The Blame Game
It’s odd that you would illustrate an article on homelessness with pictures of new construction projects (“Rags Amid Riches” by Karen Shugart, Oct. 24). The trend in Charlotte has been for more and more construction workers to be the same illegal aliens whom CL‘s editorial management, staff and guest writers have defended, praised, coddled and invited. Now they’re taking jobs that could provide incomes — and housing — to many of the destitute Americans profiled in the article. But instead of addressing here-and-now reality, Ms. Shugart ridiculously blames slavery and whines for more “services” — temporary, dignity-sapping handouts that do nothing to put these citizens on the path to living productive lives. The results of CL‘s hug-an-illegal attitude are right in front of your eyes; why are you so blind?
— Charles Held, Charlotte
Karen Shugart responds:
I appreciate Mr. Held’s letter but would like to note that it was a homeless man interviewed who brought up slavery when discussing the roots of homelessness. Also, CL writers have not taken a monolithic view of immigration. While the effects of illegal workers on low-income citizens is certainly worrisome, kicking out every person illegally wouldn’t wipe out homelessness. More affordable housing and, yes, services are needed.
Freedom of Speech
John Grooms never ceases to amaze me with his stupidity (Boomer With Attitude: “Bush Hurts National Security,” Oct. 17). Another attack on President Bush, this time stressing ad nausea how he has hurt national security. I mean, why can’t liberals just shut up for once, look in the mirror and see what Americans see.
Americans have absolutely no trust in a Democrat in the White House. Certainly not after Willie Clinton’s abysmal national security record, his inability to meet with his CIA director for two years after his first inaugural, or his inability to get serious with Islamic fanaticism despite a dozen attacks on U.S. and foreign soils.
At least with Bush you get a president who truly acts instead of one who just acted well on screen that he could have won eight Oscars for the lackluster years he sullied the Oval Office with his wagging index finger and huge bubba-schnauzer.
Americans don’t care about mistakes made in war since mistakes are a natural output in war. What Americans want and deserve is a win. Slowly, but surely, we will be victorious, despite your cries for the enemy. Yes, you have every right to belittle the president just as I have a right to set the record straight. Be well.
— Lee Anthony Nieves, Charlotte
Correction
A Oct. 10 article about the Charlotte mayor’s race misidentified Michael Evans. He is the past chairman of the Mecklenburg Democratic Party.
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2007.
