Letter: Act to ensure homeless’ rights

Friday, April 8, 2005 | 9:03 a.m.

Elected officials, before approving government action, either actively or passively, must be certain their actions are constitutional. When they enter office they take an oath to uphold and defend the constitution. When they see selective enforcement of laws, they should speak out for those not being treated equally.

When they see violations of the constitution, in relation to the property of homeless people, they should stop these actions, which have been going on in Las Vegas for three years now. Also, tourists -- and you and I -- can carry open alcoholic drinks in public, use bus benches, jaywalk or loiter with impunity. But if you are homeless and do these things, you will be fined or jailed.

Politicians can speak all they want about democracy protecting minority rights, but they must demonstrate that the rights of one-half of 1 percent of our population, the homeless, are also being protected.

It is a charade to talk about a 10-year plan to end homelessness in the region, when these punitive and unconstitutional actions are taken against the homeless. They have been dispersed around the valley, which will make any 10-year plan, even an honest one, more difficult to implement.

Our elected officials should be held accountable in the area of ensuring justice for our fellow citizens, the homeless.

FRANK PERNA