Letter: Veterans’ work, needs shouldn’t be forgotten

Monday, April 18, 2005 | 9:03 a.m.

Americans are among the hardest-working people and deservedly enjoy a standard of living that is among the highest in the world. That is why our cities should find an answer to homelessness -- because homeless people have contributed to our prosperity.

Approximately 30 percent of the people in our homeless population are veterans. The sacrifices and service to America made by our homeless veterans count for little when they are forced to sleep in the desert and on the sidewalks. It doesn't matter whether Republicans or Democrats are in power -- those serving in the military today will be neglected in the future by Congress and the Veteran Affairs department.

In Iraq and Afghanistan, the casualty rate is higher than in our previous wars, which means that more of these troops will filter down to the homeless population. It only took a few years before many veterans of the first Gulf War ended up on the streets, and their complaints about Gulf War Syndrome and other service-connected health problems fell on deaf ears.

Did you know that about 40 percent of the homeless in Las Vegas came here for employment? Did you know that about 40 percent also work at minimum-wage jobs? This puts the lie to the politicians who call them worthless and take punitive actions against them. We know that using the justice system against them instead of providing services is more expensive and less humane, yet they continue these unproductive and harsh measures.

It seems that Americans and Congress are more generous to foreigners than to our fellow citizens. This must stop.

FRANK PERNA