Re: “Washington officials rip Trump order on homelessness as ‘unjust, obscene’ ” (July 26, A1):
The states that have spent the most on the homeless issue now have the largest homeless populations. Billions of dollars have been spent to make it safe and comfortable to waste away in a drug- and alcohol-induced haze on our streets. Our politicians have done nothing but encourage homelessness, and their policies are the direct opposite of compassionate. Meanwhile, the rights of ordinary citizens who want a clean, safe place to live are being trampled and our tax money wasted.
Homelessness is absolutely not an affordable housing issue. That is a red herring, but it’s a great way to throw away billions more in tax revenue. The vast majority of those who are homeless lack the ability to maintain their own living space. They need real help, and the authors recognize that they won’t get it on their own. Trump may not have it right, but I certainly haven’t seen a workable plan from our civic leaders.
Instead of the usual demonization and hyperbolic rhetoric, how about offering a real solution?
Mark Stratton, Bothell
