The truth is that there is a lot of common ground on many difficult issues. Take for example the importance of civility in maintaining a livable community. No drugs, no alcohol, no weapons, no violence, no rude, aggressive obnoxious behavior. We are a community. Please respect the rights and privacy of your fellow citizens.
Homelessness is a human tragedy.
In the midst of so much plenty it is a moral and public policy failure as well. In the past 10 years we have tripled City spending on homeless services, seen record increases in United Way and other charitable giving, and witnessed the greatest period of economic expansion in Seattle's history. Yet many would say little progress has been made in helping the homeless. It is very important to have a heart and we can be proud that we are the most compassionate community in the country. Per capita, we are number one in charitable giving.