Because it was supposed to "reduce crime" on our streets. And now—since it didn't pass—robberies and theft are way up. Oh, they're way down? Violent crime is down by nine percent from last year? Larceny and theft are down, too? And robberies are down 20 percent?

Any moment now, we'll surely see a retraction from the Seattle Times—though we know this was written by Joni Balter—for accusing officials who voted against the bill of "turn[ing] their backs on those who want to make downtown and other neighborhoods safe and welcoming to all."