Readers share their thoughts on a local iconic author, our latest political cartoon and the effort to end homelessness.
A ’60s Icon
I very much enjoyed reading Dan Pulcrano's piece this week on the late William J. Craddock, local writer, raconteur and iconic character of the culture of the '60s (“Be There Again,” Cover story, July 4.html). I had the good fortune to count Billy as a friend from those early days until his passing in 2004, at first primarily due to his admiration for my father, Neal Cassady, and other writers in his circle, such as Jack Kerouac, from whom I think Billy patterned some of his own work. Thanks to Dan Pulcrano, Rudy Rucke.htmlr and the Weekly for this long-overdue tribute to a great human being.html.
John Cassady
Santa Cruz
Since You Asked
Regarding the new cartoon by Tom Tomorrow.html, “This Modern World”: You already have a wordy political cartoon by Jen Sorensen (“Slowpoke”). One is enough. I feel like a lightweight saying this, but I want cartoons to be funny and quick to read. Or at least poignant. And well drawn, not just talking heads. But whatever you do, keep “Open Letters.” Every week I read that first. Makes my Wednesdays! Thank you for asking our opinions about the change you made. That is nice that you care.
Rachell Summers
Capitola
From The Web
What’s Really Fair?
[RE: “Doing A 180 on Homelessness”.html] This seems like one of those moral conundrums given in a high school class: “Who to save if you only had one choice, with you in the lifeboat? Your mother, your wife, your son?” Clearly it’s crass to apply this to a real-life situation, but we must.
Does this program really become cost effective over time? I ask this as this is one of the main pro arguments. The article glosses over this point quickly. Is it fair or moral to help this population before a well-deserving Housing Authority client, who is waiting in line, who may even die before they get their assistance? Is it fair and moral to give a key to someone who doesn’t have the presence of mind on how to use it, while someone is waiting in the wings who needs just a little help to become more self-sufficient, and perhaps can be a benefit to society rather than a lifetime drain?
We can talk about the concept of triage, who would benefit the most, with society also on the receiving end. We can also talk about the power structure and bureaucracy already set up to make these decisions without any oversight.
Don Honda
Time to Help
I imagine that this article will spark controversy, but I am all for it. I am tired of seeing really sick homeless people in our town. I would rather see these people get the help they need and get off the street. If we don’t do something, the problem won’t just go away. It will probably get worse.
Rick R
Smart Business
The “first come first serve” model on the surface satisfies our desire for some degree of fairness, but adhering only to that model is not in the public’s best interest in all cases. As noted in the article, public dollars would go much further if some significance is placed on the cost savings created, as the 180/180 program does. That is just smart business.
Sibley
