Comments on: Shame, shame on Sarasota City Commissioners

By: Hawkeye2u

Hawkeye2u — Sun, 29 May 2011 20:17:12 +0000

Mary, just wanted to thank you for such a great story, but would like to express my sincere congratulations on all the positive responses you received in today’s edition of the Herald-Tribune!
Way to go Mary and thank you again.
Respectfully, Hawkeye

By: MC

MC — Sat, 28 May 2011 15:20:27 +0000

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Scott.

By: Scott V

Scott V — Sat, 28 May 2011 15:17:45 +0000

I’m a hard working poor person, and I found my luxury time to spend at Five Points Park precious if not rare, it could be a prestigous park. I could invision taking a blanket or chairs. But , everytime i went there i thought I walking onto a production set for a Capital One commercial. You know, where the Vikings keep asking “what’s in your wallet?”

and forget about stopping to smell the flowers, not when you are down wind from someone who flat out ignores the free showers by the entrance to the park.

I do not accept the pity parties thrown buy people with an over flowing passion bucket. The, they just need a place to rest argument is wimpy. I would rest at the unemployment office, or wash cars. or with a fishing pole in my hands. But if all you can do is sit on a bench and poop in your pants, then you need to find somewhere else to do it, not in Sarasota’s finest park.

No benches, bring your own chair or blanket.

By: MC

MC — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:42:08 +0000

Thank you, Barbara, for reading the column, visiting my blog, and sharing your thoughts here. It will be interesting to see what comes of all this. All best, MC

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:34:50 +0000

Your column on May 23 – “Shame, Shame on Sarasota City Commissioners” – is a jewel, indeed. When I read the rationale for the city’s decision, I was appalled. Due to your column, and other public comments/petitions, perhaps the benches at Five Point Park will be returned for the sake of ANYONE who wishes to use them. Thank you for a passionate, well written article in support of the homeless, and for reminding folks that this is a public park for which we ALL pay taxes.

By: MC

MC — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:01:13 +0000

Doreen — thanks so much for reading the column and for taking a time to drop a note here on the blog. It means a lot to hear you say the column, in particular, one line, resonated with you. And thanks so much for the additional information on how to sign a petition. It seems like a lot of folks are rallying behind the return of the benches! MC

By: Doreen

Doreen — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:55:19 +0000

Mary, I can’t thank you enough for your excellent article in the Herald Trib yesterday. My favorite line …. “But at what point do I allow my fear or discomfort to overcome my humanity? “. I found myself going back to that line numerous times. Why? Because there are times that I find myself “fearful” and of what?? Of people who are down and out on their luck? Of people who, by the grace of God, I am not one of?? We are fearful most times out of pure ignorance. I will not allow my ignorance / fear to overcome my humanity. I plan on going to CVS and buying beach chairs to hand out at the park. No place to sit? Not any more. Also, the petition is also available at change.org …

http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-sarasota-from-pulling-the-chair-out-from-under-homeless-people-2

By: MC

MC — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:45:13 +0000

Thanks Kim — appreciate your kind words; and glad you felt moved to sign the petition. MC

By: Kim Cartlidge

Kim Cartlidge — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:11 +0000

I appreciated your eloquent voice in the Herald-Tribune today, and I’m going to sign the petition. Thank you for speaking up for Sarasota’s homeless.

By: MC

MC — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:02:26 +0000

Thanks Janice — for reading and for dropping a note about the issue. I linked Eric’s column in my blog above — his piece was excellent. Your kind words are much appreciated!