The Ghosts of Penn Station: Homeless Disappear as Convention Nears

[spooked]

http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0433/gonnerman.php

As the Republican National Convention nears, street people have started to disappear
The Ghosts of Penn Station
by Jennifer Gonnerman

On a recent Friday afternoon, Washington and Rabinovici pull up in front of the PATH station at 33rd Street. Washington grabs a bag of bagels smeared with peanut butter and they head inside. It used to be easy to find homeless people here. All you had to do was walk down the steps and you'd see people leaning against the walls or sitting on the ground.

"There were usually 12 to 20 men and women sitting here. This is the spot for users," Rabinovici says, pointing to the wall. Then he gestures back up toward the stairs. "The steps is usually drinkers." Today, THE STATION IS EMPTY save for subway riders scurrying by. About all the missing people, Rabinovici says, "It sets us back because we lose our contacts. We have to see the same people over and over to build trust."

Some homeless people have told Rabinovici and Washington they have convention plans. One said he was going to check into the Bellevue shelter for the week; another plans to pitch a tent in a Staten Island park. Noel, however, insists he will not budge. "What's the big deal about the convention?" he asks. "Why should we have to move because we're homeless? That don't make sense to me. Unless they don't want the Republicans to know we're on the street." He pauses, surveying the sidewalk scene on this sunny day. "They want people to think New York is spotless," he says, but "everything is not beautiful."

[realFedUp]

1. Abu Ghraib West

I think Rudy was good at disappearing the homeless
too....maybe someone should investigate.

[in_cog_ni_to]

2. Repukes can't have their beautiful minds

cluttered with thoughts of homeless people. Not that they give a shit, mind you, but why should they have to deal with people who are living on the streets because they're too lazy to get a job and work? :grr: Why should they have to be inconvenienced by having to walk around a homeless person? They may get their $500 shoes dirty by stepping on one of those people. :grr: