November 21, 2009
- Pasco, Washington
Ken Schram: Shining light on a public problem
By Ken Schram
I love the rationale.
Last Friday, Seattle Mayor Greg "Five-Pennies" Nickels ordered police to clear out an impromptu homeless camp set up in a South Seattle field. Two dozen people were arrested as the camp dubbed "Nicklesville" was uprooted. The ever-benevolent Mayor "Five-Pennies" says he supports finding permanent housing for the homeless but noted that because of health and safety reasons, they can't be allowed to camp in the city. I'm sure we all know that sleeping under the freeway, or in doorways meets all the health and safety measures that Mayor "Five-Pennies" is so fixated on. Anyway, the remnants of "Nicklesville" has now shifted onto some state property and the governor has asked hizzoner to leave the camp alone for a while so a more permanent solution can be looked for. And therein lies the response to all the folks who criticize tent cities. With a little in-your-face public peek at homelessness, the issue of how to help the destitute gets more attention than if the poor just continue peeing in bushes and sleeping in alcoves. The homeless are ignored until we're forced to recognize that there is no rationale in saying it's unhealthy and unsafe to sleep in a tent when a doorway or freeway underpass are the other options. --- Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. |
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