The reason I revealed my murderous impulses in this article was to convey awareness of similarities between myself and those causing destruction. But part of living in human society involves separating feelings and actions, and being aware of having a multitude of feelings and attitudes about complex issues.

I don’t agree with the claim that individuals have been “entirely discarded by society”. In addition to numerous city, state, and federal agencies set up explicitly to provide services, there are thousands of individuals in San Francisco who continue to treat the homeless with respect, dignity and caring. And at the same time, I believe, that as individuals and communities, we do need to find more ways to reach the people who aren’t having their needs as humans recognized and fulfilled.

Also, as I mentioned, I am leaving San Francisco after more than three decades, not because of objections to the homeless, or destruction, or violence, but for family reasons. I’m not sure how condemning those who move away will make any new arrivals feel more welcome.