Quote:
Originally Posted by haljackey
The homeless/junkie issue is beyond the scope of municipal politics these days I think. There's only so much we can do and need better policies from Douggie and similar leaders
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The problem is universal, and won't change until societal rules/conventions (written and unwritten) change. Those changes might involve constraining some of what some folks would consider human rights or constitutional rights. There was a time when loitering in a public space could get you in trouble with the law. Convictions were more frequent and more severe incarceration resulted for mid-level crime such as possession of hard drugs, theft, and assault. Convictions for production of and dealing hard drugs resulted in very hard time in prison. It was much more straightforward to declare someone a ward of the state. This country was still considered a "free country" when those things were the case.
Until society decides that the current situation is unacceptable and intolerable, and will change rules/conventions (perhaps with tools such as the notwithstanding clause) and enforce those changes,
and are willing to pay the price for those changes (more compelling law enforcement, more and larger prisons, more and larger mental health facilities, public housing that the homeless can be compelled to live in) - nothing will change anywhere.
Harsh perhaps, but extraordinary situations require extraordinary measures.
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