Letters to the Editor

'Walked in the shoes'

It burns me up when self-righteous people like Alicia Brown-Docken (letter Oct. 30) write when they have no knowledge of the plight of the homeless. Unless she has actually walked in the shoes of the homeless, she should keep her opinions to herself.

I have walked in the shoes of the homeless and know firsthand that being homeless is a full-time job. You can't get a job when you don't have an address. After the city chose to destroy their birth certificates, Social Security cards, as well as medications, they can no longer prove identity.

Many of the homeless are drafted Vietnam veterans who have lost faith in America. Now the Desert Storm veterans and Iraqi Freedom veterans are returning home, and many of them feel the same way. Whose fault is it?

Tents and sleeping bags aren't supposed to be motivators. They are necessities of survival, since there aren't enough shelters. The women's shelter holds only 25. What is No. 26 supposed to do? Homeless people are well aware of what they need to do, but it's easier said than done. They are accountable for their needs being met. Ever notice who is doing more recycling?

Nona W. Harris