's disgusting that here you are a grownup living in a beautiful part of the greatest country on earth, a country that people risk their lives to come to every day, and all you can do is whine and refuse to make a change in your situation.
20 years from now, you'll be a miserable old broke-assed coot and you have no one but yourself to blame.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
capemom-
My grandfather came here and worked in the textile mills of Worcester. Loved this country. Even when he was fired at 65 for trying to organize a union, he loved this country defiantly. My father loved this country so much was adamant that we only buy American. Now, three generations later, and what can I buy that is American made? Where are the jobs that promised a good life for Americans if you were willing to work? They have been sold out to the highest bidder. How much of this country has been sold off to China, Japan and Saudi Arabia? Do you notice that some chain stores around here have No Amercan employees at all? So don't talk to me about hating this country. Talk to those corporations that have sold Americans down the river in order to make a profit. Talk to yourself, who feels that you are ENTITLED to do anything you want because you can afford it. I love this country, but I hate what people like you are doing to it.
My grandfather came here and worked in the textile mills of Worcester. Loved this country. Even when he was fired at 65 for trying to organize a union, he loved this country defiantly. My father loved this country so much was adamant that we only buy American. Now, three generations later, and what can I buy that is American made? Where are the jobs that promised a good life for Americans if you were willing to work? They have been sold out to the highest bidder. How much of this country has been sold off to China, Japan and Saudi Arabia? Do you notice that some chain stores around here have No Amercan employees at all? So don't talk to me about hating this country. Talk to those corporations that have sold Americans down the river in order to make a profit. Talk to yourself, who feels that you are ENTITLED to do anything you want because you can afford it. I love this country, but I hate what people like you are doing to it.
crusader [Member] writes:
bittersweet,
There are those of us who are standing strong behind your message. Don't let it get to you. That is what "they" try to do so you will pack up and move on.
Some are only happy when they are making others miserable. Everyone has their day, bittersweet. Life is all about learning lessons. Some of us have the compassion to understand poverty and hardship and there are those who won't.
There are those of us who are standing strong behind your message. Don't let it get to you. That is what "they" try to do so you will pack up and move on.
Some are only happy when they are making others miserable. Everyone has their day, bittersweet. Life is all about learning lessons. Some of us have the compassion to understand poverty and hardship and there are those who won't.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
Thank you crusader!! As USUAL, she had to resort to the old standby's: "If you don't like it, leave", or "you hate this country." You should read the recent Wall Street Journal's editorial comment by Peggy Noonan...capemom is strangely very much in tune with George W. Bush. But let's see what personally denigrating comments she can unleash on you now...I know you're no stranger to that!! love you cru
bittersweet [Member] writes:
but I actually did take to heart capemom's suggestions about where to move. good choices.
crusader [Member] writes:
bittersweet,
luv you too, we are geniune sisters.....yes, many lessons learned for me as well. About how to choose real friends, who your friends really are when life gets hard, who will stand by your side, who to stay away from and who to surround yourself with......the energy & brain sucks should be avoided.....found a lot of that type during my stay there......lots of bad energy.
A new friend said to me, "It is simple to be happy, but difficult to be simple."
It doesn't take much to make us happy, but we as a culture always manage to find ways to complicate our lives. It is "static". If we can find ways to keep the static out of our lives, we can find ways to enrich ourselves by way of enlightenment.
I've made a friend from the Hindu culture. I like to call him my "budda". Something about the people of India & other areas of the world that practice this type of spirituality is so good for the soul.
Having expensive material possessions is not experiencing life.
luv you too, we are geniune sisters.....yes, many lessons learned for me as well. About how to choose real friends, who your friends really are when life gets hard, who will stand by your side, who to stay away from and who to surround yourself with......the energy & brain sucks should be avoided.....found a lot of that type during my stay there......lots of bad energy.
A new friend said to me, "It is simple to be happy, but difficult to be simple."
It doesn't take much to make us happy, but we as a culture always manage to find ways to complicate our lives. It is "static". If we can find ways to keep the static out of our lives, we can find ways to enrich ourselves by way of enlightenment.
I've made a friend from the Hindu culture. I like to call him my "budda". Something about the people of India & other areas of the world that practice this type of spirituality is so good for the soul.
Having expensive material possessions is not experiencing life.
capemom [Member] writes:
bittersweet--you talk like I am some mogul or captain of industry and that is far from the truth. I am sorry to sound so harsh but sometimes people need to hear jolting words to open their eyes.
