Elected officials in Portland and Seattle are beginning to regret turning their cities into crime-ridden hellholes, after their response to Trumpism and the BLM riots in the wake of George Floyd's death was to defund or otherwise hinder police, elect DAs who refuse to prosecute a variety of crime, and promote rampant drug use.
Now, they're dealing with the predictable hangover.
Looking out at downtown Portland, Oregon from a high rise building.
In Portland, 25 businesses have banded together for a strongly worded letter to elected officials, who they've demanded address their concerns over the city's crime wave that has decimated foot traffic to businesses such as Ace Hotel, Central Office, Crafty Wonderland, Courier Coffee, Mimi's Fresh Tees and Multnomah Whiskey Library, according to KGW8.
The situation in Portland is so bad that residents have been told not to call the police unless their lives are at risk thanks to the city's overwhelmed 911 system. In May, Portland officials figured out that defunding the police was pure idiocy, and attempted to reverse course after cutting the PD budget by $15 million, like idiots.
Portland has also experienced a spate of major stores leaving the region, including REI, Walmart and Cracker Barrel.
"Revitalizing downtown businesses necessitates a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of their operations and environment," reads the letter from the 25 businesses, which includes ideas for garnering more financial support from government in general amid a shrinking customer base that's killing foot traffic.
Seattle, meanwhile, is making progress towards reducing crime and drug use.
Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz speaks at a press conference Friday at police headquarters following the day’s operations. (Luke Johnson / The Seattle Times)
Hours after the city's new law against public drug use and possession took effect Friday, cops made around two dozen arrests, according to the Seattle Times.
"We are going to be compassionate in our approach to getting people connected with services while still making sure our city streets are safe," said police Chief Adrian Diaz.
The enforcement action stems from Seattle's adoption last month of a law which allows the City Attorney's Office to prosecute individuals who knowingly possess illicit drugs such as fentanyl, and for using them in public.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell championed the new law, which passed by a narrow 6-3 vote. Supporters say it will improve public safety and help addicts find treatment, while opponents say the law will punish people for said addictions – calling it a new version of the failed war on drugs.
Seattle police officers ride up South King Street to 12th Avenue South on Friday, ready to enforce the city’s new public drug use and drug possession law. (Luke Johnson / The Seattle Times)
Leftist Seattle councilmember Teresa Mosqueda said the Friday arrests underscore her concerns.
"Data shows the minute you’re arrested, there are cascading consequences for your stability. People are more likely to die while in jail due to withdrawal or die upon release due to overdoses," she said. "We don’t want public consumption throughout the streets, but we do not have the treatment resources necessary to implement this policy."
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Read the Portland letter below: