The large majority of the problems stem from the rampant, open air drug dealing and use, as well as the tidal wave of theft and robbery that goes virtually unpo

The large majority of the problems stem from the rampant, open air drug dealing and use, as well as the tidal wave of theft and robbery that goes virtually unpoliced and unpunished. These are not "mental health crises". In the real world, there are numerous examples that refute your suggestion as the best/only alternative to the current mess. For example, drug dealing and possession: Singapore executes drug dealers. Tokyo sentences drug dealers to long stretches of imprisonment and large fines. Stockholm practices zero tolerance towards drug dealing and possession. Calgary imposes jail sentences for drug possession. The list goes on and on.