San Francisco Supervisor Blames Capitalism for City's Homelessness and Drug Problems

Dean Preston Criticizes City's Approach to Arresting Drug Users and Clearing Homeless Encampments, Calls for Police Defunding

San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston blames capitalism for the city's homelessness and drug problems, stating that the biggest driver of homelessness is job loss, income loss, or eviction, often due to inability to pay rent.
Preston criticizes the city's approach to arresting drug users and clearing homeless encampments, calling it 'counterproductive' and arguing that it has not made the city safer but has instead increased overdoses.
Preston, who represents the Tenderloin district known for its open-air drug markets and homeless encampments, suggests that the city's approach has been inconsistent, leading to worsening conditions.
Preston also supports defunding the police, stating that he could cut $100 million from what he calls a 'bloated' police budget.
Preston's comments have sparked controversy and criticism, including from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has accused him of being responsible for the 'destruction of San Francisco.'