PANHANDLERS NEED COMPASSION, HELP

Re: Stop pandering to panhandlers, O'Brien says, Nov. 3.

Larry O'Brien says Ottawans should stop giving money to panhandlers
because they may use it for drugs. This mayoral candidate reminds me
a lot of current (and hopefully soon-to-be replaced) Councillor Georges Bedard.

The not-in-my-backyard solutions put forth by these uncompassionate
men do not deal with the problem, they merely postpone it or pass it on.

Yes, it's likely that some panhandlers take drugs or are alcoholics.
It's also likely that they are hungry and need shelter, too.

To advise people to stop giving money isn't going to take care of
those who need help. What should we do instead? How can we help the homeless?

Mr. O'Brien also wants to stop handing out pipes to crack addicts, a
program that helps to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. I don't see much
compassion in either of these ideas, and I don't see much action, either.

What I see is a man who would like to judge less fortunate people and
punish them for their problems rather than try to help them. For the
O'Briens and Bedards of this world, all problems are black or white
with no shades of grey.

I don't think O'Brien can handle it and I don't believe he is the
right person to be put in charge of a city with a populace that needs
compassion more than it needs to be judged.

Amanda Earl,

Ottawa