Letters

Homelessness

Critics of Œbeggars’ are the stingiest

After reading the June 20 letter from Theresa Nguyen, regarding those that she refers to as homeless “beggars,” I felt compelled to respond.

Ms. Nguyen must be one of the conscripts in this ever-growing army of “compassionate conservatives.” These folks are part of the new moral didactic that have lots of criticism for the less fortunate, but offer little in the way of help. I find that the people, who are the most prolific with reasons why they should not offer charity to the destitute, are generally the stingiest with their own humanity throughout life.

Ms. Nguyen’s assertion that a “beggar” can earn up to $80,000 a year panhandling is preposterous. And her reference to the “research” that she has done is ludicrous.

Ms. Nguyen’s attitude is perplexing, but epidemic in this country. One could assume that at some time, Ms. Nguyen’s family was the beneficiary of generous U.S. immigration policy. That point seems to have been lost on her. Ms. Nguyen can sit in her ivory tower and view the homeless through that lens that has been clouded by Bothell myopia and affluence. Homelessness and poverty are but a few short steps away for many Americans. The misfortune of losing a job while supporting a family, or having an accident without the benefit of medical insurance has thrust many people into desperate circumstances. The affluence and arrogance of our society has allowed too many to lose sight of the golden rule, and comprehension of its meaning.

Ms. Nguyen should not look too far down her nose at those she castigates; an unanticipated mishap could cast her into the ranks of those that she so readily condemns.

JEFFREY POLLACK

Seattle

PRDs

Amendment would be bad for the city

It’s like the Terminator. Nobody likes it, it can do incredible damage, and it won’t go away. I’m talking about the proposed amendment to the Edmonds Development Code regarding PRDs (Planned Residential Developments).

This amendment would give builders exceptions to the code so they could tear trees down on irregular lots within our neighborhoods and squeeze as many houses on them as they can. And worst of all, a bureaucrat (Hearing Examiner) won’t decide if the development is wise, but whether it complies with this amendment. If the neighbors don’t like it, well, they can appeal to Superior Court.

The public has had at least three opportunities to comment on this amendment. Each time they were unanimous. Not one person spoke in favor of the amendment. All were against. Yet, here we go again. July 1 at the City Council meeting the public is once again urged to comment on the proposed amendment.

The citizens of Edmonds are being ignored. Come to the Council meeting to comment, once again, or catch the action on cable channel 21 at 12 and 7. If a councilmember votes for the proposed amendment, tell them they won’t be back.

DON KREIMAN

Edmonds

Same-sex marriage

Canada population, holidays in danger

There has been considerable publicity of late concerning the proposed same-sex marriages in Canada.

This has raised several questions. Since a prime principle of marriage is the propagation of the species, does this mean that the population of Canada will now decrease?

An additional factor, particularly at this time of year, is what will happen to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

DONALD ANDERSON

Edmonds

Summer vacations

Get your mail taken care of while gone

Of all the things you should try to remember before you go on vacation, one of the most important is taking care of your mail. It can be as simple as having a neighbor look after it, having your Post Office hold it, or having it forwarded to your vacation spot.

If your vacation is less than 30 days, it will probably make sense to have the Post Office hold your mail until your return. Plan early. It’s a good idea to submit your vacation hold at least one week in advance. You can submit your hold mail or redelivery request through www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1 -800-275-8777). Or you can just stop by your local Post Office or ask your letter carrier for a vacation hold form. Be sure to fill in all appropriate boxes, including the start and ending dates. Print in easy-to-read block letters.

All of your mail will be held until your return and delivery will resume on the day indicated. If you normally get a lot of mail, you might want to stop by the Post Office on your return to pick up your mail, as it may be too much to fit in your mailbox in one delivery.

If you plan an extended vacation, or your destination would allow for mail delivery, you might consider a temporary forward (not more than 12 months). Many retired people who spend their winters in the south use this method to receive their mail.

When you submit a temporary forward, again submit it early and make sure the information is legible. Allow about five working days for the Postal Service to add this forward to its computerized forwarding system. First-Class Mail, Priority Mail and Express Mail are forwarded free. Periodicals are forwarded free for 60 days. Parcels may require additional postage. Mailer applied endorsements on individual pieces of mail such as “Address Service Requested” mail, or “Return Service Requested,” may make that mail non-forwardable.

So take your vacation free of worry. Wherever you go, your mail can follow. Or it can wait patiently until your return. The choice is yours.

TOM SNYDER

Postmaster

Edmonds Post Office