What is the No. 1 problem facing Greene County?

I do believe we have a state park. It's called Shakamak STATE PARK! It might be split up among three different counties, but part of it is in Greene County. And I think the # 1 problem facing Greene County is simple...Meth! So many people are on this illegal drug, it is causing even more problems for the county.

I am with u on the Meth in Greene county, There is alot going on. And the fact of not having Jobs!

I do not agree with Michael Lesure. I beleive he needs to get out from under the rock he's been under! we have the Greene-Sullivan State Forest in our county and we also have Shakamak State Park both state parks! I believe the biggest problem in our County would have to be, we have too many people living on welfare and off of the very few that are working. Why do they move here from other counties, do we make it easier for them to live here? I know people who move here from Martin county,Monroe County, with no ties here, they move here and file for disability and end up with it! WHY??? Is there some sort of sign on our county somewhere saying "come here and we'll take care of you"?? why is there so much of it here? too many free loaders

maybe people cant help that they have to live off welfare. some are single moms.

MICHAEL LESUER MEANT 'SKATE' PARK NOT STATE PARK

This is a trick question,how can it be narrowed down to one problem? It would seem all are related-high number of low income housing developments(which just brings us more people who live off our tax dollars),no real leadership(the courthouse project as an example our leaders of fiscal responsibility),all the acres taken from the tax base(for a mosquito hole that is called a tourist attraction),no jobs for our educated children(who have to move to find a job that pays enough),government who is out of touch with current economical problems(like mayors giving raises when we are all going broke just living expenses),try taking a drive on our county roads (that are suppose to lead all the hordes of tourist to this mecca of bird watching land),I could go on-Does anyone else feel the same or am I just tired of the same old story for the 50 years that I have lived here??? Maybe we should turn all those empty buildings where business used to be into more low income housing,which seems to be our legacy.

I sure do hope you wonderful people that complain so loud never are in need of assistance. I just wonder, if your in a car wreck tommorow and cant work .. will you apply for help paying your bills, or will you be true to your beliefs and do without???? My money is you will apply for disability and food stamps. Stop being so hateful and be glad you havent hit that point in your life..... yet.

Ignorance is the biggest problem green co. has to overcome

I love the comment "some people can't help they live on Welfare. "YOU" have to help yourself. I was a single mom. I worked three jobs and put 2 sons thru college. I did not apply for any assistance. I paid all my bills on time. It takes discipline and will power. I had very supportive sons who worked right along with me to support their selves. Too many times people put other priorities before what they should. Your children and their health and education should come before parties, alcohol, drugs and your selfish wants and wishes. So don't tell me you can't help but to be on welfare. There are ways. It's called WORK

Here's a thought maybe the welfare system needs help. I know some people that It really wouldn't pay for them to goto work because of healthcare cost and childcare.

Here's what I think it definately has to start from the top on accountability. Why not stay home with our system? Need a raise okay just have another baby and you will get one.

Don't blame the people blame the system.

a state park in greene county??? hmmm.... seems like shakamak STATE park would be a perfect place.

Why are people so freakin rude about everything on here..i just said some people cant help but live on welfare. you can work but still be on welfare...

and the people im talking about dont even live on welfare. they have 2 jobs and SUPPORT their THREE KIDS! that was just my opinion.

One thing about Greene County is the way they do medicaid now. I THINK, though, it's the whole state of Indiana. I want to tell you something. My daughter has been put in a situation where she needs medicaid, one baby and pregnant again and her husband left her. Guess what? She got turned down for medicaid. She even works, but doesn't make much. She is trying. I really, really hate this system. And who cares? No one. No one but me, her mother.

frustrated48:

Your daughter's mistakes in judgement are not the responsibility of the citizens of Greene County.

You should have taught your daughter to make responsible choices and not to start a family until she was in position to care for that family.

Everyone is resposible for their own behavior. Your daughter is not an exception. Tell her to get a job and use birth control or obstain. She does know how to say "no" doesn't she?

I know the Eastern side of the county tried to make a go of a YMCA. I still think the whole county would benefit to having a YMCA centrally located. Excercise and many other activities that could attract the younger generation would be such a blessing.

notgreenenative,

Globe&Anchor,

What kind of people are you? I am sure if you read about a baby that died in Greene County due to lack of health care you would be ranting "why didn't the mother get Medicaid?" You are cold!

