As a nation, we voters have succumbed to the propaganda that systematic choices to incrementally address social issues is “socialism”. And then, individually, we complain about the mess that over decades we have created.
In our two party political system, no leadership favors solutions, it seems.
How about digging deeper into the causes of homelessness? That might give you and your readers a more thorough understanding of the human beings caught in this dilemma .
Your article may give the final results of a failed system, but offers no solutions.
To most parents reading this article is frightening. Knowing that there are people using IV drugs and smoking meth in the bushes really compromises community safety. It's totally unacceptable.
It seems the article does mention root causes - drug addiction and severe mental health issues. That is the root cause, which is clearly documented in the article.
The state of California has 440 mental health facilities: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/hospitals/ ~ I'm mystified that persons with mental health issues have no where to turn.
Missing from this reporting is why Sonoma County has so many homeless people. For some insight and to dispel some misconceptions about the population, I'm recommending this: Sonoma County is doing a presentation that will give more clarity to the issue. Today from 5:30-6:30 on zoom
Thank you for shining a spotlight on the compassion of local law enforcement. I have been deeply appalled by the recent criminalization of homelessness and have wondered how it would play out locally. The situation is heartbreaking. It is also understandable, given the realities of late-stage capitalism. I have no solutions but I am glad that these individuals are being shown kindness.
Michele you sound like a compassion person, but I think your thinking is off-base and actually perpetuates the problem. “Criminalization of homelessness”, “late-stage capitalism”. This is holding us/you/the system 100% responsible and in turn having zero expectations from the homeless and not holding them accountable at all. The article has a picture of bag hanging from a tree filled with heroin needles; one homeless /Thomas said they should have done a better job of hiding their meth pipe next time. Doesn’t that indicated they know what they’re doing? Tyler/homeless, states all jobs give you fake money. Doesn’t that sound like an excuse not to work, or not to at least put in a little effort to take care of himself? But somehow its our responsible to take care of him? I’m sure Tyler has no problem with getting a free handout of that fake money from that late-stage capitalism system and buying some food and drugs. And when the police make it clear, they won’t/can’t do anything, what motivation is there to change behavior? Finally, there are a subset of homeless that are mentally ill that can’t provide for themselves and will need help. But looking at the folks in the article, they don’t look to worried about getting their next meal or fix. They know the system is there for them.
I was not writing an article or a feature, merely posting a brief comment. I think your analysis of what I wrote and your assumption that I do not understand the broader problem is incorrect. I repeat: I think it is wrong to criminalize homeless people. And if some homeless people know there are resources for them, I have no problem with that. I am not going to engage in a larger discussion about this here. It's just not the place, at least not for me. I'll end with this: A lot of people fall through the cracks and each one has their own story and much of the problem does have to do with late-stage capitalism, which is causing tremendous global catastrophes. Are there assh*les who take advantage of the system. Of course there are, but that does not lead to my demonizing all homelessness (think about that word: it means NO HOME, which is devastating for all involved). I am glad local law enforcement is showing compassion. I don't agree with your take but I would no be so dismissive as to call your thinking "off-base." And my compassion does not perpetuate any problem. We need more kindness in our community, our county, our state, our country, our world. Kindness is never wrong.
This article reveals that harmful and dangerous drugs are easily accessible and available in Sebastopol. If people without jobs and cars can fill up a bag with used heroin needles and smoke meth, it tells us that our community has a drug problem. I hope the police are tracking down dealers and making sure our huge student population isn't being exposed to these highly addictive drugs.
Love the Sebastopol Times. Your stories are so informative and, at the same time, very touching. Thank you.
Ezra et al, thank you.
As a nation, we voters have succumbed to the propaganda that systematic choices to incrementally address social issues is “socialism”. And then, individually, we complain about the mess that over decades we have created.
In our two party political system, no leadership favors solutions, it seems.
But thanks for your excellent essay.
How about digging deeper into the causes of homelessness? That might give you and your readers a more thorough understanding of the human beings caught in this dilemma .
Your article may give the final results of a failed system, but offers no solutions.
Nice snapshot of the situation. Hats off to officer Thomas and her colleagues.
To most parents reading this article is frightening. Knowing that there are people using IV drugs and smoking meth in the bushes really compromises community safety. It's totally unacceptable.
It seems the article does mention root causes - drug addiction and severe mental health issues. That is the root cause, which is clearly documented in the article.
The state of California has 440 mental health facilities: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/hospitals/ ~ I'm mystified that persons with mental health issues have no where to turn.
Missing from this reporting is why Sonoma County has so many homeless people. For some insight and to dispel some misconceptions about the population, I'm recommending this: Sonoma County is doing a presentation that will give more clarity to the issue. Today from 5:30-6:30 on zoom
Link and info is here:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/public-forum-on-homelessness-(5)-shelter-permanent-shelter-beds-and-utilization
Thank you for shining a spotlight on the compassion of local law enforcement. I have been deeply appalled by the recent criminalization of homelessness and have wondered how it would play out locally. The situation is heartbreaking. It is also understandable, given the realities of late-stage capitalism. I have no solutions but I am glad that these individuals are being shown kindness.
Michele you sound like a compassion person, but I think your thinking is off-base and actually perpetuates the problem. “Criminalization of homelessness”, “late-stage capitalism”. This is holding us/you/the system 100% responsible and in turn having zero expectations from the homeless and not holding them accountable at all. The article has a picture of bag hanging from a tree filled with heroin needles; one homeless /Thomas said they should have done a better job of hiding their meth pipe next time. Doesn’t that indicated they know what they’re doing? Tyler/homeless, states all jobs give you fake money. Doesn’t that sound like an excuse not to work, or not to at least put in a little effort to take care of himself? But somehow its our responsible to take care of him? I’m sure Tyler has no problem with getting a free handout of that fake money from that late-stage capitalism system and buying some food and drugs. And when the police make it clear, they won’t/can’t do anything, what motivation is there to change behavior? Finally, there are a subset of homeless that are mentally ill that can’t provide for themselves and will need help. But looking at the folks in the article, they don’t look to worried about getting their next meal or fix. They know the system is there for them.
I was not writing an article or a feature, merely posting a brief comment. I think your analysis of what I wrote and your assumption that I do not understand the broader problem is incorrect. I repeat: I think it is wrong to criminalize homeless people. And if some homeless people know there are resources for them, I have no problem with that. I am not going to engage in a larger discussion about this here. It's just not the place, at least not for me. I'll end with this: A lot of people fall through the cracks and each one has their own story and much of the problem does have to do with late-stage capitalism, which is causing tremendous global catastrophes. Are there assh*les who take advantage of the system. Of course there are, but that does not lead to my demonizing all homelessness (think about that word: it means NO HOME, which is devastating for all involved). I am glad local law enforcement is showing compassion. I don't agree with your take but I would no be so dismissive as to call your thinking "off-base." And my compassion does not perpetuate any problem. We need more kindness in our community, our county, our state, our country, our world. Kindness is never wrong.
This article reveals that harmful and dangerous drugs are easily accessible and available in Sebastopol. If people without jobs and cars can fill up a bag with used heroin needles and smoke meth, it tells us that our community has a drug problem. I hope the police are tracking down dealers and making sure our huge student population isn't being exposed to these highly addictive drugs.