Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Elections observation and an answer about homeless riding BART

I noticed throughout my journey to work today that something is clearly absent! While I see loads of "Obama" signs and "Obama" volunteers on streets, stations, and exits, I have not seen ANY "Hillary" supporters. I've even seen some "Mitt Romney" and "McCain" signs and supporters along the way but what happened to Hillary Clinton's crew? I was really surprised by the lack of presence of Hillary supporters. Interesting to see what will happen at the end of the day.

Now, the answer about homeless. While I sometimes see homeless on BART, I rarely get to see how they actually get through the turnstiles. I once saw a homeless man sneak through the handicapped entrance without being noticed. Today, there was a homeless man sleeping in my train. I didn't notice him until he exited the train at the same time I did and was walking in front of me up the escalators (side note: it was a painful walk up being right in back of him. His scent was powerful to say the least.) I was wondering if he had a ticket with him and how he was going to exit the turnstiles as the ticket agent was right in front of him.

Apparently, it didn't matter that the ticket agent was in front. The homeless man walked nonchalantly in back of a line of people waiting to place their ticket in the turnstiles. In a blink, he effortlessly slipped his body through as someone in front of him was exiting. The person didn't even notice that another body was about 1.5 inches in back of him and shadowed his footsteps through the turnstiles. Very slick move. I guess that is one way to find a warm shelter.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay, I've often wondered if this is possible? Have a homeless "shower place". A place where a homeless person could strip down and take a shower. Then put on a robe, while his (or her) clothes are washed and dried. (or replaced). All in a secure place, where nobody can rip off their belongings.

All it takes is a space, some plumbing and appliances, and a few caretakers.

Anonymous said...

To the previous commenter: I completely agree that everyone deserves to be clean and warm (and fed). However, I think there are actually lots of reasons why your idea of a shower place might not be feasible. I was a teacher, so I may be more sensitive than others about people making suggestions about how to improve things that sound great but are actually really unrealistic (Shouldn't it be easy to leave no child behind? All it takes is small classes, teachers who are not burnt out, enough materials, good health care, nutition, social and psychological support....). If it isn't possible to regulate who rides BART, how would it be possible to have a public shower area? Where would the amenities you mention come from? Who would police that area? Showers might not just draw people who needed to get clean (potential opportunities for sexual assault, drug use, etc). Okay, I've just completely induged my inner cynic - sorry about that. Again, I hear you and I agree. I just think that when someone says "all it takes is...." they should really think it through and acknowledge that the reason it hasn't been done is probably because it actually takes a lot.

Anonymous said...

there are showers at truckstops, where truckers can pay a small fee to take a quick shower in a clean environment. maybe they could offer something like this in the shelters? probably not.

Anonymous said...

What you observed is called "piggy-backing". It's been done for years at BART, and you're right -- usually the person in front paying with their ticket doesn't even realize they have been piggy-backed. Fare evasion at BART takes many forms, and piggy-backing is just about the most blatant. I could explain other popular techniques, but I don't care to encourage them. Many fare evaders persist in getting away with it precisely because they are so obnoxious to deal with.

Anonymous said...

Berkeley offers showers at Willard Swimming pool one eve a week for homeless

Anonymous said...

why are you so concerned with what other people do?