Like (literally) millions of folks, I was quite taken with the story of the homeless panhandler guy, who was interviewed by a young man who drove past him every day and wondered what his story was.
The panhandler’s sign said he was an out of work radio announcer, and when this seen-better-days fellow spoke, it was the weapon’s grade version of that uncanny “meeting the DJ with the groovy voice and finding out he’s a fat dude with greasy hair” experience.
People, including me, posted links to the video. It went viral and the guy started getting job offers. Heartwarming. But…
Men are homeless because people don’t want them in their homes. They’re alcoholics (which this guy copped to in the original video); they molested their stepdaughter and (for a change) the mom kicked them out; they’re off their meds; they’re lazy losers.
After I posted that first link, and the story was picked up on HotAir, and the guy ended up on morning talk shows, everything I know about homeless guys kept buzzing in my head. I figured I’d quietly drop the story, even though I blog a lot about radio, and it was so inspirational (and popular.)
Before becoming the country’s most distinctive new voice, Ted Williams compiled a lengthy rap sheet that landed him in several Ohio lockups on a variety of criminal charges, according to law enforcement records.
Williams, 53, has been busted for theft, robbery, escape, forgery, and drug possession.
The really funny part is: that actually makes they guy more qualified to work at radio.
There’s a guy at your local station who has done all that stuff and more. He just never (or hardly ever) got caught.
Glenn Beck will tell you all about his pre-AA escapades; others won’t.
I get talk radio and other industry news feeds every day, and literally each morning it’s “Fred ‘He-Man’ Jones was found dead at his home, aged 52” and “Morning drive host charged with two counts of statutory rape.”
Homeless dude, you start tomorrow at 6!
