Another solution for the sex offenders?

If they can't build a ship like these homeless guys in Poland, maybe they can become tour guides like the convicts in Italy?



Either way, it seems like cities all over the place are coming up with creative solutions to deal with their homeless/convict problems, why can't we? In fact, a friend told me that in NY, Mayor Bloomberg is offering sex offenders who can prove they have family in other states a free one-way ticket. Guess which state happens to be especially popular with these lucky sex-offenders?? Looks like we'll have to come up with a solution fast, before they run out of room at the Julia Tuttle. Maybe we can have them take care of the horses in the airport?

In any case, this article mentions that living under the bridge is "arguably even less enjoyable than prison." Yeah. Arguably. I pass by there twice a day, it's fucking prime real estate. They don't have to deal with mortgages or property taxes. They don't have to worry about their car getting broken into or getting a parking ticket (Speaking of cars, one of them drives a red VW beetle. Isn't that the car you'd least want a sex offender to be driving? Beetles just scream "Trust me, I'm friendly!"). It's like Lost without the smoke monster, polar bears, or the Others. And with access to the internet "@ your L." I get the whole potential human rights violations and everything ... it's just hard to feel sorry for them when you're driving along Biscayne Bay, beautiful view of the Miami skyline, and you see what looks like a picture-perfect camping spot. In fact, I'm wondering if tourists have driven to Miami Beach and wondered if they could pitch a tent right along the causeway too ...



Interestingly, all the pictures I can find focus on the people who live right underneath the bridge, where things aren't so pretty. I can't find any of the tents lined up along the causeway on the grass, underneath the palms.

I did find great pictures in Debra1's flickr, like this one, of one of the views they enjoy.



And here's one photo of what it looks like underneath the bridge.



It seems to me that if they have to live there, they should at least make it nice. I really think there's potential ... maybe spray paint some inspirational poetry down there to lift the spirits? Have someone stop by and pick up the trash for them every now and then?

In any case, check out the flickr set, it's interesting. As is the commentary. I imagine the person who took the photos feels a lot of sympathy for these people. I gotta say though - an open-air gym right by the water? Nice.