NIKA LEANDRA'S BOOKS

You've Got To Be Choking Me - Last week a little bird told me another unbelievable story which I would like to share with you because as a devoted and loyal tax payer I truly feel that you've got a right to learn where your money goes to. Okay, this is how that story went. A dude, let's call him Tony, had a nasty drug and alcohol related falling-out with his elderly girlfriend Lucy which supposedly escalated into an attempt to choke her. Lucy somehow managed to kick his drunk and sorry butt and even got some neighboring tenant to call the cops. They came and arrested Tony right on the spot. He was sentenced to almost a year behind bars for an accumulative string of different offenses. Due to a restraining order Tony was well- advised to stay as far away from Lucy as possible which he did even after his jail time was over. Lucy though moved in with Tony after all had been said and done. One day Lucy got a bug up her fanny for whatever reason and threatened Tony that she was going to call 911 and fabricate some untrue story so he would be back in jail. However, Tony didn't waste any time but got on the phone with the police himself. After explaining what was going on, two men came and ordered Lucy to pack her belongings and leave right away. To cut a long and groundhog- day story short, Lucy, who is just as much a dysfunctional and unproductive member of society as Tony is, just moved out of their apartment, went straight to the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) and asked for a place to stay. And now take a guess what happened next. She was not just offered shelter, no, she was also put into a program which protects women exposed to domestic violence. Lucy's case dates back three years, but quite obviously nobody cared to take her in protective care until a few weeks ago when she made her appearance at the Y claiming that she was homeless. No wait, I'm not done yet. Since Lucy became a victim of domestic dispute back in 2010, she was now moved into an apartment which is almost of no cost to her. Low- income housing, I was told, this is called. Based on her income paid by welfare, Lucy only pays $64 a month. Isn't that great? So lazy Lucy was put into a two- bedroom apartment (to be shared with another victim) which is fully furnished and equipped with all everyday- like amenities like Internet, plasma TV, radio, fridge, stove, etc. Basically Lucy got an all- inclusive deal. Sure, there are a few rigid guidelines to be aware of like zero tolerance for drugs, booze and sleep- overs for bums and loser friends, but still this almost sounds like Club Med to me. Tell me, my dear readers, what are you making of this little tale? Please, don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not attacking the good will put into protective programs like this one. However, I'm criticizing the fact that a lot of fraud is committed due to stupid loop holes that apparently nobody cares about. If this story gets out into the jungle of work- reluctant and welfare- seeking scum bags, lots of Lucy- like con artists will pop up and accept the challenge of domestic abuse as a program intended to help true victims in need seems to give away almost free housing quite easily without looking at the big picture. As far as Lucy, obviously nobody has ever bothered checking her record and the fact that she's been in an on and off relationship with Tony for years. The same man who allegedly choked her will eventually move in with Lucy once he gets kicked out again. Ironically, blind Justicia suddenly takes on a totally new meaning.