The recent Opinion column, “Random Acts,” was one-sided [March 21 Xpress]. How do you know that the people who walked by [and] did not give anything to Happy aren't suffering themselves? How do you know if they haven't just lost a job or their child or family member has cancer or is ill? Or their partner just left them?
How do you know that they haven't given Happy some money some other time? Maybe they don't have any money on them. Maybe they have helped in other ways, like cooking for the vets, or donating food, blood, clothes and supplies, helping with heating, giving to their church for the hungry. Maybe some are doing the best they can do to help others.
I do not agree that we all ignore the situation and are numb to it. Sure, maybe some are, but don't lump everyone together.
I have dropped money to Happy many times. I can't do it every time I see him. Yes, it’s a sad situation, but there are also other people that need help too. Maybe many of us try to spread the love to help more then one person.
I know there are a lot of resources in this town to help people in need. People don't have to beg in the street. I volunteer at many of these places.
Also, in the same issue, it was mentioned that Rosetta’s Kitchen is offering meals for $2 [“The Business of Nourishment”]. This is an amazing community with so many wonderful people giving and sharing of themselves to help those in need.
As far as seeing people in need in the streets, many times I have been stalked by vagrants in the street, or cursed at because the $5 I gave them wasn't enough to please them. And many are often drunk, which has made me very apprehensive. So personally I would rather give my time by volunteering and donating at many agencies to help those in need instead of giving handouts.
— Sandy Jones
Asheville
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