Questions to ponder

I am old by some standards, but I still pay attention to the news and what goes on around me. I have noticed a definite increase in the unfortunate folks on the street who are having a miserable time during the harsh winter. My heart goes out to them as I know I could be one of them at some point.

You can easily spot their presence by the rats nest of trash they seem to accumulate around them and their makeshift camp ground. It’s not a pretty sight, nor is the sight of people sleeping on the sidewalk at all hours of the day and night.

What to do? It’s a problem for the wisdom of Solomon — something that seems to be lacking in a lot of our elected officials. It’s hard to be charitable when you are struggling yourself, but I have bought many a Big Mac.

This brings us to the topic of criminal activity. At what point do we condone stealing and is there a place for that in civil society? Women who are driven by the need to protect and nurture their children are legend — think momma bear. So in order to protect society we should protect them from themselves? Is that a solution? How would we do that in the first place? We are guaranteed by the Constitution “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” But not at someone else’s expense. So stealing from someone is out.

Then we must educate those who are prone to that in a better way. Whatever that is, and protect society in the mix. There are no do-overs. So, what do I hope to accomplish with this letter? More talk may lead to solid action.

In the meantime, we shed tears as we ring our hands and poke holes in the sky with our fingers promising to do something. Who knows what will become of it?

— Joseph H. Balocca/Vallejo