They should couple decriminalization with stringent arrests for public use and public intoxication. It’s so damn simple, why won’t they do it. Set a limit above which you’re not allowed to be loitering on the streets like they do with alcohol.
This is definitely part of the answer. Walking through the streets of San Francisco a while ago with my kids I was shocked to see people just lying on the side walk in pools of their own vomit. Also was very protective of my kids walking past people that were obviously on drugs and out of their minds. These people became not so much people but just a threat. It seemed inhumane to just leave them like that. With that said, I would not want the job of dealing with them for what I am sure is a relatively low salary with the reward of seeing most people you help back on drugs the next week.
Thats the thing, I don't. With that said, there is almost nothing more dangerous to a human than another human. I wish them nothing but happiness in life but I am also not going to ignore the fact that they are on drugs and potentially mentally compromised. A danger to themselves and others.
Yes. What would you like me to do? Walk up to each one I came across, my little kids in tow and try to have an intelligent conversation with them? Give them all my money? Invite them back with me to my hotel like the pied Piper of addicts?
I want them out of the way and far away from my kids. I was pretty clear that I perceived them as a threat.
I'm sorry but giving wildly exaggerated options and suggesting and they're your only options is a bit disingenuous. How about just checking that they're okay instead of glaring at them for inconveniencing you?
And yes, really, I'm asking how they're a threat when they're unconscious? Just because they're homeless doesn't make them dangerous. This attitude of the homeless being a nuisance or and inconvenience instead of part of the community only exacerbates the problem and makes them less likely to receive the help they need. Homelessness is a complex issue and I'm not sure what the solution is but seeing them as people in tough circumstances that need help is a start.
There were people like this all over the city. Literally thousands of people who actually live there walk passed them every day. I did as they did, figured the people that live there know better than a tourist. Did you want me to kneel down next to each one, my kids next to me and give them a shake? What are the odds someone passed out on hard drugs, likely with mental issues is going to react well to being woken by a stranger?
I invite people in my community into my home. Do you expect me to invite homeless addicts into my house?
Homeless people are a "nuisance and inconvenience" to the community. To argue otherwise is to be disingenuous.
> Homeless people are a "nuisance and inconvenience" to the community. To argue otherwise is to be disingenuous.
Okay, it's pretty clear that you're discussing this from a place of ignorance and privilege. I suggest educating yourself better before engaging further on this subject.
Are you arguing that the majority of people don't see homeless people as an inconvenience? Or that people are glad to contribute large amounts of their tax dollars to support them? I'm arguing from a place of reality, not imaginary "how it should be" perspective. No one besides a few on the far left wants homeless addicts in their community. If you think that the vast majority of people like the homeless and addicts in their community you are not being realistic.
What is there to educate myself on? I want to live in a safe neighborhood where my kids don't have to worry about stepping on needles or vomit, where my wife can walk down the street without being catcalled by dudes that have not showered in 3 weeks. Where stores and cars are not broken into. Is that wrong? And before we touch on all we need is more housing, sure but that's expensive, takes a really long time to build and how are the addicts going to pay rent or are we just going to raise taxes? Plus I don't want an apartment complex full of addicts next door.
I'm well aware that the majority of people don't want anything to do with homeless people. I'm saying this needs to change. It's exactly this attitude of not wanting to deal with people they find inconvenient that ostracises and stigmatizes them further, cutting them off from the support they need and leading to further antisocial behaviour. It's particularly unfair since they're typically homeless through circumstances beyond their control. They're people, just like us, and they are part of the community.
If you'd like to gain more of an understanding, I think the best way is to talk with them directly about their experience. Volunteering is an excellent way to do this.
I’m with you on most of what you said but probably calling 911 may be one option that lets you continue along your way while helping someone that may be in a life or death situation.
I would generally agree with you but there were dozens of people like this there, some better, some the same. I wish I was exaggerating. Dude wasn't dying, he just found a good spot to vomit and take a nap.
That's one of the interesting things I noticed about Amsterdam. It is notorious for the availability of cannabis, but it's very clear that you don't consume in public or around the neighborhood. (Modulo a group of teens I saw passing a joint around in the park). The coffeeshops are clearly intended to contain the drug use. Unlike California where you smell weed everywhere.
There is so much absurd regulation of marijuana in California, that the gray and black markets are still thriving. There is too much demand and not enough legal supply because of bullshit red tape. Making it easier to grow legally is the path to taking organized crime and violence out of it.
