For my readers, you know that I am one of the biggest advocates for drug education and use deterrence that you will ever meet. The topic of America’s drug addiction and related crime problems will surface more than not in my blog; hand-in-hand these two topics always coexist. Where there is one, the other is also present. So, here we go with another chapter.
I became motivated to write this article after another visit to the Big Easy, New Orleans (NOLA). Over the decades I have found myself enjoying the multiple facets of this historical place, with the knowledge that I would have to tolerate the lack of sobriety and self-discipline of some who either reside in or visit the city. The pros always outnumber the cons when visiting NOLA. But, similar to Las Vegas, I look forward to going to and then leaving each of these two cities. Most of you completely understand the concept.
For the past months, I have been reading about the elevated crime problem in NOLA but I also know the city well enough to stay within friendly bounds, which will lead to a very enjoyable visit. For me, this trek was a little different. What I observed was a decay in character from the previous visits that I had made. Within the downtown and French Quarter areas, drug usage and addiction were very prevalent, easily identifiable by the multitudes of those openly using, abusing, and selling. The streets also contained a huge homeless population who were obviously addicts. Countless studies and statistics will reflect that drug addiction normally results in criminal activity. An array of articles reflect that the drug trade is a main catalyst for NOLA’s increase in crime.
New Orleans is not alone in this category. Those who have visited Austin, Texas, recently have surely noticed a big difference to what this once beautiful and visitor-friendly city previously was. Ultra-liberal governing ideals and defunding law enforcement initiatives have led to a large decrease in law enforcement presence. This practice has resulted in an increase in violent crimes, drug-related issues, and homelessness taking over historical downtown venues and many other parts of Austin.
Elevated criminal activity along with slow police response times motivated Texas Governor Greg Abbott to utilize state troopers to assist the police department to better serve the citizens. But because of political reasons, just this week Austin Mayor Kirk Watson chose to abandon the needs of his citizens by ceasing join operations with the Texas DPS and demanding that they pull out of his city, amid pressure from several council persons. Within the past year, homicide rates in Austin have increased by 10% (according to one study) and also the County Health Department declared an emergency crisis relating to their drug problem. During the increased presence of Texas DPS troopers in Austin, police response times and violent criminal activity significantly decreased. Many will say, “Bad move, Mayor Watson.”
These are just two examples that parallel drug and crime-riddled cities such as Portland, Chicago, Las Angeles, and San Francisco. Included in this mix are some European cities, including Amsterdam. Citizens, small businesses, and some of the nation’s largest corporations are leaving these areas in groves, due to drug and crime issues. Two paralleling factors that these cities are also experiencing is a large decline in new police officer recruits, along with those quitting or retiring in the thousands. Most of this exodus is due to the lack of support from their city leaders, and the increased possibilities of lawsuits and personal injuries.
As reflecting in a recent media interview with San Francisco resident and recovering drug addict, Ricci Wynne when discussing his city’s increase in violent crime, along with the decay of his city, he briefly paraphrased their situation. “Where there are more drug addicts, there are more drug dealers. In cities with safe drug use zone, homelessness and drug addiction increases, along with criminal activity.” Need he say more?
What one common denominator is repeatedly seen in these decaying cities? Drugs! With law enforcement defunding and decriminalization initiatives closely behind.
Where there is lawlessness, cities crumble!
An art gallery owner in San Francisco writes in today’s 7/20 WSJ about a woman he sprayed with water for (take a guess) in front of his store, he got 35 hours of community service as a result. As you say once business leaves and society crumbles, pretty difficult to ever get it back.
Calif. and some neighboring states have lost their way with our justice system. And great story, the little things can sometimes paint a huge picture…