Letter unfairly lambasted the poor

The Dec. 23 letter from Harvey Hops, captioned “Too many ‘poor' rely on government handouts,” warrants a response.

Keep in mind, Mr. Hops, the world you and I grew up in was a kinder, gentler, more organized place than today. You say you father's naval officer's pay led to many cost-saving practices. That pay was a steady, guaranteed salary, right?

It seems you had a stay-at-home mom, which contributed to you being fed, clothed, housed and loved. We know what that's like today.

And to have had paper routes and other jobs must mean you lived in town. Having been brought up on a small farm was less lucrative for me. Nevertheless, I, too, was fed, clothed, housed and loved. My family thanked God and prayed for others.

Your letter lambastes the poor. Can you ignore those among us who, through no fault of their own, are stricken with mental illnesses? They are human beings who need love, consideration. Our returning war heroes deserve a hand up. They don't want a hand out.

I could go on. When your letter ended with a caustic “No hack was needed to judge us or deem a government handout necessary,” I wondered about your lack of humility. This is a class castigation of the poor to inflate your ego.

Marla Rosel

Cedar Rapids