Why are America's cities so dirty? Are any politicians or organizations tackling this issue?
439573
Because people don't care enough about thier communities to pick up their trash and to avoid making messes.  \n\nIt is easy to throw the responsibility for our problems onto the government , but the truth is that when the people in a neighborhood come together (on their own) and start caring about thier community, that's when things get cleaned up.  The government can't keep our cities clean, but the people in individual neighborhoods can.
169657
There have been many startling TV shows on dirty conditions in restaurants, etc. The problem is they never show you all the places that are clean and do a nice job. I am sure, it is like anything else...there is good and bad.
928378
'There but for the grace of God, go I'\n\nPeople look down on the homeless, for they realize on some level, that they are a couple of paychecks from being in the same spot. \n\nAlso, municipalities hate it, because the people are bothered by it, and it requires them to take action to help in a way that seems unnecessary.  i.e.  the lawmakers believe that people should take care of themselves, be responsible, etc.  and they resent the fact that these people are causing them to act to create resources that aren't  part of the plan (not in the way that water, sewer, fire, police, etc. are the needs a city should have to attend to.)   \nIt causes our governements to find their humanity, and that is pretty darn difficult for a bureaucracy to do.
1177961
Like any city, B'more has it problems. But I'm willing to bet the city with the worst drug problem is a smaller, more backwoods place - perhaps somewhere in West Virginia. The crystal meth problem out there far outweighs what goes on in Baltimore.
158763
Trash. America is known for its problem with its waste and is polluting. I'm not one of those activist types, but 13 million tons? Come on.
376136
i don't know the specifics on this but there is one general rule that applies to all of our policies: US corporations vie for economic control over these nations, first and foremost. if a US-based environmental group is complaining about pollution is s.a. then it is likely a valid complaint, and they are also doing similar things in the US. But if the US government is complaining then it is most likely to put pressure on s.a. governments in order for the US to gain some kind of economic or political foothold. The US government itself DOES have concerns for the environment, but compare that voice to the voice of its economic hegemony and it is like a chicadee chirping next to a jet aircraft.
992547
They need to get rid of their ghettos and shanty towns.  The city is still very segregated.  Those problems could be helped by careful town planning.
1058087
No.  Only those who have the power to kill the planet in their hands.  I mean, littering on the sidewalk can hardly be compared to all the pollution created by the multi-millionare companies and the worst part is they get away with it.  Not that littering is right at all, but my point is, there is a huge difference when it comes to guilt.  Don't you think?
1184676
alright u are right how ever it is up to the people who vote for this government. it is not only americacausing pollution. world wide the people need to stand up and do something about it. with out the support of the people the governments have nothing!
1174037
Damn good question and point, I wish we could do something about this and all the dirty politics and politicians.  Our whole government needs an ass kickin and a house cleaning.  They are all a bunch of greedy back stabbing bastards, that don't give a crap about the American people and weather or not they are  struggling to make it in life.
807310
because they are never mopped. people spill things and it gets tracked around and makes the floor tacky. the employees pick up the obvious garbage but never really "clean". the seats are filthy too!
348339
Global warming is becoming a problem\nLandfills are overcrowded\nIt saves us from having to use new natural resources when there is a limted amoutn of natural resources. example: paper\nhttp://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/
807475
Your question lends itself to broad interpretation.  Indeed, utilities in America have been affected by a number of government legislative actions: Presidential Executive Orders, Acts passed by the House and Senate, federal and state building codes, and even government based authorities such as the Public Service Commission.
889233
Society uses many things to justify their problems. But Big City problems\nare problems of circumstance. Humans gather in cities for protection,\nbut after a while the get glutted. There are just too many people competing\nfor the same needs.\nI know it's easy to say. Many have lived there all their lives. But people need to\nstop going to the Big City for "excitement". And more people need to Move from the Big City, to smaller cities where life will be easier for them. Less\nexpensive. Easier to get around.
887197
the major justification for govt seems to be protection of the people  and this can be bent to justify almost anything \nthe actual role in waste is probably complicated by local ordinances but I'm not specifically acquainted.sorry I couldn't find any good american links on thier role in waste management.   peace out!
726193
Many problems are caused by urban sprawl. My favorite (least favorite problem) problem is that what were once kept up neighborhoods fall into decay/ abandonment. And are eventually torn down as opposed to rehabbed/renovated. Then no one lives in those buildings. What a waste! Also, original dwellers move to the country to deplete the country side and animal habitat and turn that into a city. Then eventually urban sprawl takes place there and people move farther out into the country and the process continues.
779605
If you have watched the changes the Bush administration has made to environmental laws over the last 6 years, and the systematic removal from oversight and regulating bodies like the EPA of anyone who disputed those changes, then you are aware that laws which require cleaner standards have been badly weakened or rescinded during Bush's term in office.\n\nSince the changes were made to laws governing industry, yes, these policy changes have increased pollution.\n\nI don't know about your lake.  But the Democrats are, across the board, far more concerned than your typical Republican about the effects of pollution, global warming being one of the more pressing issues.\n\nIf you start contacting your state representatives, making your concerns about your lake well-known to those who can do something about it,  then you may well see a cleanup occur.  If they're Democrats, that is.