Column - Sidewalk people unsettling

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.
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.
02/05/2010 4:19 PM

College kids majoring in theater love these jobs.

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mike j.
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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Ryan B.
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.
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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Kay P.
02/05/2010 10:21 AM

Yet another fine example of Dennis's elitist attitude. I wonder if he ever considered that the BOSS/OWNER maybe the one in the costume. But instead he laments on whether or not to feel pity. Drive on Dennis, the fact that you have to make this a commentary explains your thought processes completely.

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mike j.
02/05/2010 8:20 AM

That private sector employer decided that job would add to his bottom line. That worker who is uncomftorable is paying his rent or feeding his kids. There is more dignity there than the millions of people who have their hand in our pockets while waiting for a job with dignity. That guy is building a job history and demonstrating that he can keep regular hours. Just as we used to do between school years. It's called entry level work. It was a job kids competed for before we decided to import labor for "work that no one would take". Now, we need help to build a resume that an employer uses a computer to screen for "key words". Windows still need washing, toilets need cleaning and hotel rooms need cleaning. But, where is the dignity?

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