Quote:
Originally Posted by Klazu
The answer is yes. The decline is not as fast as it is in Vancouver, but it is definitely happening. I also got yesterday shouted to by some clearly crazy Karen on the street.
This is a Metro Vancouver wide problem and has everything to do with our leaders not doing anything about the rampart drug and homeless problem, which are one and the same problem.
It is also a problem that spade is not being called spade anymore and also in the article these instigators are described almost as the victim as they are "suffering from mental illness" or being "emotionally unstable". In plaing English, these people have melted their brains using drugs and are criminals. It isn't more difficult than that.
I bet Vancouver won't retain its 2021 16th place on the Most Livable Cities list next year. Maybe 61th?
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My opinion only, but yes, I get your point. What saddens and angers me is that regarding homelessness, civic leaders will come up with all kinds of "reasons" and "theories" of why it is happening, but the fact seems that they are simply to weak to address it. In my opinion (and it's just an opinion among 7+ billion people) is that housing is a basic human right, as is clean water, breathable air, and access to medical treatment.
Whereas in Third World countries, this may be difficult, here in Canada, there is no excuse for it. Take an opinion poll in Vancouver, and ask what is the most pressing issue facing the city. The majority of answers indicate housing. The cut-throat 'bleed 'em white rents being charged are not indexed to salaries or the cost of inflation, nor do they take into account people on disability pensions, people on pensions, or even working poor people. Several European countries, mostly in the North, have aggressive stances on this (Like HLM in France) but that seems largely beyond consideration here, on the grounds that it will 'stifle investment' or that it is contrary to market principles.
Mental illness* and drug addiction are more complex topics. Much drug addiction arises from severe mental illness, and yes, the behaviours of certain ill/addicted people can be classified as criminal, if it infringes on the life and well being of other people. Mental illness can be the result of maladaptation to traumatic early life circulstance and/or be the result of faulty neurobiology. Such people are usually diagnosed, given a handicap pension (better than an eusthanizing needle or a kick in the pants) but are then left to fend for themselves, if they are not institutionalized. The resulant homeless, drug-addicted population is a testimony to that.
*IMHO a total and radical paradigm shift is necesary both in the consideration and adressing of housing, and equally importantly, in the treatment of handicpped, chemical dependant people. This, however, is a total long shot, and given the inherently self-interested nature of human beings, it is unlikely for any real change. * Unless I am wrong, and I don't think I am, but wish I were.
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