The Hidden Truths of LA: When Crisis Becomes the New Currency of Power
- oganes karayan
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
Los Angeles—the City of Angels. Yet for those of us living here, it often feels more like a city teetering on the edge of chaos. Everywhere you turn, there are signs of neglect: homeless encampments fill sidewalks, crime seeps into once-safe suburbs, and rents soar to astronomical heights. We hear it repeatedly: this is simply the “cost of progress.”

Let’s be clear: what we see today is not just mismanagement; it represents a deliberate ideological failure disguised as compassion.
🎭 The Illusion of Progress
For decades, Democrats have held significant power in Los Angeles and across California. They dominate the city council, the mayor’s office, and even the state legislature. Despite pouring billions into addressing homelessness, the streets tell a starkly different story.
In 2022 alone, California allocated over $15 billion to address homelessness, yet reports indicate that the homeless population swelled by 22% during the same period. This paradox raises an important question: why are these funds not yielding the desired results?
The answer is unsettling—our systems appear more focused on generating revenue from the situation rather than resolving the problem.
🧩 NGOs, Grants, and the Political Feedback Loop
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: many NGOs and non-profits dedicated to combating homelessness seem more invested in securing government funding than in genuinely helping those in need. In 2021, charities in Los Angeles reported receiving around $1.2 billion in federal grants aimed at tackling homelessness. However, substantial portions of that money often disappear into administrative costs, high salaries, and ineffective programs that rarely directly benefit the homeless.
For example, a well-known nonprofit received a $20 million grant but allocated only 40% of those funds to actual housing initiatives. The rest covered overhead expenses, raising concerns about accountability and true intentions.
The Real Players Behind the Curtains
So, who benefits from this cycle? It’s the activists and bureaucrats who build lucrative careers advocating for solutions that seldom come to fruition. The number of individuals living on the streets has surged, while those in power continue to profit from the very crisis they claim to combat.
These vulnerable citizens become collateral damage in a political system that prioritizes self-interest over genuine solutions.
A City in Decline
Despite Los Angeles’s glamorous reputation as the entertainment capital of the world, a tense reality lies behind the scenes, especially for those not sharing in the glitz.
As crime rates rise—including a shocking 30% increase in violent crime since 2020—citizens increasingly feel uneasy in neighborhoods once regarded as safe. Residents are left questioning the whereabouts of our leaders, but the answers remain hidden behind layers of political rhetoric and hollow promises.
The Economic Tug-of-War
Skyrocketing rents and gas prices reflect a troubling reality for many families in Los Angeles. According to recent reports, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city has skyrocketed to nearly $3,000. In comparison, gas prices hover around $5 per gallon, both figures that strain the budgets of many residents.
Families often find themselves in precarious living situations, with little room for error. Many have been forced to make painful sacrifices, such as cutting back on essentials or staying with relatives. This scenario illustrates a troubling narrative interwoven with economic mismanagement and a political backdrop that seems out of touch.
Grassroots Movements Emerging
Interestingly, amidst this decline, grassroots movements are emerging. Neighborhood groups, united by a common purpose, are doing everything they can to push for change. These local activists challenge city policies and urge for accountability where it is sorely lacking.
For instance, groups like LA Neighborhoods First are mobilizing residents to voice their concerns directly to city officials. Their efforts are creating pathways for dialogue, showcasing that despite systemic issues, communities can reclaim authority over their concerns.

The Path Forward
Is there a way forward that leads to genuine progress? Absolutely.
The need for accountable governance is crucial. Leaders must genuinely listen to residents and prioritize practical solutions above profits. Investments should target long-term results: affordable housing, mental health services, and job training programs. Listening closely to the voices of those most affected, especially the homeless, is the first step toward real change.
Finding Balance
Addressing the crisis in Los Angeles demands a balance of compassion and pragmatism. The community has suffered for too long under ineffective leadership, unable or unwilling to act.
Inclusion, innovation, and integrity should form the base of our city’s future. It’s not merely about eliminating homelessness; it’s about nurturing a safer and more equitable environment for all Angelinos.

A Call to Action
In the broader context of Los Angeles, the phrase "Crisis Becomes Currency" rings painfully true. As we witness the city’s downturn, intertwined with political maneuverings and economic struggles, there is also hope rooted in determination and community spirit.
Amid the challenges lie opportunities for revival. Through grassroots activism and community-led initiatives, we can restore pride in our city. It is vital to challenge the prevailing narrative, hold leaders accountable, and establish genuine compassion that extends beyond mere words.
The time for collective action from Los Angeles residents is now. Together, we can strive for meaningful change, transforming crises into powerful opportunities for progress.

The city declares a crisis.
Taxpayer dollars are funneled to politically connected NGOs.
These NGOs report “outreach” and “community engagement,” but no real change.
The same groups get funded again next year.
And Democratic leaders use it all to signal virtue while deflecting blame.
The result? A growing crisis that funds careers, rewards failure, and burdens residents.
🧠 The Progressive Agenda That’s Backfiring. Behind the scenes is a utopian ideology championed by far-left Democrats:
Decriminalize everything. Remove enforcement. Expand housing without accountability.
Demonize landlords, police, and dissenting citizens.
It sounds noble in theory, but in practice, it destroys cities. Los Angeles is proof. And it’s not just about failed policies. It’s about intentional social engineering, where dysfunction is reframed as equity, and common sense is labeled hate.
🔇 Shut Up and Obey
Mention these truths, and you’re labeled “Racist” if you question immigration chaos.
“Cruel,” if you ask why tents surround schools. “Anti-progress” if you want clean streets and safe neighborhoods. But those living in gated communities or Capitol offices don’t face the fallout. We do.
🗝️ What Needs to Change
End blank-check funding to NGOs with no accountability.
Audit every homelessness and housing program.
Reinstate common-sense laws—enforce loitering, property crime, and public safety standards.
Elect leaders based on results, not party loyalty.
Los Angeles doesn’t need another summit, committee, or virtue signal. It requires a course correction. Bold, unapologetic, and rooted in reality.
Until then, expect more chaos, more spending, and more excuses.
Because, under Democratic rule, the crisis isn’t an anomaly. It’s the business model.
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