By Barry Blanchard Santa Monica
In response to Lori Emerson’s hate letter (SMDP, May 18, 2006, page 4): This lady obviously doesn’t have a clue when she sums up every homeless person with one word — “bum.” I am a 42-year-old white American male who, for the past 25 years, has worked construction up and down the Gulf Coast following hurricanes. Because I now have what appears to be an imperfect work record — six months in one place, three months in another — it is difficult for me to find work. I also believe that because I am a white American male, jobs that I would be competent to fill are being taken by illegal immigrants that are willing to accept half the pay because they cannot work legally in this country. I would like to point out that I am also a Veteran and served in the Army.
Not every homeless person is a stinky, smelly, psycho, mumbling bum. My dog, Reba, and I are very clean and respectable looking. I personally would rather work than be out here on the streets of Soviet Monica, where we are harassed by the Nazi stormtroopers (AKA — The Santa Monica Police Department).
Concerned citizens like (Emerson) should spend a day with us before writing hostile, mean-spirited letters using sweeping generalizations about human beings. I have a friend that recently lived in Brentwood, lost everything and now she is out here with us. She used to be one of you. She says she is in the “homeless protection program” now and she would like you to meet us for lunch.
This is an open invitation. Please bring the editor and your checkbook.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 23, 2006. Read the original PDF.