Here are the options:
1. Look for better paying jobs here on the Cape.
2. If you can't find one, consider going to school and getting training in a field where there are good jobs (health care)
3. If you don't want to do that, then if you own a home, look at how much equity you have and research online and see what the job situation and home prices are other parts of the country.
4. If you don't own a home, and make only average dough, you don't have a snowball's chance in hell of buying one here. This is not going to change anytime soon. Smell the coffee and get the hell out of dodge or you're going to keep getting broker.
Even if there were a government solution to your problems, which I doubt, how long would it take the government to get it done? You're waaay better off solving your own problems.
Here are the options:
1. Look for better paying jobs here on the Cape.
2. If you can't find one, consider going to school and getting training in a field where there are good jobs (health care)
3. If you don't want to do that, then if you own a home, look at how much equity you have and research online and see what the job situation and home prices are other parts of the country.
4. If you don't own a home, and make only average dough, you don't have a snowball's chance in hell of buying one here. This is not going to change anytime soon. Smell the coffee and get the hell out of dodge or you're going to keep getting broker.
Even if there were a government solution to your problems, which I doubt, how long would it take the government to get it done? You're waaay better off solving your own problems.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
capemom-
You make some very good suggestions, 2 of which I have been pursuing for some time. You also make a lot of sense. But I still refuse to be classified as the problem. I work and pay my taxes to the state, town and feds. That should be enough to qualify me for a reasonable standard of life no matter where I go. That is the bottom line standard of America that we all claim to love and that our soldiers are fighting and dying for. Isn't it? There has to be other solutions than just "tough toodies, get out!" Cause they will get you no matter where you go. And it sounds like some people on this web-site have some pretty good ideas. So how about this for starters: "If you want to do business in the United States of America, you DO NOT get to rob its citizens blind!"
You make some very good suggestions, 2 of which I have been pursuing for some time. You also make a lot of sense. But I still refuse to be classified as the problem. I work and pay my taxes to the state, town and feds. That should be enough to qualify me for a reasonable standard of life no matter where I go. That is the bottom line standard of America that we all claim to love and that our soldiers are fighting and dying for. Isn't it? There has to be other solutions than just "tough toodies, get out!" Cause they will get you no matter where you go. And it sounds like some people on this web-site have some pretty good ideas. So how about this for starters: "If you want to do business in the United States of America, you DO NOT get to rob its citizens blind!"
bittersweet [Member] writes:
capemom-
You make some very good suggestions, 2 of which I have been pursuing for some time. You also make a lot of sense. But I still refuse to be classified as the problem. I work and pay my taxes to the state, town and feds. That should be enough to qualify me for a reasonable standard of life no matter where I go. That is the bottom line standard of America that we all claim to love and that our soldiers are fighting and dying for. Isn't it? There has to be other solutions than just "tough toodies, get out!" Cause they will get you no matter where you go. And it sounds like some people on this web-site have some pretty good ideas. So how about this for starters: "If you want to do business in the United States of America, you DO NOT get to rob them blind!"
You make some very good suggestions, 2 of which I have been pursuing for some time. You also make a lot of sense. But I still refuse to be classified as the problem. I work and pay my taxes to the state, town and feds. That should be enough to qualify me for a reasonable standard of life no matter where I go. That is the bottom line standard of America that we all claim to love and that our soldiers are fighting and dying for. Isn't it? There has to be other solutions than just "tough toodies, get out!" Cause they will get you no matter where you go. And it sounds like some people on this web-site have some pretty good ideas. So how about this for starters: "If you want to do business in the United States of America, you DO NOT get to rob them blind!"
capemom [Member] writes:
It depends on what you mean by a reasonable standard of life. Quite frankly, and I am 100% sincere, I feel very fortunate just to have a roof over my head, food in my family's stomachs, and no one shooting at us or dropping bombs on us.
Because with that, we are already better off than 60% of the world's population. Anything else is a bonus. And the best things in life really are free.
Maybe I sound Pollyanna-ish, but actually I am just super-realistic.
I will tell you something that is true: it is harder to live in the Northeast than in many other parts of the country. Especially if you don't make much money.
You Yankees have to work harder and better to make money that buys you less. Everything costs more up here--food, gas, utilities, insurance, real estate, furniture, etc.
The winters suck. But the people are smart. A Yankee truck driver is smarter and more articulate than a southern optometrist. In general.
Because with that, we are already better off than 60% of the world's population. Anything else is a bonus. And the best things in life really are free.
