Editor:
We write in response to Larry Tradleners commentary titled Freeloaders in the March 1 edition of the Journal.
It is Mr. Tradleners choice to interpret the series of articles in the paper from a bleeding heart perspective. The mission of the Bridge is to provide overnight emergency shelter and services to promote self-sufficiency. Serving someones basic needs is a fundamental and honorable responsibility. It happens when humans care for one another.
Mr. Tradlener points out that people take advantage of the system and hes right; it happens in Cortez, Durango, Denver, across the nation. He reluctantly admits that folks, presumed to be clients at the Bridge, are down on their luck and need short-term assistance; hes right about this too. It is fortunate that he never had to resort to welfare himself.
However, it is grossly insensitive to refer to any group of people as bums, layabouts, victims, loafers, and freeloaders. Doing so shows an exemplary mastery of mans inhumanity to man. (Robert Burns, poet, 1784)
We have heard from clients, our staff, and from volunteers about the inappropriateness of Mr. Tradleners remarks. Basically they see that he appears to let his personal biases and prejudices interfere with facts. In past commentaries he has written that he likes to learn and teach. In that spirit, we invite him to come to the shelter. He will learn that most clients say thank you for a bowl of soup, crackers and Gatorade. He will see that clients voluntarily sweep and mop the floors and keep the dining and lounge areas tidy. He will learn that clients share rooms with four or more people. He will learn that they have to get up at 6 a.m. and clean their sleeping areas and bathrooms and that they leave the shelter by 7 a.m. It is not a luxurious existence.
In reference to the quote from Lao Tzu made at the end of Mr. Tradleners commentary, a visit to the shelter will show him that we are feeding people and we are teaching some of them to fish.
Sara Wakefield
Executive Director
M. B. McAfee
Chair, Board of Directors
The Bridge Emergency Shelter
Cortez
Via e-mail
