Where’s the compassion
for homeless population?

As a recent college graduate, I have had the privilege to work closely with the homeless population in Tacoma, Wash. I gained a great appreciation and understanding of the homeless.
Upon returning to my hometown of Grand Junction, I was appalled to read of the city’s determination to run the homeless out of town.
The eviction of the homeless from their encampments, as well as the recent attempt to abolish panhandling, is atrocious and demonstrates a complete lack of compassion and humanity on the part of the city.
What members of the City Council such as Gregg Palmer don’t seem to understand is that homeless people are human beings with the same rights, emotions and aspirations as the rest of us. They are not begging because they choose to or to inflict harm. They do it because for many homeless, it is the only available source of income. I wonder if citizens such as Mr. Palmer would offer jobs to some of these individuals, to provide them an alternative income to panhandling.
Americans are inherently afraid of coming into contact with pain and suffering. They seem to believe that misfortune is contagious, and that lending a helping hand could somehow put them at risk of becoming destitute.
The homeless need help. Many of these people have faced terrible trials and experienced things that the rest of us could never imagine. All that they wish for is to be shown a bit of compassion and to be treated with respect.
As I graduate into this unstable economy and increasingly negative world, I still maintain hope that we are all in this together. Seeing the heartless treatment of the homeless in this community that I was raised in makes me sick, and I wholeheartedly hope that we can collectively strive to be a more tolerant, compassionate and generous city.
I know times are tough and money is scarce. If nothing else, just give them a smile and acknowledge their existence.
CULLY EISNER-TERRILL
Grand Junction

Help WWII veterans
visit war memorial
Over the next month and more, the Western Slope has a unique opportunity to pay tribute to some of our beloved military veterans.  On Aug. 25-26th, 100 of our World War II veterans will be taking the Western Slope Honor Flight to see the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Tom Brokaw has aptly labeled the WWII generation the greatest generation. By any measure, what they accomplished remains nearly unbelievable, even 60-plus years later.  For example:  Howard K. Smith writes that the War Production Board assembled managers, scientists and workers into “the most productive organization ever known. The Navy set its sights high and asked for 60 vessels in 60 days. It got 67. Roosevelt asked for 45,000 tanks and 60,0000 airplanes in one year.  He got more.”
To summarize all their success, I wouldn’t even know where to begin.  Instead I’ll cite Stephen Ambrose’s very concise summary of the monumental outcomes of World War II:  “A democratic Germany. A democratic Japan. A democratic South Korea. The Berlin Airlift. The Marshall Plan. The recognition of Israel. The formation of NATO.”
During this recession, many worthy causes need our support. To honor World War II veterans, however, we are in a time crunch. These gentlemen  are in their 80s or older and we are running out of opportunities to honor them while they remain with us.
This is an excellent time to thank all military veterans for their service to our country.  And this year, it’s an ideal time to honor our World War II veterans by making a donation to the honor flight.
You can stop by the Honor Flight booth at the downtown Farmers Market, or visit the website at www.westernslopehonorflight.com.
MARTHA LISANTTI
Grand Junction

This entry was posted on Monday, July 6th, 2009 at 10:49 am and is filed under Printed letters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.