Letters for February 23, 2017

Whose fault is it?

Re “The $100,000 homeless man” by John Flynn and Matt Kramer (SN&R Feature Story, February 16):

Nowhere [in this story] was it even considered that any of the homeless people described had any role in their own plight: It was always someone else’s fault. Unless that attitude changes, no amount of government programs or charity will ever eradicate the homelessness problem.

Roland Brady

Sacramento

Money misspent?

Re “The $100,000 homeless man” by John Flynn and Matt Kramer (SN&R Feature Story, February 16):

Thanks for digging deeper into our local homelessness issue, and please keep going! The bottom line appears to be: We need real resources and easy-to-access housing. It looks like our new mayor is starting to move in this direction, so we’ll see how it goes.

As for Sac Steps Forward, I’m not satisfied that the money they receive is being directed to the best places. Collecting data and “referring” homeless to beds that simply are not there is a hamster-wheel-from hell situation. The police, local businesses and neighborhoods continue to be burdened with the results.

K. L. Rogers Sacramento

The luxury of housing

Re “The $100,000 homeless man” by John Flynn and Matt Kramer (SN&R feature, February 16):

It has become illegal to be poor in America. Housing seems to be a luxury of only the wealthy. More and more Americans, even those who are working, are facing the nightmare of becoming homeless.

We lost two people on City Hall grounds during the last major storm because of the lack of places for people to go to get out of the elements. Even though warming centers have been opened, these are not enough. Not when people’s survival gear (tents, sleeping bags, blankets, etc.) are taken as evidence of illegal camping.

We built an arena but continue to ignore the most vulnerable of our citizens. Many of us will continue to fight the unfair anti-camping ordinance. “We deserve the right to rest!”

Thank you for sharing this story! We need a paper not afraid to tell the truth!

Suzanne Hastings

Sacramento

Media monopolies

Re “Honesty in the time of Trump” by Jeff vonKaenel (SN&R Greenlight, February 9):

Jeff vonKaenel’s essay concerning the need for honest media coverage during Trump’s administration was on target. However, I worry because, unlike the 1960s and 1970s, we now have a handful of media conglomerates owning thousands of newspapers, magazines, TV networks and radio outlets.

I worry, when Sumner Redstone (soon turning 94 years old), the majority owner of CBS and Viacom, etc., passes away, who is waiting in the wings (the Koch brothers?) to buy the company if or when the heirs decide to sell. Worrisome.

Barbara Rohrer

Roseville

Do your job, Tom

After reading the story [in the Roseville Press Tribune] about the protesters at the rally at and inside the Tower Theater in Roseville, I have some questions:

Why did the police advise McClintock about “outside agitation”? First, how would they know, and how do they determine what “outside agitation” is? There was no indication of any “outside agitation.” The police were wrong in saying that unless they had evidence.

But I am mostly appalled by Congressman McClintock, especially by his referring to the protesters as “anarchists.” Yet the Tribune reported “no reported injuries, property damage or arrests.” These were nonviolent people expressing their point of view, so where does McClintock come across calling them “anarchists”? That was simply insulting.

McClintock went on to say, “We can’t allow them (anarchists) to shut down our democratic process, and we can’t allow them to interfere with the right of people to petition for redress.” Congressman McClintock, contrary to your prejudiced view, these were not anarchists, but people who were petitioning for redress. They wanted you to know how they felt about various issues. But because you thought they were “anarchists,” you paid no attention to their concerns. If they oppose you, they must be anarchists?

Congressman McClintock: Are you listening?  Or are you just brushing these concerns away as people who are anarchists? Frankly. Congressman McClintock, you need to grow up. Instead of calling protestors names like “anarchists,”, be a man and listen to what they have to say. Do your job.

Gary Miller

Roseville