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Published February 05, 2010

Column - Sidewalk people unsettling chat

By Dennis Dalman, Alexandria Echo Press

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J s.
Alexandria, MN     02/10/2010 6:18 PM

Good job, Dennis. You did it again. You play "Devil's Advocate" in your editorials to get responses. The more responses your article receives, the more job security you have. Readers,when he gets little to no responses, he'll change or be a "sidewalk person" himself to put soup on the table. People/responders, if you do not like what he has to say, then don't respond. If you don't agree with what he writes, then be silent. Ohterwise, then do what you are doing and continue to write reactionary posts but don't complain because he "got ya!" Again.

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Al G.
Garfield, MN     02/07/2010 6:59 PM

Dennis these maybe some of Obama's 1200 jobs created or saved in Minnesota.

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Daniel F.
Alexandria, MN     02/05/2010 10:13 PM

What world do you live in, Dennis? Have you ever passed by a roof in the summer with people on it? Gosh, I wonder why they would do that. Wake up you fool.

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Like-minded extreme right wing lemming. I.
Bushland, TX     02/05/2010 4:19 PM

College kids majoring in theater love these jobs.

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mike j.
Minneapolis, MN     02/05/2010 12:07 PM

Not many people in my circle would not turn down a $6.15 raise. Perhaps if they had a rich uncle that provides for their needs, housing, medical, food and dignity, they would turn down such a job.

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robert r.
Oakton, VA     02/05/2010 11:52 AM

Answer to your question ." What kind of an hourly wage would cause . . ." Is: about $6.15 in Minnesota. A buck less than the federal minimun standard. I firmly believe that unless you've been in the unemployment lanes-in any economy-you truly cannot critically comment on Cartoon People. A friend with whom I volunteer was, formerly the Ground Traffic Controller for Independence Air at Dulles Airport (wrestling scores of ~45-75 million dollar planes)...after 7 months of no work,(they went under) he is gladly driving a faux orange and green "cartoon" trolley car and simultaneously lecturing on the sights in DC. He began at $12/hr & now after 3 yrs;14. He has a masters in aeronautical engineering. Last week I returned to the same Dulles after a flight. The gentleman flushing, cleaning toilets and stacking rolls of tissues was clearly ~65 years old, white, very well groomed, beautiful teeth, descrete designer glasses and I supposed educated. He wore a blue smock over his shoulders--french cuffed white shirt and tied at the waist ... emblazened with "ABC Custodial", in big bold "cartoon" letters. Our eyes met, as i'm certain only a few others in those rooms did. The short non-verbal exchange told me that he, as well a hundreds of thousands of others had once been at the crest, the zenith of their creers. For the instant,fallen-probably not of his own making- and now taking any job he could land. So Mr. Dalman, next time you drive past the person-man or woman, standing out in the Minnesota cold,holding the goofy day-glow signs, look down at the styrofoam container and 45oz soft drink container on the snow behind him and wonder,but two things. First; where does he or she go to relieve themselves; and . . . there but for the Grace of God, Go I.

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CJ S.
Nelson, MN     02/05/2010 11:31 AM

At least they are trying to be a productive part of society, unlike some.

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Gloria P.
Waite Park, MN     02/05/2010 11:11 AM

Give them credit for at least trying to make ends meet

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Ryan B.
Howard Lake, MN     02/05/2010 10:57 AM

Ever heard of trying to make a buck?? Or trying to make ends meet??

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mike j.
Minneapolis, MN     02/05/2010 10:43 AM

Even though, those "lady liberty" sidewalk guys are promoting tax refund loans, they do have a right to be there. Just as much as the credit card companies and pawn shops have a right to tell you how much better your life will be if you use their products. Their customers have the right to make their own decisions. However the government isn't supposed to cover their back when they make poor decisions. Nobody protests about McDonalds advertising poor nutrition or public employees unions using your children as bargaining chips when negotiating their "dignity" wages. Does Michelle promoting good eating have anything to do with more school food service jobs?

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