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Triage for the homeless

Unlike opinionated columnists who chasten us with unfounded calumny and offer no viable solutions, Adam Shanks wrote some useful facts to consider (“Study: As economy grows, so does homelessness,” Oct. 30). They point to a need I’ve not seen addressed: Triage.

Spokane needs to develop a system that disallows vagrancy (i.e., homelessness), and sorts out the factors that have reduced humans to living like animals. Call it tough love or whatever, nothing else has or will work. I’ve been on the streets. I know the situation there intimately.

In street parlance, crazies go to the nuthouse, addicts to the dry tank, and bad columnists are given pink slips. That goes for elected officials who act in defiance of laws/regs as well. Yes, like Kate Burke.

If this seems too easy, you’re overthinking. Police charges should range from obstructive nuisances, public-health hazards, danger to vulnerable populations (as in harassing students outside schools) to posing an unnecessary burden on society - by choice! Not that all homeless souls are there by choice. Don’t misquote.

I fell through the cracks, but I also looked up resources available and was willing to obey rules. Triage works wonders here because folks like me don’t need much chaperoning. The rest? You decide.

Stravo Lukos

Spokane



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