While many of these problems are never going to go away, they are absolutely manageable in a humane way. If you look at cities around the world there are many e

While many of these problems are never going to go away, they are absolutely manageable in a humane way. If you look at cities around the world there are many examples that are as large and diverse as an American city, but much safer and cleaner. Why is that? It's not like they don't have their share of unemployment, mental health or drug addiction. In most cases nothing surprising - just well funded and unhobbled versions of things most North Americans already know about but vote against. Just listen to your local Social Workers and Nurses, they usually have a very good idea of what's missing or critically underfunded. Here are some examples: Homelessness and unemployment: Various social safety nets, affordable housing, back to work and education programs, well funded social work programs Mental health: Treatment, accessibility, in- and outpatient programs, well funded social work programs Drug addiction: Decriminalization, access to safe use, needle exchanges and treatment programs, well funded social work programs Ex cons: Stop giving people lifelong records for drug offenses. Re-entry education and training programs. etc. etc. Maybe you live in a war zone, and a glock really is necessary for you to make it from your condo to your armored car. But until you start looking beyond just helping yourself, things are just going to get worse.