By Thom Trybus
As an endangered species, (an old Vietnam War-era, peace loving hippie seen about town with my handmade key chains) I have trouble with some others’ views on the so-called “crisis” of the homeless issues here in Left L.A.; like Bill Bauer’s, for example.
His personal attitude seems to border on hatred, rather than being informative or making a point now and again. Shame on you, Billy boy. You appear to be much too intelligent to be down there.
Where it does make sense at times to fight fire with fire, most of the time it makes more sense to use water. I am an unemployed, disadvantaged, handicapped individual who is suffering amidst the condition others so casually categorize as “homelessness.” Why? There are a myriad of reasons people wind up like this, but basically it is because of the overwhelming presence of an illegal alien population in this region, which severely impacts any hope for jobs, affordable housing, quality schooling, etc., otherwise available to us. How about exercising your endorphins a bit, Willy, and help your brothers and sisters out here combat this in-your-face problem, eh?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 20, 2003. Read the original PDF.