Violence against seniors on the rise

[Bozita]

Source: Detroit News

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Violence against seniors on the rise
More financial scams, brutal crimes reported; observers fault poor economy
Doug Guthrie and Charles E. Ramirez / The Detroit News


Eastpointe widow Joann Hornberger, 77, rented an upstairs bedroom to a 43-year-old boarder because she needed the money and help around the house.

On June 6, 2007, the man came home drunk, beat Hornberger and tried to smother her with a pillow. He shot up the house, terrorizing her until dawn. Friends found Hornberger battered but alive.

"It was a nightmare," said Hornberger, who is sharing her experience as a volunteer at local senior centers. "I had known him for about four years ... I thought he could stay with me and maybe do some odds and ends around the house."

Senior citizens increasingly are being victimized by desperate people looking for soft targets in Michigan's hard economy.

Read more: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090217/METRO/902170362/1409/METRO

[Faygo Kid]

1. Grew up there, but this is happening everywhere.

Unacceptable in a decent society. But then, we have not been a decent society for some time now. At least the last eight years, in fact.

You won't find the right wing foam-at-the-mouth talk radio nuts talk about this subject, that's for sure - unless they can exploit a racial component.

[Wizard777]

2. None worse that the scam Bush pulled on them. Taking 10's or 100's of thousands from their IRA's -

value with his mismanagement of the economy. Then giving them 300 dollars in tax refunds. What a scam! I know many who would happily give back the tax refunds if the value of their IRA's are restored.

[defendandprotect]

3. Poverty breeds crime . . .

which is why the elites have high gates ---

[Wickerman]

4. It will get worse as the population ages

People are staying in their own homes longer and could use someone to check in on them. Its not only violence but self-neglect. We will need more social service support for the elderly as the boomers age. May Grover Norquist and Cheney and Rove, etc all be non-recipients of the care that they insured got cut.

[balantz]

5. That's really sad.

There's a lot of candy being taken from babies too. Taken from our babies by Wallstreet Barons and the elite masters of our government.

[RubyDuby in GA]

6. I have never understood how people can prey on the most vulnerable amongst us - the elderly,

children and the sick.

It makes me very sad for what our society has become.

[Lost in CT]

7. Unfortunately 43 year old homeless men tend to be high risk tenants.

I hope she finds another woman her age she can share expenses with.

[izquierdista]

8. Sometimes, that is why they are homeless

I once offered the use of my guest house to a 44 year old homeless man. I learned later that the real reason he was homeless was that he would curse and get violent with his mother and sister if they didn't give him money for booze.

[marksmithfield]

9. Thats why this old man

owns a gun or two. Just let them young whippersnappers try anything.

[conspirator]

10. If wealth is not redistributed, pretty soon we will be living in a madmax world nt

[CrispyQ]

11. This is why I'm lifting weights & getting in the best shape I can.

When I'm a granny - which isn't too far off! - they might do some damage to me, but trust me, I'm gonna do some damage back!

It's getting ugly out there.