New St. Cloud panhandling problem
Dear Editor:
In recent weeks I have noticed a disturbing sight in our St. Cloud community. There have been panhandlers operating in local shopping centers. Most recently, outside of a local Publix store.
I recognize that there are many folks who are struggling. To some degree, most of us are. However, I do not want to see what I witnessed up north and the pathetic situation in Kissimmee. While there are true cases of need, we are all aware that there are people in this world who will not work or conform to society, choosing instead to live on the streets with no accountability or responsibility for themselves.
There are agencies and charitable organizations that work to assist the truly needy. At this time of year there are many churches and other groups who collect food and other things for the disadvantaged. For those who choose the street life, I do not condone supporting their drug or alcohol addictions, nor their refusal to work. No, I am not a heartless person. But, I choose to help those who help themselves and contribute something worthwhile to society.
I don’t know what the county statute is, but the number of panhandlers in Kissimmee gives me cause for concern when I see it going on in our town.
Cebie Dorsey, St. Cloud
Against leaders' "rubber stamp"
Dear Editor:
This is in response to Megan Miller’s letter (“Fighting For Four Winds marshland,” Dec. 2). As a resident of Kissimmee, this comes as no surprise as this is the way the county and city have operated for all the years I have lived here. I have watched commissioners rubber stamp just about everything that comes before them. I have seen concerned citizens stand before them, present valid arguments against developments, and most of their concerns were never addressed. Always remind yourself, they are politicians; their souls belong to the large contributors to their campaigns. Ask them this question: “After you have cleared out all the land, what do you do with the animals?”
The next time they call for a Town Hall meeting, don’t bother. It’s a waste of time. Mark Twain said it best: “No man’s life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session.”
All we can do is vote them out, and hope there are some dissenting voices in the next group.
Bernice Staton, Kissimmee
