Dylan Cave

If the dollar figure is accurate in Mary Lou's Report, I can't imagine spending that much money to see such little progress. That number can't possibly be real.

Given my age, I can't remember a time that societal rejects were institutionalized. I imagine the ending of such programs were precluded by concerns of mistreatment within the institutions themselves, or, most likely, someone decided it was too expensive and axed the programs.

Perhaps, a well funded, or vigorous public information campaign to stop handing out money to panhandlers would be successful. Downtown companies should educate their employees not to give handouts. If they feel they must do something, volunteer with or give to a homeless charity instead.

Do not to let sob stories pull on your hearts and wallets. One homeless man, perhaps too drunk to recognize me, tells me a similar if not the same story a few times a week.