"Seattle is dying"

[Demovictory9]

[Thunderbeast]

1. Living in Portland, we share the same issues

This film views homelessness through a law enforcement lens, but I think the "best practices" example they use from Providence deserves a look. The reporter believes that 100% of the homeless are drug addicted. While the number is high, I believe that he did not look at real data to determine that assertion. There ARE people living in tents and in cars that lost their jobs and homes. The economy is not kind to those in low-paying employment.

Drug addicts should lose the choice to refuse treatment. Enforcing drug laws for meth, opiates, and crack should compel Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) with post-release supports.

We can no longer ignore the horror of the un-treated mentally Iiving under bridges. It is not humane to allow them to "die with their rights on".

These may be unpopular views for a liberal forum, but watching a loved one brutalized and beaten while addicted and homeless brings a different perspective.

[rampartc]

3. there are public health issues relating to homelessness as well

cities must provide some form of sanitary facilities and require the homeless to use them. there is no right to spread disease.

many do have substance abuse problems and mental issues but many really need a place to clean up and receive phone calls.

for a while i was sending homeless guys, mostly veterans, to jobs washing dishes and cleaning restaurants run by my boss. some used the little opportunity to "get well." some did not. just like everyone else.

[roamer65]

2. When we lose empathy, this is what happens.

Seattle is not alone in this problem.

[Blues Heron]

4. One of the "homeless" people in the movie wasn't

He'd been in assisted living for 3 years. Really shoddy "journalism" there. There was no mention of the economic situation in this country. Who can pay $2000+ for rent?

Also that ex cop with the luxury horse farm - yeah, no graft there, right.