To the editor:
I just wanted to respond to the editorial by Mr. Gamble where he shared his thoughts on how we should be “helping the homeless.”
I understand for most people here in North Bay, this is a problem they never had to look at before. I remember the only homeless person I ever saw was the old man with the yellow raincoat. If you were born and raised here you should know who I’m talking about.
Point is, none of you cared all that much about the homeless until they became too visible to ignore. It’s clear where this type of thinking comes from and it has nothing to do with wanting to help others help themselves. It’s an issue with visibility. If you can’t see it, then you don’t have to feel guilty about not wanting to do anything about it. What Mr. Gamble suggests as “just a thought” (despite painting us a pretty clear vision) is to build what sounds to me like a gulag or forced labour camp.
Housing, fencing, guards, made to do work, located outside of the city away from the “good hardworking peaceful folk.
Tell me this doesn’t sound like a political prison camp.
I am sure he didn’t mean it like that and only had the best intentions in mind; but regardless I say be careful with the thoughts you put out there especially when it comes to a visible, identifiable group of people. Because the road to hell is always paved with good intentions.
All I know is I’m homeless and I’m not going to be picking up trash in exchange for housing. We all know all that litter out there isn’t just from the homeless. Maybe some of you could volunteer your time to pick up trash and I will come lend a hand.
Shayne Beaucage
North Bay
