I was disturbed by Deb Ross' (John S. Beverley & Associates Inc.) column entitled "Well Dressed Poverty".
I realize that there are many challenges for low income families to live within their means, but to suggest that the homeless person is in a better position than a family making $40,000 a year is stepping over the line. I was stunned by her attitude towards the homeless people by suggesting that their needs are minimal while the rest of society is entitled to fulfill all of their needs/wants by resorting to "high credit card balances". She states that the homeless person has a net debt of zero "since she owns nothing and she owes nothing".
So Deb Ross concludes that the person who has racked up high debt is "worse off financially than the homeless person". She continues on that the homeless person does not lack food, a bed, clothing or personal hygiene items due to the generous nature of charitable groups. She claims "It isn't luxury, but it is nothing like being poor in Bangladesh". On the other hand, she seems to think that the rest of society deserves to live in middle-class neighbourhoods, have cars and insurance, be able to buy birthday gifts and new clothes and have evenings out. She doesn't mention that these people should consider themselves well off compared to the people in Bangladesh. Low income families do have many struggles but don't push the homeless people under the bus to make your point.
Gail Faris
Prince George
