I have just read that the New York City Police Department is cracking down with increase arrests on subway panhandlers and peddlers.
I find this most disturbing because these people don’t need tickets or jail but help. This could mean affordable housing, mental health assistance and financial help.
I know this only too well, for after the Vietnam war and was release from the Navy I found myself in terrible shape both mentally and physically and living on the street for awhile.
I found myself asking strangers for spare change and that was just to get something to eat. It was a sad time but if not for the kindness of a stranger, I don’t know if I would have survived.
The city needs to take pity on such as these. Let not New York be known as,” Town without pity,”
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village