I would like to say that I agree with the above comments, we are not responsible for your daughter not being able to keep her legs closed, but like everything else in this world, we will pay for her screwups. I had a granddaughter that got pregnant at 17. She continued to go to school, graduate, and go on to college, and raised her daughter. If we play with fire, we will get burned. This world needs to make their younguns stand up and be held accounted for their actions. But just like the loss of 2 lives on the 9th of May, and someone walking away, its just fun and games for them and no punishment. Come on people, lets make someone responsible for these things.

well i agree on both situations here..she shouldnt rely on medicaid to help pay for everything. but also you people that are saying "she shouldve kept her legs closed" THATS SOOO MEAN AND RUDE!! If the welfare didnt wanna help people they wouldnt be here...obviously. Your money goes to other places besides that so CALM DOWN!

i agree with sierra an frank, greene co, is full of ignorance and freakin rude, think most , not all, but most are really packed tight with dumb and stuffed in a big can of STUPID,, think some got off topic, to fix pregancy, get govt to pay to fix the boys at 13, an fix the girls at 13, ergo,, no kids,, then, when they got their brains back on, they can have it reversed. provided they sign forms stating they an only they or their families will raise an pay for the ones they make,, some are to dumb to learn an to stupid to quit.. moving seems like a good thing to do, thats what i am doing,, have a good day now,,..

proud2Bfree:

I am not cold at all. I have seven children. They were all fed, clothed, housed, educated, provided health care, and loved tremendously by their parents. No one else was ever asked to provide for my family in any way. It is COLD to bring a child into this World if you are not capable of managing for it's care and well being.

The deadbeat Father runs off - if you want to take care of the deadbeat's children - have at it.

But, in my opinion he is responsible for them and if he don't meet that responsibility - he goes to

the Greene County Hilton on bread & water for 30 days, next time 60 days, 3rd. time as high as the

Honorable Court can count. Take your "COLD" on up the road - I'm not the least bit impressed.

Not by the deadbeat or anyone that defends his

irresponsibility.

I used to work in the grocery store in Bloomfield. People used their food stamps for junk food and pop. They should have used those for healthy food for their children. Then there was one girl that went to jail and lost both of her kids but still managed to collect a huge amount of food stamps as if she still had her children for two years. The system is not right and most people do not use it like they should!

the biggest problem facing Greene co. is the fact we have no jobs that pay a decent wage people can live on. It seems that today's youth ( not all ) just don't seem to have the drive needed to ensure their future as an independent adult. welfare is defenitley being abused. if you look at many that are on welfare, they are Young undereducated and don't want to work.

Most; of S.W. IN has real problems, of ignorance, abuse and victimization, to overcome. GOOD-People: Andy Griffith and Mayberry GOOD-People, for the most-part. You have fallen into the COAL-MINING CAMP mentality, though. It will take Generations; 'generations', to leave this victimization behind. Peabody and AMAX have sucked-out your LIFE'S Blood. You must move-on, beyond this kind of victimization. Tell, the DNR Reclamation folk's to move-on and go to Evansville or back to INDIANAPOLIS!!! Begin developing and using 'green' power. Invite and encourage 'green' power Co.'s and Engineering initiatives, into you midst.

Globe&Anchor

Your pretty high up on your self absorbed pedestal..aren't you! So any of those seven children of yours girls??? hmmmm. Are you going to have the "you should have kept your legs closed" speech with her when she comes home pregnant?? No I bet not. You will blame the father...pat her on the head...and then help raise the baby!!!!

Your comment "The deadbeat Father runs off - if you want to take care of the deadbeat's children - have at it"....are you SERIOUS??? It takes 2 people to make a baby and YES given the situation I would take care of the child, it would be my child not the dead beat fathers!!!

You have seven children maybe you shouldn't be preaching about living outside your means when you are obviously incapable of being rational understanding and considerate of other people besides YOURSELF!!!

Sounds as though people are getting a bit side tracked (not to mention snotty) on this topic. A great deal of people on welfare abuse the system, which only makes it harder for the people who do need it. I agree with Proud2Bfree....the words some people are posting on here surely wouldn't be said to members of their families. And I'm sure the economy wasn't as bad as it is now when whoever it was had their 7 kids. I bet no one ever told them to keep their legs closed. It's sad that it has to come down to people asking for assistance. But I'd rather hear of people on welfare than people manufacturing drugs to support their families. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. And if it's so easy to get a job around here, by all means, please post your current employers so people can start applying.

That being said, more jobs in Greene County would definitely help during these trying times.

