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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels December 10, 2004 Homeless effort is misdirected For the life of me I do not know why we are having this debate about providing permanent housing in Ashland for the indolent homeless. There are simply too many poor and desperate people in this world who would give their eye teeth for an opportunity to legally move to America and work and in time realize the "American Dream." To spend our energy and resources providing solace to a bunch of transient loafers or scofflaws who are not prepared to work in this land of plenty is not something even worth considering in my view. Sure, provide limited, temporary housing to help homeless people who are down on their luck to transition back into the work force and begin to care for themselves again. I would even support consideration, with caveats, for some sort of transitional house for the homeless who are seriously mentally ill to be established in Ashland. But to expect the city to provide long-term housing or a homeless camp for idle boneheads to sit around and "express themselves" while drawing from the public purse? Forget it. I would rather suggest to those citizens who want to help the needy that they consider individually sponsoring a child in a third-world country instead. At least they would then have the quiet satisfaction of truly helping someone help themselves. Doug Forsyth Ashland Good reasons for homeless village Mr. John Gaffey is certainly correct when he writes in the Tidings' letters (12/3) that able-bodied homeless adults have no right to live on the sweat of society. However, he might fail to see the bigger picture. He asks, somewhat rhetorically, "what does this homeless village have to offer Ashland?" Let me take this chance to offer some answers: o Creating this village with our own sweat will empower us to move forward as healthier citizens, ensuring a healthier community. o A healthier homeless community will lessen police intervention, and cost, in matters relating to the homeless. o Tax revenue will grow as costs relating to intervention and social services lessen, and taxpaying citizens are created. o An example will be set for other cities and towns across America to follow, earning for Ashland its continuing distinction as a forward-thinking community. o Something realistic must be attempted in dealing with the ever-growing numbers of homeless. This is a big part of that something. This is not snake oil, Mr. Gaffey; neither is it the answer to all of the problems facing our nation. It is, however, a completely realistic attempt to begin managing what is quickly becoming a concern in Ashland. Thank you for adding your part to this discussion. Randy Dolinger Homeless spokesperson A long history of peaceful work As a co-founder, former board member and faithful supporter of Peace House, I welcome the opportunity to offer my understanding of Peace House's position on vandalism and violence, which was called into question in a recent Guest Forum. Peace House's mission and programs have always been, and still are, to promote peace through non-violent education and action. Non-violence is by definition open, harmless, respectful, truthful, and above all, accountable. (Vandalism and violence are by definition exactly the opposite.) I'm grateful to the present staff, board members, volunteers and supporters of Peace House for clearly and outspokenly upholding, honoring and demonstrating these principles of non-violence and hope for a peaceful world in all their activities, especially in these dark times. Dot Fisher-Smith Ashland DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Isotoner Slippers Dsw Shoes Ciara Lyrics & Pictures libor rate Radiotelephone Communication Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Calendar lil jon eastside boyz Citibank Student Loans Acs Loan Matchmaking & Dating Scripts Adventure Travel Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems The game rapper Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams