Letter: Kudos to Sacco for helping the homeless

Monday, June 26, 2006 | 7:12 a.m.

I want to get banned for handing food out in Circle Park, but I can't afford to buy the food necessary to be awarded this badge of honor ... a misdemeanor violation. Unlike the city of Las Vegas politicians, Gail Sacco has a heart and has stood up when others chose to violate her constitutional rights and those of the homeless. I envy Gail Sacco's award; perhaps I will soon walk by the park and see another brave soul handing out food. When I go help, I just might get my award.

As to the homeowners who feel deprived of the use of the park, move to Summerlin or a smaller city. With a population of 1.7 million, no park in Clark County is a safe place to leave your kids unattended. The homeless in Circle Park do serve a purpose; they guarantee you will go to the park with your children. If you are worried, it wouldn't hurt to bring the homeless people some food or bottled water.

If you are occasionally kind to homeless people with water bottles or a little food, they remember; they will quickly deal with those who become a threat to you.

As to Mayor Oscar B. Goodman's quest to force the homeless to accept help, so he can remove them from our streets, I would say he would be violating their rights under ours and their Constitution. If I were homeless in 110-degree heat and you asked me if I'd like to move into a rent-free, very small, one-person room with a shower, air-conditioning, a television, and three meals a day, I would say "yes" in a heartbeat! Perhaps then, with such unconditional support, most of them could rebuild their lives; without help, they cannot.

Jack K. Cook, Las Vegas