Homeless situation belongs to cities

Kudos to the Thurston County Commissioners for clarifying the “homeless” problem. We, in the rural areas, don’t encounter the “homeless” situation because it is a city problem. Fifty-three percent of the people in this county live in unincorporated areas.

The administrations of Portland, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle and Everett are controlled by the liberal politicians. All have “homeless problems”. The best way to solve a problem is throw money at it. If that doesn’t work, throw more money at it.

Washington state and this county have been known for liberal welfare rules. There is a reason the “homeless” live in the city — they want to be close to the “free stuff,” free meals, alcohol, drugs, and the panhandler corners. These opportunities don’t exist in the rural areas.

I, personally, don’t go to downtown Olympia if I can help it. My safety is in jeopardy. Encountering “homeless” sleeping in business alcoves and human waste on the buildings, doesn’t make a person feel secure.

We in the rural areas don’t get to vote on city issues, so please don’t ask us to be your cash cow. It’s time the cities stopped giving “hand outs”. President Reagan had the right idea — give them a “hand up” and not a “hand out.” I have no problem giving a “hand up” to a person in need. Get them on their feet with job training and affordable housing so they can, once again, become a self-reliant citizen. Stop pandering to the perpetual “homeless” crowd.

This story was originally published September 14, 2017 at 2:36 PM with the headline "Homeless situation belongs to cities."