Letters to the Editor

+ Homeless do not need tougher laws
Dear Editor:
In Rod Thomson’s My View, he said The Salvation Army is a place homeless people can go ... In Sarasota it costs $10 a night to stay at the Salvation Army. Yes, they have a program, but to get in that program one must have a job — and then still pay $70 a week for a bed in a dorm. He says that the homeless need a dose of tough love, which would mean tougher laws and requirements placed on them. Mr. Thomson is another cold-hearted person who has no idea what it’s like to go hungry and have nowhere to sleep. I was at lunch recently at the Salvation Army and encountered a young couple with two small children. They man and woman were both cleancut-looking and told me they cannot find work. They are all sleeping in the woods near the airport. Will someone tell Mr. Thomson to wake up and look around and talk to people who are homeless because our political leaders let us all down?
David Cantrell  
Sarasota

+ Good manners never go out of style
Dear Editor:
Bravo to you, Dr. Peter Wish. I could not have said it any better than you in your recent My View in the Sarasota Observer, “People behaving badly.” Somewhere along the line we have lost the idea that treating each other with good manners counts. I just had to let you know that article was right on the money. It is frustrating to see Sarasota now. We came to Sarasota in 1977. This home we live in was my mother-in-law’s. We sold everything in New Jersey to come here because we so loved the charm of Sarasota. All our neighbors here in the Gulf Gate area knew each other, had open houses, parties and really watched out for one another. Even our community association was very active.

I cannot believe the loss of all the small-town closeness. Manners? Wow, that’s gone, especially on the beach and in restaurants, even in grocery stores. Yes, it is a me-me society ... is this the price we pay for upgrades and more culture moving in? I remember the swing bridge going to our lovely beach. We did not mind waiting and always had a parking spot. Gone ... all gone. I suppose I am getting old? No .... good manners never grow old just gets lost in the shuffle. I hope I can teach my grandchildren the art of good manners.

Thanks again for the article. I cut it out to save.
Rose Marie Canino
Sarasota