In its infinite wisdom, the 9th Circuit has also decreed that we cannot force homeless drug users into rehab against their will, or to commit mentally ill homeless for treatment unless they represent an immediate danger to themselves or others...though the first sign of that is usually when they kill themselves or some innocent bystander, like has happened a dozen times in the past year.
They’re often people who simply refuse to participate in society in a very basic way... which is fine but I also think that I have some
right to personal safety as much as they do. LA has experienced Typhus outbreaks in their homeless camps. They absolutely trash huge sections of most cities. Crime and disease are a huge issue in those populations.
Homelessness should be combated with compassion and understanding. We have a responsibility to provide shelter, food, and ways out of homelessness for people.
Vagrancy on the other hand should be met with something else. We have the right as a society to ensure that our cities and public spaces work for everyone.
I'll remember that the next time a homeless guy tries to attack me on a run, like one did this past weekend. I should give him flowers and kisses instead of punching him in the face.
