Tuesday: Three Morning Takes
a fair system / the space mormons tried to fix homelessness / spirited away
PW Daily
May 5, 2026
A fair system
In its ongoing efforts to expose the rotted values of our capitalist oppressors, the New York Times ran a stunning profile of an artist soon to be evicted from the recently-renovated Chelsea hotel, where he has lived for 32 years thanks to a rent-stabilization program. There, the Times explains, this colorful anchor of neighborhood charm produces art (of the kindergarten finger painting variety), watches Netflix nature documentaries, and lives largely on takeout, including his favorite vegan “seitan scaloppine” from across the street. I understand I’m expected to care. But while I do want affordable housing for cool “artists,” my chief priority is still a housing system that doesn’t require lotteries and the concept of a glowing NYT profile about a man’s kooky lifestyle inviting us to determine which sort of people deserve an apartment. Fortunately, one such system exists. It’s called the free market. A thought: let’s give it a shot.
The space Mormons tried to fix homelessness
In Utah, a contingent of Republicans including Governor Spencer Cox were trying to build a campus where homeless people would receive mandatory treatment for addiction or mental illness. The plan was met with some confusion — “Mandatory for whom? Who makes the determination?” said Heather Hogue, who is involved with homelessness at the state level — and criticism, with men like the Democratic leader of the Utah House calling the planned facilities the criminalization of homelessness meets literally “internment camps.” Nevermind that the public rendering of the resort — I mean uh facility — resembles Apple’s campus in Cupertino, including the free employee medical care. Anyway, lawmakers approved $45 million for some of the services, but the camps (resorts) are tabled for the time being. Because Heaven forbid anyone try anything besides unconditional housing aid and/or just literally Lime scooter-ing around the people bent over in the street while they actively overdose.
Spirited Away
Spirit Airlines, the discount flyer option famous for offering passengers $25 tickets so long as they’re ok with the level of leg room afforded by skinny jeans and a general atmosphere best described as a flying Waffle House, ceased operations suddenly over the weekend, leaving thousands of passengers literally stranded without a return flight. The company, which had previously gone bankrupt (twice), cited higher fuel costs due to that whole Iran war thing as their reason for folding (fair), but careful observers noted ‘hey, didn’t JetBlue try to save you guys via acquisition in 2024, only to be blocked by Biden as Tribal Elder Liz Warren celebrated, calling the failed merger a ‘win for flyers’? Some win, stranding people at LaGuardia.’ Regardless, a fittingly shitty last act from the famously shitty airline. May we remember Spirit as their passengers lived: blasting music on speakerphone and threatening to fight employees when they tell you water costs extra.