Maybe I sound Pollyanna-ish, but actually I am just super-realistic.
I will tell you something that is true: it is harder to live in the Northeast than in many other parts of the country. Especially if you don't make much money.
You Yankees have to work harder and better to make money that buys you less. Everything costs more up here--food, gas, utilities, insurance, real estate, furniture, etc.
The winters suck. But the people are smart. A Yankee truck driver is smarter and more articulate than a southern optometrist. In general.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
I wonder why that is about the Northeast? I have a friend in Michigan, and it's been devastating there for a long time....but my friend tells me that there are ways to get by-the community helps each other out. Maybe it's pride or something up here, "I'll do it or die trying!" Cause that's the way I feel--you don't give up.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
If any of you have are in on this debate about our country vs. corporate greed, you've got to read this: go to rense.com, jeff rense program,and scroll down to the article by Kidd.
capemom [Member] writes:
Rense. Oy vey. Which Kidd article are you referring to, there were several.
Rense.com abounds with malarkey, hokum, hooey, quackery, and not only that, but bull****.
The problem is, people like you who feel they are marginalized believe in conspiracy theories because you think that "corporate bigwigs" and "the powerful" are somehow superhuman and don't screw up.
The trouble with conpsiracy theories is that they assume th egovernment, or corporate America, is 100% competant.
Well guess, what both are far from perfect, with government definitely being in second place.
Why don't Fortune 500 companies post increased profits every single quarter? Why does stock go down? Because they are run by humans, who guess wrong about the future and make many other wrong decisions.
Corporate bigwigs are probably smarter and more workaholic than you and I, but they are all too human and are incapable of taking over, or ruling, the world.
Rense.com abounds with malarkey, hokum, hooey, quackery, and not only that, but bull****.
The problem is, people like you who feel they are marginalized believe in conspiracy theories because you think that "corporate bigwigs" and "the powerful" are somehow superhuman and don't screw up.
The trouble with conpsiracy theories is that they assume th egovernment, or corporate America, is 100% competant.
Well guess, what both are far from perfect, with government definitely being in second place.
Why don't Fortune 500 companies post increased profits every single quarter? Why does stock go down? Because they are run by humans, who guess wrong about the future and make many other wrong decisions.
Corporate bigwigs are probably smarter and more workaholic than you and I, but they are all too human and are incapable of taking over, or ruling, the world.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
I am talking about the article where it describes the corporate treatment of these illegals as the closest thing to slavery she has seen in a long time. I believe congressman Charlie Rangle has said the same thing. Not to mention the inhumane way they are treated by their fellow Mexican coyotes. And Kucinich says the problems really escalated with the passing of NAFTA: destruction of Mexico's job market, leading to people desperately crossing the border to find jobs, leading to the absolute squashing of worker's pay and human rights.
PS: I do not feel marginalized. I feel the big corporations are crooks and absolute destroyers of anything decent that America used to stand for. Same goes for banks that hold credit. Loan-sharks by another name.
And you might call sitting behind a computer screen hard work, I sure don't.
So, why don't you read another article from rense.com called the Top Five Myths about America. Just skip down to #5. That should open your eyes.
PS: I do not feel marginalized. I feel the big corporations are crooks and absolute destroyers of anything decent that America used to stand for. Same goes for banks that hold credit. Loan-sharks by another name.
And you might call sitting behind a computer screen hard work, I sure don't.
So, why don't you read another article from rense.com called the Top Five Myths about America. Just skip down to #5. That should open your eyes.
crusader [Member] writes:
.....and then there was Enron.
Offshore companies, tax loopholes, corporate lawyers, and white collar crime that doesn't get reported. Just like the war is about terrorism and democracy. What a bunch of BS they jam down the throats of those too uninformed to know the real truth.
Offshore companies, tax loopholes, corporate lawyers, and white collar crime that doesn't get reported. Just like the war is about terrorism and democracy. What a bunch of BS they jam down the throats of those too uninformed to know the real truth.
Buzz [Member] writes:
bittersweet,
You do understand that its the union putting the American car manufacturers out of business, just like the steel mills.
