Reader refuses to help panhandlers

To the editor:

Everyone has a right to earn a living. My husband and I are both retired (I am disabled, as well.)

I have a hard time seeing people with signs begging for money. There are other ways to legally obtain a living. In particular, I am referring to the fellow who sits on the corner of A Avenue NE and Seventh Street. It kind of irks me that he is there rain or shine. What does this say about our city, especially to those, coming into Cedar Rapids for the downtown farmers market?

I know we are not the only city to have panhandlers. We were told years ago, that if you followed these people after they left the area, that they drove luxury vehicles, and lived in luxury areas of Washington, D.C., so we were advised not to contribute to their wealth. And, we don't to this day. There are charities that will help these people in Cedar Rapids. You only have to look around. The state has programs that will help the poor. This man rides a bike, he has it tied up across A Avenue NE, from where he sits. He is scruffy looking and perhaps he is unaware of these programs. But, if you are from an up and coming city trying to make itself look presentable to the outside world, you have to make an effort to do your best. And, this is not doing your best.

Kathleen Hall

Cedar Rapids