The letter protesting sweeps of homeless camps is the perfect example of the fanatical activist viewpoint that is, in my opinion, vastly over-represented in the local news media, (“Readers respond: Sweeps are not the solution,” Nov. 15).
The fact is we are in a severe drug crisis. The vast majority of the visible homeless overtaking our sidewalks and public parks are clearly in the throes of severe addiction and with that comes crime, violence and environmental biohazards. Sweeps may not be a solution, but they keep trash and human waste and rats from building up. Otherwise, the city would simply rot. The sweeps must continue.
The average Portlander does not want drug addicts to be allowed to pitch a tent anywhere and then trash and pillage the surrounding areas. Some of the homeless do work and are just temporarily homeless, but it does not appear that they are the majority of those living in squalor.
Supposedly, many of these obviously high individuals living in these conditions in fact work. Okay, prove it. I challenge your journalists to go around to one of the many unsanctioned camps with tarps and broken down RVs and find all these supposed individuals who work. Have them show a pay stub, or actually verify with the place they claim to work at that they are in fact employed there. I look forward to reading your report.
Kris Whitley, Portland
