Origins of random legislature

It was in the mid-1970s that I was driving back to San Francisco with friend Annie.  Annie had heard me explain how San Franciscans had significantly different opinions on prostitution and several issues than the elected officials.  Annie asked how that was possible and how something could be done to correct it.  That is when I came up with the idea of random selection of legislators.

The other night I was walking on Fisherman’s Wharf and noticed at least five homeless in a very short distance.  I stopped to talk to two community employed safety officers and asked them why there were homeless in such a visible tourist location.  They knew how much this disturbs tourists (one third of all tourists mention how distasteful homeless are in San Francisco;  when leaving the city.)

Their reply was that the police refused to help them deal with homeless because the police say ‘San Francisco is homeless friendly’.

  That is simply not true.  The citizens have voted six times in 15 years against homeless on public streets.  But the pressure groups that talk to the elected officials make sure they bow to the homeless advocates.

So now you can look at the homeless in San Francisco, understanding the horrific and credible cost in jobs and revenue to the city, and recognize that tragedy as an argument for random selection of legislators.

The first photo on this page is a homeless person in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf;  the second photo on this page are four young people preparing signs for their days work begging.  We have had street homeless for over 30 years, it is not surprising that some less-than-competent young people see this as an acceptable occupation.