This is a story without words.
8 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
AugieH
Um, do you mean the 7th AVENUE tunnel?
Monday, September 18, 2023 Report this
DStusser
AugieH - Yes. Corrected.
Monday, September 18, 2023 Report this
KatAshe
Thank you, JM Simpson for this powerful photograph, made more so by avoiding color.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Report this
JasonS
Nor does it look like it is from war-torn Ukraine. There is much more artistic expression in this photo than there is objective journalism, and sensationalizing it for clicks is not a good look.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Report this
WA_Mojo
These people are responsible for their predicament.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Report this
WayTooOld
WA_MOJO I think you may not be correct.
Factors leading to homelessness. Medical debt is up there, as is increased cost of living. Domestic violence victims often have nowhere to go when they leave a life-threatening situation. Veterans represent a fair chunk of those homeless. I think you may be lumping these folks in with people with addictions and/or criminal records, but those folks make up about 27% of the total homeless population. Did you interview those folks under the bridge as to their specific circumstances?
https://homelessresourcenetwork.org/?page_id=1086
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Report this
Oly1963
Clearly NOT Ukraine. These people are TOTALLY responsible for themselves. Yes, some people do get themselves in a bind due to medical issues, cost of living, etc. But that's what the services are for - have you looked at the VA's website - there's no reason for a legitimate military veteran to be homeless, if they want help. MOST people living on the streets in Olympia are there because of the choices THEY made. They could seek shelter IF THEY WANT IT. But they can't do drugs there or drink there or have weapons. They could get medical attention IF THEY WANT IT, but again, there are rules. These people refuse to follow the rules, so they live how they live. It's an artsy photo for sure, it's a great depiction of what WE are allowing in the place that we call home. If we stop supporting their choices, they will have to make other choices. No cash bail for example....out on the streets; crime without punishment - where did they get the umbrella?; drugs running rampant - where are the consequences for that? What about property damage, public nuisance, etc. etc. If there are no consequences, we are inviting more and more people to come here. That's not to mention the freebees we give them to "support" them...that's support alright - it makes their choices even easier. I say THANK YOU for showing us what OUR DECISIONS are allowing. Maybe we will gain the strength to say NO THANK YOU in the next election!
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Report this
MrMonk
There will be millions more in the same predicament as the folks in the photo. Right now, the United States government is importing millions of "migrants" to take the jobs and neighborhoods of the people who work with their hands. The homeless in the photo have no real hope of ever becoming employed again because the US government in partnership with governors like Inslee are replacing them with people who'll work for nearly nothing. Big government always leads to misery for the masses, starting with the working poor.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Report this