What is needed most in Greene County, as in probably every other county in the country is the return to good old fashioned values where people lived by the Golden Rule, taught their kids to live by the Golden Rule and God was not just a swear word. How many parents made the Golden Rule the First thing they taught their toddlers???? I remember when I was about 7 years old and was taught this simple rule. My little mind couldn't comprehend why kings and presidents couldn't just follow a simple little rule. The Bible DOES say, and a little child will lead them. Intelligent grown people sometimes need to remember we learn most of what we really need for life in or before kindergarten. Donna

Globe&Anchor I BET'CHA YOUR SO HIGH UP, YOU SENT YOUR STIMULAS CHECK BACK!!!! YEAH RIGHT,,,, PEOPLE WORK AND STILL CANT MAKE IT IN GREENE CO, NO JOBS, NO MONEY, I KNOW, I RAISED MINE BY MYSELF WITHOUT WELFARE, HARD TO DO, DOUBLE SHIFTS AN ALL, IF WE HAD OTHER FACTORYS THAT PAID DECENT WAGES TO SINGLE WOMEN,, WOULD BE DIFFERANT, BUT, IT TAKES WORKING AN WELFARE IN GREENE CO NOWADAYS,EVERYTHING IS TO HIGH AND NOT EVERYONE WORKS FOR THE MINES, ECT, STOP PREACHING , PRAYER MAY HELP YA,, AND DONT FORGET TO SEND YOUR CHECK'S BACK TO THE GOVT,,YOU DONT NEED NO STINKIN HELP.. REMEMBER!!!

Everyone in Greene County at one point or another has felt the strain on the economy. I was raised in Bloomfield out in the country with 3 other siblings and always had everything I needed. By everything I mean food on the table, cloths on my back, and a roof over my head. I never realized what it took for my parents to have what I needed. My mother worked two jobs and my father did sheet rock and we still needed assistance. I know that Greene County may never be the "hot spot" for vacationing or the most wealthy

but I love Greene County. Bloomfield has always been my little corner of the world where "the real world" didn't apply. There are no Gangs shooting up our streets...there isn't a need for bars on our windows and doors. We can walk the street after dark and not be afraid. I am always and forever a Bloomfield girl and proud of it!

Yes, I am sure we need more jobs but new jobs are not going to sprout up over night and people need help. Unless you have looked at your child and wondered "how will I pay the rent and buy food?" Then don't you dare judge family's who are doing there best and trying there hardest to make it. People are not always born with a silver spoon in there mouth but we try and fight to make it. The people of Bloomfield are fighters and we will overcome and be the better person for it!

susie:

I received my stimulus check; and, I am going to spend it. I just called the John Deere dealership in Newberry and ordered a new manure spreader. They told me I would need the high capacity model to handle all of your male bovine waste rhetoric.

Globe&Anchor

You are saying that the comment left by ~Susie~ is nothing more than manurer. Do you not watch television or read the paper? Nothing she said was untrue. I am sincerely glad you are not the voice of OUR community.

Our Friends family and neighbors have lost there jobs due to over seas contracting and bankruptcy. You must not have friends or socialize with anyone living outside you stupid bubble so you don't see what it is doing to our economy. Well...since "Globe&Anchor" didn't feel any of that strain maybe "Globe&Anchor" should keep his/her mouth shut and fingers off the computer keys. Don't talk about things you know nothing about...it just makes you look STUPID!!!!

THANKS PROUD TO BE FREE. GLOBE AN ANCHER JUST LIKES TO JUDGE AN PUT PEOPLE DOWN, DONT MAKE HER OR HIM ANY LESS MISERABLE,, I THINK THEY NEED TO TURN IN THE SHOVEL THEY CARRY TO SHOVEL THE CRAP THEY ARE LAYING ON POOR FOLKS AND NEED TO PICK UP A BIBLE,, DONT PAY THEM TO MUCH ATTENTION, CANT LEARN NOTHING FROM IDIOTS,, HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYONE AN THANK GOD YOUR NOT GLOBE AN ANCHER. GOD BLESS,

notgreenenative

My husband is a soldier in the United States Army active duty and our family SACRIFICES for jerks like you so you tell me...who is taking care of who?? You know what SHUT UP about things you know nothing about! I am a proud wife of a US soldier and you are a mongrel ******* on about what other people do with there life. My husband is giving his time intelligence and strength. When he ships off to Iraq and is centered in a war zone and your sitting in your home safe and sound then you tell me....who is taking care of who!!!!

You go ahead and boo hoo on about your stinking tax dollars but you remember this if you don't like the way something is don't just log into a newspapers comment area and **** and moan about it...get involved in your community and give a hand up instead of your middle finger. JERK!!!

