I sure hope Brian Eller’s article “Giving to homeless not so helpful” (Jan. 10) was a big joke. It was painful to read, yet valuable in that it highlights some of our society’s biggest socioeconomic problems.
Brian urges our student body to “attack the root of the problem” by yelling at the homeless from speeding automobiles. He then claims that he “really believes in helping people.” The paradox is, he wants to help the homeless for his sake and not theirs.
For a capitalist system to function properly, a certain level of unemployment must exist. Otherwise, inflation runs rampant. The current unemployment rate in California stands at 4.5 percent, which is those actively pursuing work. Those with the lowest job skills inevitably fall into this category, which leads them toward depression, drugs, etc. Clearly, they have no family or friends to turn to, or they wouldn’t wind up on the streets. Their mental instability is only worsened by people like Brian, who mock and harass them in the streets.
Please understand that the homeless are a product of our economic system; the same one we operate in, privileged with a college education. Once you understand this, Brian, we can begin to attack the root of the problem.
Alex Metcalf
Business administration junior