drug addiction

Here’s one good criticism of a book about poverty-fighting programs I wrote 23 years ago, Compassionate Conservatism: “Olasky tells about the people who have established these programs. We do not hear the stories of people who have been helped by them.” Last month I wrote about two long-term homeless people, Barry Meyer and Stephanie Creighton. Both have found help in changing their lives. Meyer has just made a down payment on a home of his own: He wrote me (and sent a photo) on October 30: “Tonight is my last night in a shelter. I’m buying this and move in tomorrow.” Here’s a story about another formerly homeless man, Jeremiah Pruitt, 38, who vividly recalls the fire that changed his Read More ›

Drug Insanity Fueling Homeless Crisis Even w/more @SeattlePD patrols, drug deals/use happening DAILY. Especially in #Chinatown-ID. This past weekend, I saw it all go down in front of kids. System BROKEN. All Corners #Chinatown-ID is in vicious cycle. Addicts use abandoned storefronts and vestibules to do drugs. KIDS just walking by! @nwasianweekly did a tremendous piece on the biz EXODUS in the community because of all the drugs, homelessness, and crime. I’m doing a follow up. Must Read “This may be the worst year for Chinatown businesses since the pandemic.” Remember This? Just last month, right next to @wsdot encampment in #Chinatown-ID near Vuu’s Beauty School. Guy injecting a needle in front of kids. This is a FULL BLOWN drug Read More ›

If There Was Ever Any Doubt Multiple people associated with Mexican cartels facing federal charges today after massive drug and firearms bust in Ballard, Bothell, and West Seattle. Authorities confirm RV’s were being used to traffic illegal drugs. Yup, RV’s. Sobering Statistics Every politician/public health official in #Seattle and this region needs to understand, whatever’s on books RIGHT NOW is not working. Drug cartels are winning and killing off an entire generation of Americans. PRIORITIZE WAR ON DRUGS. EDUCATION.INTERVENTION. Good Reminder Authorities say fentanyl users come from all walks of life and it’s so easy to get. But the homeless are especially vulnerable because the dealers drive to encampments, offering concierge service. Why I’m Focused On Drugs I’m starting to Read More ›

Barry Meyer slept for a month and a half in a port-a-potty near the Lynchburg public library: “It was a big one, I could do a twisting stretch-out with the toilet seat and my stuff.” He said it didn’t smell bad because “they cleaned it twice a week.” Of course, his sense of smell, maybe his sense of everything, was off because each day he typically consumed eight “tall boys” (25-ounce beers) and a pint of whiskey. He favored Earthquake High Gravity Lager with its aroma of corn syrup and wet hay. Its fans say Earthquake “will get you buzzin’ like a chainsaw… It’s like putting your finger between the sprocket and chain on a motorcycle and then having your Read More ›

SODO’s A Mess After multiple sweeps, RV’s/tents back on 3rd Ave/Holgate/Utah Ave. #Seattle CANNOT keep up. Meanwhile trash, crime, drug dealing evident. Why are we allowing HOMELESS addicts to die on our streets? We are losing a GENERATION. He Called It Everyone give Pat Robbins a standing ovation. He said the encampments would return to SODO. And once again, city is paralyzed. NO plan to get in front before these spiral out of control. Think about the tax dollars wasted. It’s All Come Back City is not keeping track of vehicles, but I am. All the same people are back with new additions. This is a mess. I feel for you @Starbucks HQ. The city is allowing RV owners to Read More ›

Happening Now #Chinatown-ID protesters remain outside proposed site of Dow Constantine’s(@kcexec) HOMELESS MEGAPLEX as some community members get a tour. But SENIOR CITIZENS say they don’t care what it’s like inside. What’s the plan if problems spill OUTSIDE into #CID? Angry Confrontation Wow, several people from homeless encampment already on site of Dow Constantine’s(@kcexec) HOMELESS MEGAPLEX are yelling at #Chinatown-ID elders. But they aren’t standing down. Protest organizers say they are not against the homeless. Just at WAR with Dow. Tempers and Racism Flare A homeless person walking back to her encampment just cursed out #Chinatown-ID elders and yelled, “Go back to your country!”

Nightmare Morning Commute Massive mess on 3rd Ave.& Columbia St. in downtown #Seattle. Biz owners sending me vids of fist fight, open air drug use, tents out of control, and mental illness on full display. I’m tracking situation. Already Warned the City Earlier this month, biz owners at 3rd Ave. & Columbia St. begged @MayorofSeattle @KC_RHA @CMAndrewJLewis to do something about this corner before it spiraled out of control. At the time, there were only 2 tents. This Remains the Challenge What’s the plan to get in front of these encampments before they spiral out of control, not after the fact? It was only 2 tents earlier this month. I’m Only One Guy There have been so many other incidents Read More ›