Why is that such a crazy notion? I mean even our justice system, whose job is justice, has decided those people are worthy of being defended. I don't have to love everyone who tries to kill someone else in order to not agree with a random person basically saying they lose the right to exist.

People deciding which other people deserve to exist has a pretty bad track record in human history. But sure, we have it right this time.

Oof. It that sort of thinking were the best answer society could come up with on this issue, then probably none of us would deserve to exist.

No, it's not. Nor did I say being poor means makes you do anything, much less try to kill.

It's not reductive because it's just recognizing decades worth of psychology, sociology, and epigenetics. I wouldn't have invested most of my career in mental health if I thought people were just destined to be however they grew up, because I know people can change and overcome and regain/realize agency. One can do that and still recognize what we know about how forces like poverty, exposure to violence at a young age, trauma, etc. shape someone's brain and behavior.

When you understand how mental health, the brain, and socialization works, it's not amazing at all.

EDIT: not that I agree with the use of the term "babysitted" to describe social change aimed at improving fairness

Right, "whenever possible"; I know it isn't always possible or best. Not sure that's going to be the thing that tips the scales though, even though I know it's not a small undertaking. It's also all the other dumb shit that people pay extra for, like stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Most building owners are going to charge as much as they can regardless and a balcony isn't a huge predictor of rent price.

It's just a basic quality of life thing. They're great for mental health, air, just having a private outdoor space (quite handy in a pandemic), a place for people to grow their own food, etc. The doors are usually big enough that they make a whole space feel larger. I imagine for most people having one will have a bigger impact on their well being than a walk-in closet or whatever other feature they're using the justify an insane rent.

Most importantly, drinking on porches and balconies is peak Richmond.

I'm just glad they have balconies. I think those should be in every building whenever possible. If the savings on the garbage looking facade allows that, I guess it's worth it.