It is intriguing watching from afar the challenges and tribulations of the Californians. No, this does not reference the state's significant budget deficit. California is experiencing a realization that "2022-23 revenue will be $26 billion below budget act estimates." Somehow the realization in 2024 is that revenue last year was low. Some may struggle with how it takes a year to realize you are missing $26 billion. The Legislative Analysts project that the actual deficit faced this year is $68 billion. Dirkson, huh?
What is the purpose of government? Some would say to provide security. Others might say to regulate behavior. Some might say that it is public safety. This is not new, I questioned the purpose of government in Purpose (October 2023). I wrote about the plans there to deploy law enforcement robots with the capacity of lethal force. See These are the Good Old Days (December 2022). I have written about California often and noted the seeming exodus of people from there to other jurisdictions. See Harmless (January 2024).
The news recently noted that there is a plan in California to strive to address its investment in individuals. USNews reported that those receiving state money will perhaps face some hurdles regarding their use of controlled substances. San Francisco says it will start "screening" people who receive "cash benefits." They are looking for those using "illegal drugs." The press, again, stresses erroneously that "legal" marijuana is included in this. Dope, Marijuana, Weed, and Grass have been mentioned here before, search those words in the box above.
The proposal and plan is to screen the cash recipients. But, there is rapid reassurance that "No one will be forced to undergo substance abuse treatment, nor will anyone be subject to drug testing." No, San Francisco will simply begin asking a 10-question drug abuse test." If that questionnaire indicates Addiction, then the person "will be referred to treatment." If they fail to attend, they
"forfeit the $109 a month that the city grants to homeless adults who qualify for city shelters or supportive housing, or the $712 a month it grants to adults with home addresses."
The purported foundation for the plan is to prevent public "money from being used to buy illegal drugs." The secondary reason is "to dissuade drug seekers from moving to San Francisco." The city denies any punitive intent and explains instead it is trying to save lives. It turns out that drugs can kill people. See A Vaccine Against Getting High (January 2023) and some of the posts referenced there. Yes, it turns out that drug use can be dangerous.
The city is getting criticism. Drug treatment providers are critical that the plan affects a "coercive, punitive effect.” The thought is that cutting off someone's public assistance might be a detriment. They assert that instead those who enter treatment should be rewarded with more public money. It is a classic revival of the old "carrot" versus "stick" debate. However, in no case will anyone be denied their place in public shelters due to honesty on the questionnaire.
That is a critical point. There will be no drug testing. Is it possible that someone might be less than forthcoming in the screening process? If you say you are using, and refuse to get rehabilitation, you lose $109 to $712 per month. If you lie and say you are not using, the city will continue to pay you. As the narrator asked in Cat in the Hat (Universal Pictures 2003) "What would you do if your mother asked you?"
The fact is that some perceive the situation in San Francisco to be grim. They describe people "splayed" on sidewalks. They complain of aromas of human waste. There are concerns of fentanyl, homelessness, sanitation, and more. As to sanitation, they recently bought a single, solitary $1.7 Million Toilet (April 2024).
The land of milk and honey has seemingly devolved into one of feces, used needles, and tragedy. See Purpose (October 2023). There is untidiness, avoidance, and even overdose. There are even allegedly "drug tourists" who come to enjoy the wretched excess enabled and encouraged by what used to be a tourist city of sights, sounds, and tastes. Yes, there was a time when this city was beautiful and tourists flocked here.
The public spectacle of today is sufficient to inspire volunteer efforts. The Associated Press reported in May that volunteers in special vests literally walk the sidewalks of the Tenderloin District each day warning the sidewalkers “School time. Kids will be coming soon.” They traverse the "50-block neighborhood that’s well-known for its crime, squalor, and reckless abandon." Then, the same volunteers escort children through this Third-World spectacle to and from school and other activities.
What is the purpose of government? The AP story refers to this as a "rich neighborhood" and a "vibrant community." Despite that praise, it notes that the area is "Long known for its brazen open-air drug markets, chronic addiction, mental illness, and homelessness." Long known? So the challenge is apparent? Children dwell there? So the impact is apparent? The solution is to warn the sidewalkers that children can see them?
Perhaps those with drug problems will be frank on the city's new screening. Maybe they will go quietly into rehabilitation in exchange for the public money. Perhaps they will continue to splay on the sidewalks while the next generation is escorted past the filth and spectacle. It is intriguing. Despite those who criticize the city's action, others may wonder if it will produce any change at all.