Stop the Narco-Nomad
Don't pity the fool: This is regarding Peter Jamison's article, "Their Daily Bread" [Feature, 2/4]. I live in the Tenderloin at Turk and Leavenworth. I have a job and am not addicted to any drugs. I am tired of seeing people who are high defecating and urinating on the sidewalks. The Tenderloin does not have a homeless problem: It has a Narco-Nomad problem. A Narco-Nomad is a person who's homeless and addicted to drugs. Some of them have no desire to make their life better. They live off the pity of others.
The city needs to stop pitying the Narco-Nomad. Pity is a very destructive emotion. Pity gives people an out. Pity gives people permission to be fuckups. People need to be held accountable for their actions. And I have heard the arguments before. "Oh, they have had a hard life — that is why they are addicted to drugs." The Narco-Nomads pity themselves. The churches pity them. The city pities them.
The Narco-Nomad needs a swift kick in the ass. People who help the poor must stop making excuses for their behavior. Tough love is in order. As the saying goes, "Don't just give a man a fish. Teach him how to fish." There should be mental health clinics and programs to get people off drugs. They should be fed while being taught. They should not be getting something for nothing. They should be repaying everyone by getting better and becoming a productive member of society. And, as a society, we should demand it.
Rosemarie Vasquez
San Francisco
Nun too happy with Tenderloin activists: Peter Jamison's article is excellent. As I read through it, what caught my attention was my feelings of absolute anger at the activists.
I see them working to build another middle-class neighborhood where they can live and be comfortable. There is no recognition of the poverty, of the pain in their midst. Their comments about people who use drugs and drug dealers don't point to the reality that there are very few drug programs, and that housing is impossible for many.
There is much pain in the Tenderloin, driven by our economy. From the mayor down through the supervisors, little is recognized of that pain. There seems to be a feeling that if you don't have enough money, then San Francisco isn't a place for you. The people who seek food are in need of food. They live in the area; they are not "outsiders." They are residents.
The problem is growing. I have housed individuals coming to me for food, so I congratulate the Fraternite Notre Dame on their work and struggle to feed those in need. I also came to the area nearly 15 years ago, and I was criticized for not asking permission. I am still here, and will be as long as there is need. The Fraternite is needed, and I pray that those activists in the Tenderloin take a few moments and look beyond themselves and their needs to the needs of those around them.
Father River Sims
Director of Temenos Catholic Worker and Bishop of the Society of Franciscan Workers, Inc.
San Francisco
Think Pink
Unicycle of healing: Support your Local Superhero ["Gritty in Pink," Feature, Ashley Harrell, 1/28]. We all have feet of clay. As a teacher, I take my responsibilities to children very seriously, and I believe that casting a kind light on people overcoming problems will keep us safer than casting stones.
The way to end abuse is not more abuse. After setting firm limits, let reform and healing begin, and let life (and laughter) return. Pink on!
Victoria
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