This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Oversimplifying homelessness
Blow away election haze to find a macabre presentation of how to “Help the Homeless,” according to Nadine Woodward in her Sept. 22 opinion piece.
Police action anchors points 2, 3, and 5. Jail for point 4. Shine light on point 1: separating “those who choose to live a transient and addicted life” versus those “homeless due to difficult circumstances.”
As if the homeless can be divided into two camps. As if transiency and addiction go together. As if a simple shakedown can corral those who “seek treatment” and the only alternative, those who “go to jail” (point 4). A simplistic diagnosis ignoring economics, history, cultural change, psychology, physiology. To say nothing of human complexity. No compass to address reality: Every major city anywhere copes with homelessness. Vote for a mayor who grasps myriad related issues, vote Ben Stuckart for Spokane.
Carol Ellis
Spokane