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Clever Pseudonym's avatar

The first purpose of the entire religion of Leftism (and esp in the case of the homeless in Cali) is the social, emotional and psychological needs of the activist class. The need to feel like a noble savior of the downtrodden, the need to feel like a righteous rebel fighting the evil greedy capitalists, the need to preen in public as virtuous, the need for a larger outlet for your own personal frustration, alienation and misery. (Basically all the same needs for meaning, purpose, tribe and narrative that religion provides.)

I was your standard NYC liberal, had voted for Bernie, Nader, etc, until living for 3.5 yrs in Venice Beach. In my time there I was assaulted by a street person, as was my dog, all my neighbors had harrowing tales of fights w bums, and there were some truly horrific home invasions. None of it made sense to me until I realized the issue was in no way rational, empirical, or even political, but entirely RELIGIOUS.

The people in charge of homeless policy in CA (and their many enablers) have no interest in debate or reform, no ability to compromise, refuse even to admit that there are competing interests involved when street people and their tents take over a neighborhood. They are in love with their own pure hearts and their own righteous crusade and nothing else exists--esp not reality or the real lives and needs of the people they claim to be trying to help.

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ERIN REESE's avatar

Leighton, this is so intense. Hard for sensitive folks like me to take in, but I read and listen to what is necessary to grok the picture. I appreciate your writing and your courage regarding this and other subjects.

I lived in SF and the Bay for 20 years and have left for many reasons; it's heartbreaking to see that beautiful City under siege (Oakland, too). I wish you and Shellenberger all the best in your efforts to illuminate and create real opportunities for change. Take good care.

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