You do understand that its the union putting the American car manufacturers out of business, just like the steel mills.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
Yes, Buzz-
Why is it that the union leaders end up being as bad as the corporate leaders?? Something starts out with a really good intention, and then gets usurped by what? Greed? Power? You can call this crazy, but I believe there is a group out there that is working against humanity. It's been called the illuminati, the freemasons, and one theologian from Massachusetts calls it the World Management Team. It'spurpose is control of the world. Crazy? Think what you want. But, one of the biggest shocks in my life was finding out that Timothy Leary was working for the CIA! Tune in, turn on and drop out was all an experiment with LSD conducted by them. NOT free your mind, discover the universe, love each other. The murders of the Kennedy's, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X? All planned and executed by the same gang. And, for more unbelievable crap out of my mouth, how about this: I think these forces want illegal immigration, and want that deadly gang MS 13 in this country to do their dirty work for them. This includes people we pay to run our gvt. Dismiss it, but what if it's true?
Why is it that the union leaders end up being as bad as the corporate leaders?? Something starts out with a really good intention, and then gets usurped by what? Greed? Power? You can call this crazy, but I believe there is a group out there that is working against humanity. It's been called the illuminati, the freemasons, and one theologian from Massachusetts calls it the World Management Team. It'spurpose is control of the world. Crazy? Think what you want. But, one of the biggest shocks in my life was finding out that Timothy Leary was working for the CIA! Tune in, turn on and drop out was all an experiment with LSD conducted by them. NOT free your mind, discover the universe, love each other. The murders of the Kennedy's, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X? All planned and executed by the same gang. And, for more unbelievable crap out of my mouth, how about this: I think these forces want illegal immigration, and want that deadly gang MS 13 in this country to do their dirty work for them. This includes people we pay to run our gvt. Dismiss it, but what if it's true?
Buzz [Member] writes:
Yikes! Sounds like Democrant is one of your leaders as well.
It's all begining to make sense.... I'll be more careful and keep the kids in the house. Let me know when they come over the bridge.
Thanks for the heads-up.
It's all begining to make sense.... I'll be more careful and keep the kids in the house. Let me know when they come over the bridge.
Thanks for the heads-up.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
They're already here.You can't escape them. Hopefully,you can slip under their radar, though. I happen to love humanity, and don't think we are all "evil" and "born in sin." But it's a big mystery, isn't it? And god help us from anyone who claims to have all the answes.
Buzz [Member] writes:
i'm writing in all small letters so i won't be noticed. i think jim jones had the answer..... it was in the koolaide.....over.
bittersweet [Member] writes:
That was funny Buzz.
Buzz [Member] writes:
Crusader,
"Police arrested four and seized a kilo of pure heroin in the biggest drug bust in Somerville history Thursday night, according to Somerville Police."
Gee, no drug busts on the Cape this week.
"Police arrested four and seized a kilo of pure heroin in the biggest drug bust in Somerville history Thursday night, according to Somerville Police."
Gee, no drug busts on the Cape this week.
crusader [Member] writes:
buzz,
That's because you have corrupt LE who don't go after the major drug dealers. Someone who commented to me on this site suggested I sit at the Orleans & Barnstable Court House to see how many times the same criminals face the judge, only to get a slap on the wrist. There is much speculation that undercurrents in the Worthington case have to do with a major drug cartel. Crime is everywhere--even in Somerville--did I ever say it wasn't? NO! But I believe we have a fair system in Boston unlike what you have on the Cape. The local boys & LE do whatever they want with no consequences. I've lived there long enough to see for myself. It's a safe haven for drug imports. Go read, "Smugglers", back issue from the Cape Cod Voice. Everyone knows how easy it is to get drugs on the Cape. A wife of a Cape cop told me, too. It's big business, helps personal income since ratio between your population & jobs is unbalanced.
That's because you have corrupt LE who don't go after the major drug dealers. Someone who commented to me on this site suggested I sit at the Orleans & Barnstable Court House to see how many times the same criminals face the judge, only to get a slap on the wrist. There is much speculation that undercurrents in the Worthington case have to do with a major drug cartel. Crime is everywhere--even in Somerville--did I ever say it wasn't? NO! But I believe we have a fair system in Boston unlike what you have on the Cape. The local boys & LE do whatever they want with no consequences. I've lived there long enough to see for myself. It's a safe haven for drug imports. Go read, "Smugglers", back issue from the Cape Cod Voice. Everyone knows how easy it is to get drugs on the Cape. A wife of a Cape cop told me, too. It's big business, helps personal income since ratio between your population & jobs is unbalanced.
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Margot Russell was a reporter and news broadcaster at WQRC and is currently a staff writer for Inside Cape Cod Magazine. She is also a freelance writer and a tour guide, lugging eager travelers to all points of the globe, including yearly treks to Machu Picchu. She lives in Mashpee with her family.
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