Proud2Bfree:

Everyone, especially me, appreciates your husband's service in the United States Army. Let us know when he has more than 26 years service; and, more than two Purple Heart Medals. Then I will be impressed as well as appreciative.

Service to one's country is not a sacrifice. It is an honor and a privelege, a sacred privelege!

Visit the Greene County Courthouse lawn and read the names on the Veteran's Memorial. My son's name is one of them.

You don't have a clue about "pride" or anything about the cost to be "free". You just want a "free" ride and are willing to swallow your "pride" to be a professional welfare recipient.

Indeed, change your name to TakeCareofMe.

notgreenenative

I have lived my life on both sides. I was on welfare for 6 months back in my early 20's. I needed the help and I am not ashamed to admit it.

I was working 50 hours a week and taking care of my two children alone. I was determined I wasn't going to stay on welfare and I didn't. I feel the way I do because when I walked into a store to buy food for my children and myself I was treated like a second class citizen. I was paying taxes myself. I was also receiving help so I could feed my kids. When you are looking at your children and then weighting your pride let me tell you what....your children will always hold first in what matters most. Not all people that receive help are on crack and not all people who have Medicaid are career welfare recipients. I am sure there are people out there like that but why should struggling mothers have to hold there stigma???

I haven't received assistance for over 10 years but let me tell you I will always remember the way the cashier would roll her eyes when I would use food stamps and how I was never treated as well as cash paying customers. As for "Globe&Anchor" I don't really care what you think because there was a time when I set my pride aside but it was for my children and I will never apologize for that. My children mean more to me than the world.... I would die for them so what makes you think I wouldn't swallow my pride to feed them!!!

Proud2BFree aka TakeCareOfMe:

That makes us even. I don't care what you think

either!

Where do you think your welfare/assistance comes from? Every hard working man & woman in Greene County has to bust it to make ends meet and to provide for their family. Then to make matters worse, they have to take care of you and those like you.

No one begrudges helping the elderly, or the ill, or the injured. TEMPORARILY! Pregnancy is not an illness or an injury; and, it does not affect the elderly. Pregnancy is a voluntary condition. Parenthood is a huge responsibility. If you are unwilling or unable to assume that responsibility then DON'T!

Maybe all of the responsible citizens of Greene County should just take it easy for awhile and let you take care of them. GOD knows they have earned it. They have been taking care of you all of your life.

"TakeCareOfMe" oh that hurts ~rolls eye's~ I am sincerely offended by your witty nickname for me. I am also being sincerely sarcastic.

Do you actually buy into the ignorance you are spewing? I have to say you believe so firmly in being better than the rest of the the world and being deeply wronged buy "People like Us". Why don't you go picket a welfare line or write a book about your views on Greene County being repressed by people with a need for Welfare. I am sure everyone in your BUBBLE will read it. Please read this article on child abuse. http://www.iyi.org/media/article-details.aspx?id=434&article_type=2 Granted this article is proving you correct on the money spent on people with needs. Children are still people I do believe. So read the article come back to this comment box and please tell me how I am a horrible person because over ten years ago I had help and then go find an child that needs help away from bad parents and tell them to stop draining YOUR community. You make me sick. You seriously think your better than other people. Well why don't you go find an Island far away from the worlds problems and do us all a favor and STAY there keep your money and give the rest of the community a well deserved break. I am not on welfare but I am sure the people needing help DON'T WANT YOUR STINKING MONEY!!! I am sure they would pay there last few dollars to see you go far far far far AWAY!!!!

Globe&Anchor

I want to add NOBODY takes care of My family EXCEPT my husband and I. We make regular contributions to our community and I do not lose a wink of sleep over that money we donate because thats all it is to me MONEY ....and they print more money everyday!!!! GREED rules your heart not mine.

I feel a little sorry for you....very little!

I hope you never need help in any way shape or form.

I have a feeling that the big hand of Karma is going to come down on you hard!!!

Proud2Bfree aka TakeCareOfMe:

Don't worry about me; or, lose any sleep. I'll just keep on workin' and trying to feed the World. I've got to keep movin' to empty that John Deere manure spreader you keep on fillin' with male bovine waste.

You keep on doing what you do best: NOTHING!

And, I'm betting you do it well.

Semper Fi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Globe&Anchor

Are you mentally stable? Are you actually allowed to function and interact with society? Maybe you should have a doctors note before you log on to your computer! I think you need help seriously.

You have anger issues. Oh well NOT MY PROBLEM!!!

Well, this is going down hill fast.

You both have points but see no middle ground and can no longer try since you have started getting "personal".

