JULY 29, 2008

       Last week I got some hate mail. No, it wasn’t directed at me, but it was sent to me in the hopes I would rally with the writer in expressing disgust for those less fortunate.

       The e-mail arrived without a sender’s name. And it was signed only as “K.” But given what I read, I have a pretty good idea why the person didn’t want to be identified.

       “Just got back from Winnipeg where I spent the afternoon downtown. I can’t believe how many social parasites I saw lying around on sidewalks and passed out on benches. These unemployed drunks and wastes of space need to get jobs and contribute to society (in a) positive way instead of costing us the (sic) whole lives.”

       Wow. I had to read the message again to make sure I really saw what I was seeing. Believe it or not, it went on from there and had some colourful language I can’t use in this column and it included some racial references.

       Not that I want to get into a debate about homelessness or drunkenness but I think it’s unfair to judge an entire group of people – whether it be by colour, creed or anything like that – just because some people live a certain way.

       Often people think those living on the street or stumbling around drunk are reckless and just looking to party and not live a responsible life. That’s not always the case. Sometimes these people didn’t make poor choices and just had some misfortunes in life that the majority of us are lucky we haven’t had to experience.

       We’ve seen it many times that the rich and famous all of a sudden become the hungry and homeless after making bad career or financial choices. It doesn’t mean these people are “parasites” because they made a mistake. And making a mistake shouldn’t get a person judged.

       It’s sad to think that rather than helping someone in need, people can let their preconceived notions have them lash out at a complete stranger.