Brandi, I used to feel the same way. BUT, I have met and got to be good friends with a former "parker". Did you know that the bigger circle in the middle of the "camp" is all a bunch of drunks? Most of them drunk before noon? The guys I've met don't even GO THERE because its HORRIBLE.
We also talked about the bathrooms. He said that they were TERRIBLE! Just gross.
I no longer feel sorry for them. Maybe one or two with good intentions. But for the most part...they're all drunks. Nothing more. My sympothy is no longer with them.
I have read these posts over and over again. I get really upset when people post either here or the herald about the people in the Park. Has anyone ever thought for a SECOND what these people LEFT from wherever they came from? It had to be pretty BAD if they are willing to pick up thier entire lives/family and move to ND of all places and live in a TENT! Granted some of them didnt check out the current housing situation and didnt know there was nothing available, BUT they chose to stay and live in a TENT!! How many of you would actually do that? How bad would it have to be for you to do that??? Just think.....
As for the "beggers" that have been encountered here in town..some are probably legit and some probably do it for a living...who can tell...Maybe its Jesus? Maybe its some person taking you for a ride? Either way Im buying them a meal or giving them some extra cash...Just be thankful that you have the resources to do either.
I would be more worried about getting passed that MOM with a 4 year old child in a tent.
She could be one mean bear. I am more worried about about the Mom's and Dad's in good ole Williston that would rather find meth - or a party that leave their children with anyone for a night out. I am gathering Blankets and whatever - garden supplies - to these people who are at least trying. There are preditor's - but God help them because no one else will. And I certainly will be in front of that line. I am pulling out stuff of the auction that hopefully will benefit these people... some are takers and then there is the people who want a chance. Please give them the benefit of your doubt's.
Why....oh WHY would the Williston Herald Herald put on the FRONT PAGE of the paper that a 4 year old girl is staying in the park !?!? Helllloooo child molesters...let us HELP you find the young girls for you!! Even better...they are staying in a tent in the park ...help yourself!
No, he doesn't have to register. He hasn't "moved" anywhere yet. He's here looking to see what it is all about. When he moves here, he will register. "Possibly hiding" is a HUUUUUGE assumption. How about the benefit of the doubt? And the reason for his not registering right now...is because he knows what a problem it would cause. Look what happens when "andrew" moves around. People freak out !! Lets not jump to conclusions with this guy. He's just a guy checking out our town to see if he wants to move his family here.
If the young man is supose to register his location with the PD becuase of a past crime (whether you think it is or not) then he is inviolation of his court order. yes, it sucks that he was charged for dating a girl, but would you let your high school daughter date someone who was not even in high school even when she was a freshman? I do think it is sad that so many young men are charged with this, but that is not the point. He was charged with a crime and if he was really trying to make a new life for himself and had changed, then he would follow his court order and register. By not registering (possibly trying to hide it) he is acting like he has something to hide. Did you know it is a crime not to register his location? This type of person is what the community is fearing. Someone who is a registered sex offender who is not willing to register that he is living at the park becuase he doesnt want his past to haunt him. To me it doesnt sound like he has changed any, and could possibly do it again. I know people who are registered for the same reason, one guy who got his girlfriend pregnate and her parrents pressed charges, and 10 years later the couple is married and has 4 children. He registers everytime he moves, and it causes an outrage in the community, but you know what? He is a great person, and willing to admit his mistake and live with it.
Last night at work I got the pleasure of meeting a few of the "park guys". I actually dealt to them for quite awhile before I found out. I was pleasantly pleased! It was a group of younger guys (22? 24? ish) and they were respectful towards me, the other players and the bartenders. One of them had not registered yet (he's sleeping in his car, not a tent) for fear that a past relationship (21 dating 17 year old ) will haunt him.
Anyway, we were discussing the fact that they are near not only a popular park in town, but a school as well. He did agree that "some of them were creepy" but both us agreed that they were all harmless and mean well.
I just wanted to let everyone know, that maybe before we get upset about these people staying in our parks, to take the time and meet them. They were pretty good guys all around :)
If you worked in the oilfield you would know that they work odd hours. Many work at night and have days off during the week. Just because you see them standing around don't assume they are not working.
Wasn't one of the reasons we were all supposed to be "ok" with the situation is because these people were "hard working but no place to live" ? He doesn't quite fit into that catagory....
There is one that I see on my way to work everyday walking toward walmart. I dont ever see him on any corner, but he does have a backpack and always looks dirty, (but so do I after work) Yeah, maybe he is just walking back and forth to work. Its not anywhere near the tent city, so maybe he lives out by pheasant run somewhere.
__________________
My father worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium, a master.
I kind of agree with VKO, there is always something, greeter, delivering newspapers, even working at Holland America call center. I needed my lawn mowed and was thinking about asking one of these guys to do it and feed them a meal, but what happens next, they case out my house, find a way in? I also heard there was a fight a few weeks back in the wal mart parking lot between two of these guys. Fighting over what corner in the lot they were going to stand in. One had a dog, was thinking about buying the dog some food and some water. But I also agree with Steve. Is he a professional beggar? I too have heard of these guys. Seen something on TV a long time ago, guy gets done begging for the day, walks down the street and gets in his shiny car and drives to his nice apartment. I just dont know about this town anymore...
__________________
My father worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium, a master.
My opinion and mine only. My son dislocated his shoulder (sp) in football practice - but played during the year within 6 weeks. (When he behaved) Although this man,and I have seen him, acts like it is dis located....did he have insurance? did he choose to take the money instead of Healthcare from the company - did he own his company? Did he sue his employer who did not pay Workers Comp? I think he is a pitty pot. I will give him food - never money. I would give him a way to work for money .... I bet you a donut to a dollar he would not take me up. Was in Eugene Or, this man has nothing over them. From me he get's a can of soup and water. No Money. Winter is creeping up on us and if they want to work - no matter their physical condition, there is always something. Maybe a greeter at Wal Mart. Just a suggestion. too hot and tired
-- Edited by vko on Sunday 22nd of August 2010 07:13:29 PM
This is something that I go back and forth with. If I go by what I've learned at church I should help the poor guy out. But I learned, while living in Fargo, that there are people that will pose as homeless and make upwards to $60,000 a year begging for money. I can't justify giving to liars. So is this guy for real? I did see him so I know exactly who you are referring to.
__________________
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Someone mentioned today on the Williston Herald Website, about the older gentleman standing on the corner with a sign. (broken collarbone guy) I just wanted to see if anyone else has an opinion on him or the fact that he stands there begging for money. This person kind of had a point about handing him a shopper with lots of ads for jobs.
Should we continue to just ignore the fact that this poor guy has been standing there for days? Or mention the fact that he is one of these "people staying in tents" ? Everyone says the people staying in tents at the park are "good hardworking people". Well...he is one of these people.
Although this man,and I have seen him, acts like it is dis located....did he have insurance? did he choose to take the money instead of Healthcare from the company - did he own his company? Did he sue his employer who did not pay Workers Comp? I think he is a pitty pot. I will give him food - never money. I would give him a way to work for money .... I bet you a donut to a dollar he would not take me up. Was in Eugene Or, this man has nothing over them. From me he get's a can of soup and water. No Money. Winter is creeping up on us and if they want to work - no matter their physical condition, there is always something. Maybe a greeter at Wal Mart. Just a suggestion. too hot and tired 
