Letters to the Editor: May 21, 2009

Find help for homeless

I’m glad that La Jolla merchants are showing some concern about our homeless population. It is, however, unfortunate that even when they do the right thing, it’s for the wrong reasons.

It all appears self-serving, with no attention to the plight of the homeless.

Is there no room for proposals that might improve the lives of the poor and no ideas to help them out of their tragic dilemma? It is a social problem, that society (all of us) can cure. It’s not only about trash on the street. It’s about people who have run out of luck and opportunities.

We need to discard the medieval idea that poverty is forever and is appropriate punishment for sloth and laziness. A bit of compassion and willingness to confront the system that works for us, but not for everyone, would be a good start. Being homeless is one of the cruelest of dilemmas. It could happen to anyone.

Tanja Winter

La Jolla