What is the No.1 problem facing Greene County?

It all falls back to the basics. We, just like all of the USA, has gotten away from our roots.

This country was founded on beliefs and we have been pacified into giving them away. Some we gave up out of contentment and others we gave up out of fear. There is much being done in our local and federal govt that is against those beliefs and yet we say nothing and we do nothing. For those who believe that God has made this country like no other in history, you know what I am talking about. For those who believe that you came from apes, I am talking also about the reasons that people came to this country. FREEDOM! Freedom to speak, worship, vote, make a better life, etc. I'm not the biggest history buff so I hope you get the point or look it up yourself. What I mean is that we are selling out and not being a part of our country. That involves participating in what happens local and federal. Vote, write and/or call politicians about your wishes. If they don't listen, VOTE.

We got into this mess gradually and it will take work to get back out. I just hope that it is not too late since anyone who owns a gun, has a christian belief, believes homosexuality is a decision (conscious or unconscious), is or was a soldier is now considered a "possible terrorists".

Take away voicing an opinion by saying someone is a bigot or ignorant we are no longer "FREE" like our nations founders meant us to be. Take away our guns and we are no longer citizens... but subjects.

Globe&Anchor

Check out this link....

http://www.huppi.com/kangaroo/L-welfarepoverty.htm

Your comments will be respectfully heard.

I personally believe that Greene County is not that bad of a place to live. Sure, it has its flaws, and yes, there are things that could use some work, but do you really think any other county would be a whole lot better? Problems exist everywhere, not just in Greene County. I was born and raised in this area and I love living here! If you really want to stay in Greene County, then go to school and find a job that exists in this area. Such as Greene County General Hospital. If you would rather have a different job that you couldn't find around here, then move somewhere else. Complaining on the internet isn't going to get you anywhere, if you really want change then you have to get out there and make it happen.

Umm, the latest forum is "What is the No. 1 problem facing Greene County?"

I think that entitles people to express their thoughts on the subject... but you are correct. Actions speaks louder than words, but be thankful that we CAN still gripe in this country. Although that may not last much longer if we sit around too much griping and not acting. Receiving help is good. Expecting help is dangerous.

I am glad I am not the only one that feels this way.

Hope is never lost unless you stop looking for it.

I also believe that Greene County is a great place to live but a hard place to find work. We need company's to move there business to or around Greene County.

I'll tell you what Greene county's problem is. It is filled with ignorant, small-minded people like yourselves. You call yourselves Christians, but you don't really care about what Christ taught.

You begrudge helping those less fortunate than yourselves. You whine and moan about welfare, but Jesus taught to help those less fortunate and give up all of your possessions. I'm not a strict Christian, but even I know better than to begrudge those less fortunate. Everyone needs help. I don't care if they got themselves in trouble or you feel they don't deserve it.

Would Christ turn them away?

The problem in this county is people are so focused on what they call religion when really it is just blatant ignorance and bigotry. You spend so much time rallying against homosexuality and abortion that you don't spend your time educating yourselves, helping others and focusing on the bigger issues in your lives. That is why you are where you are.

You spend so much time worrying about guns and other people's sexuality that you don't even look at your own life. You hide behind God because without God you would be nothing. It makes you feel powerful to pretend that you know something others don't.

You don't. God is not hate. God is love. And none of you know that. Most of Christians are Republican in this area, and I will never understand how a REAL Christian can allie themselves with people who think that it is fine to hate others for being different and mistreat the poor and give more to the rich because that is just what they do.

That is this areas problem. Willful ignorance. I honestly can't wait until most of you die out and let us younger generation build this area again because you hold it back day after day after day.

This one's really turned into a competition of who can spit the farthest, huh? Of course some may not agree with the opinions of others. That's why we have the FREEDOM to speak our minds. As far as needing assistance of any kind, I feel as though people have no right to say anything until they've had to walk in those shoes. What gives someone the right to criticize someone else for doing their best to provide for their family? Many people on welfare also work and pay taxes, but the paychecks just don't cut it sometimes. As I've stated before, more jobs in the area would help improve the county.

And it shouldn't matter how many years were served or what metals were received. Any and all service in the military is greatly appreciated and impressive. My father is a Vietnam Veteran in the United States Marine Corps. and has never received half of what he should be entitled to. Yet he would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. That being said...

Semper Fidelis

Yellow_star, the way you are going and your train of thought, I say your days are number, not the older folks.

yellowstar, I couldn't agree with you more, you hit it right on the head. Too bad there aren't more like you around Greene County.