Dean Preston, a San Francisco Democratic supervisor, blamed capitalism for the growing problem of homelessness and outdoor drug markets in the city.
In addition, Preston argued that the crises in neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin, known for its progressive policies and being one of the epicenters of drug use in the city, is the demonstration of what happens to low-income people in capitalist societies.
"The biggest driver of why folks are on the street is because they lost their jobs, income or were evicted from their homes, usually for not being able to pay the rent. So you have major landlords literally causing folks to lose their homes, and real estate speculation making it impossible for folks to find an affordable place to live," the Democrat said.
The supervisor's statements were made as part of a documentary that will be published by UnHerd, a British website. "I think what you’re seeing in the Tenderloin is absolutely the result of capitalism and what happens in capitalism to the people at the bottom rung," said Preston.
'Not necessarily a safety threat,' says San Francisco supervisor
Similarly, it was learned that Preston is one of the Democratic leaders in the city who promote the movements to defund the police. "I think we have a very, very bloated police budget. All kinds of waste in the police department. I could cut $100 million out of the department," Preston said.
San Francisco Supervisor @DeanPreston has called for $100 million to be cut from the city's police budget, in comments made to UnHerd's @freddiesayers 👇 https://t.co/wF0WOC1mSP
— UnHerd (@unherd) December 11, 2023
In that sense, Preston disagreed with the premise that California has progressive drug laws. He argued that public drug use and trafficking remain illegal. He also said he feels safe walking the streets, despite the large presence of homeless people and drug addicts.
"I don’t think every instance of poverty or addiction or behavioral health issue is a safety threat to someone walking by. I mean, there’s a lot of people who are doing things that are very harmful to themselves on the streets, who aren’t necessarily a safety threat," Preston said.
Despite Preston's position, UnHerd, which conducted reporting throughout the city, noted that "San Francisco, for decades known around the world for its jazz, free love and Beat poetry, has in recent years become notorious for a different reason. Tent encampments on its streets and open-air drug markets have become a reference point for the consequences of ultra-progressive policies."
Meanwhile, the city faces a severe problem with drug consumption and public safety that has worsened due to progressive policies from the Democrats. In October alone, there were 65 deaths from accidental drug overdoses. In August, the city saw a record 88 overdose deaths.
