Philadelphia is Baltimore

Why are taxpayers funding this research? Is it any different than what was so accurately portrayed in the TV series "The Wire" about Baltimore? What role do dysfunctional schools, or single parent homes play? What are the differences from the research done of Chicago project drug sellers? Does it merit another taxpayer funded study? Does each city in the US need to be studied to recognize what needs to be or can be done?

Why is the argument that "people are forced to" sell drugs not applied to the 5 Columbia University students arrested for dealing drugs at that Ivy League institution?

Are Food Stamps not available in Philadelphia? Why does "Hunger and drug dealing go together?"

Why does legal activity, washing cars of drug dealers upset the researcher? Would he prefer that they sell drugs?

Are there any more "get out of arrest" letters available? Can I get one? How do the police know this guy will not sell drugs or launder money? This is a remarkable letter, like the letters of transit fought over in Casablanca.

[From article]
"It's grotesque that people are forced to do that," Bourgois says.
[. . .]
"Hunger and drug dealing go together," Bourgois says.
[. . .]
What upsets Bourgois is the sight of young boys washing the Hummers and BMWs belonging to the dealers.
[. . .]
The toughest time he had was not with drug dealers but with police.
[. . .]
On Jan. 19, 2009, Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey issued Bourgois a kind of get-out-of-jail-free letter meant for police officers, which he carries at all times: "As part of his research, Professor Bourgois will often take up residence in drug-plagued areas . . . and try to gain the trust [of] and interview drug users. This memo is to make you aware." The letter also informs police that Bourgois cannot be a source about the drug trade.
[. . .]
drug dealers working day and night in the area can take in $2 million a year selling on a single corner.
[. . .]
"You hear kids glamorize Efrain's drug dealing," Desamour says. "They don't idolize anyone who's been to college, though."

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20101211_A_young__casually_dressed_woman_bounds_down_the_steps_at_NO_HEAD_SPECIFIED.html?viewAll=y

The Drugs Dilemma
To make a living in North Phila., many turn to dealing.
By Alfred Lubrano
Philadelphia INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
December 12, 2010
215-854-4969
alubrano (at) phillynews.com