I am writing in response to Carroll Anne Mrozek's letter ["Stop panhandling: Make the commitment," Oct. 22].
I too have noticed the panhandling around the Spotsylvania Towne Centre, the increasing numbers of homeless people around town, and also a bush in a vacant lot where someone lived for a while.
I have noticed the van that sometimes parks on my street that is home to a family with two very small children.
Ms. Mrozek's question--"Where is the dignity?"--made me think of just one more reason to perhaps have a bit of compassion for "these folks," as she calls them.
Imagine, if it is possible, that you lose your job and you are willing to get up at 4 a.m. and go to work--if there were any jobs to be had.
Then imagine that you lose your house or apartment, and there is nowhere else to go, and everything that you had ever worked for is gone, and you have to take your children and live in your car, or a shelter, or a tent, or an alley, or a box.
Then, to make things worse, comes the embarrassment of going out on the street to beg for money to feed yourself, or perhaps your 5-year-old, or buy medicine for your baby--and then realize that there is a woman who sits in her car and is so disgusted by you that she won't even look at you.
The letter-writer asks, "Where is the assistance? Where are the police?" Does she feel these people should be arrested?
Ms. Mrozek writes, "I would like an American taking my order at the local fast-food joint for a change. An honest day's work never hurt anyone. Ask your grandparents."
From what part of America did the name "Mrozek" originate? Perhaps she can ask her grandparents.
Beth Jenkins
Fredericksburg