Seldom do opinion writers like myself respond to comments or criticisms in print. As a buddy of mine points out, the New York Times doesn’t do it, why should we? However, since the Mayor of the City of Fort Lauderdale, John P. “Jack” Seiler” went to the trouble of writing a lengthy letter to the editor of The Independent regarding a recent column of mine, I have chosen to make a few remarks in response.
First, I thank Mr. Seiler for reading my column and taking the time to react to it. As a writer, I create work for the consumption of others. I appreciate his efforts.
Mr. Seiler and I stand together in applauding the work of 90 year old Arnold Abbott and other volunteers who reach out to those who are most vulnerable in our communities. I have never heard it said that there is a shortage of people in need. It takes governments, religious, and civic organizations, grass roots groups AND individuals to lend a hand. It is my understanding that Arnold Abbott has been lending his hand for over 20 years. His commitment is remarkable. Mr. Abbott is an impressive example of the American entrepreneurial spirit turned in the direction of service to others. I know there are many in communities across the nation who do the same. I commend them.
I’m glad that The Independent, the news source that carries my column, was chosen as the vehicle to get out the information about the programs and services available to those in need in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. In my research for last week’s column I did extensive reading about the plight of the homeless there, and no news story or opinion piece mentioned the information Mr. Seiler presented.
Further, I agree with Mr. Seiler that providing meals in a comfortable setting with chairs and tables, “nice utensils and napkins to use” is ideal. When I volunteer at the Community Soup Kitchen in Grace I have the opportunity to observe men, women and children able to relax as they share a meal with others. I have learned, though, through my work as a food truck driver for the Red Cross in disaster areas, that a sandwich served on a paper towel fills the same void in a person’s stomach as a sandwich served on fine china.
I admit to being thrilled that those who are in need in Fort Lauderdale have so many opportunities to access services designed to ameliorate their current conditions. I pray that they are as aware of them as now the readers of Southern Utah are.
At the end of this day, those who are the most vulnerable need all of us. To care and to act on their behalf until they can act on their own.
In closing, let us consider this quote from Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish theologian from the 19th century. “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true. The other is to refuse to accept what is true.”
Food for thought on all sides of this issue.
Related Stories: If I am homeless by Marianne Mansfield
LTE response by Fort Lauderdale Mayor
Marianne Mansfield has lived in Southern Utah since 2010. She and her husband followed their grandchildren to this area from Michigan. In her former life she was a public school educator. More than half of her career was spent as an elementary principal, which is why her response to most challenges is, “This isn’t my first rodeo.” She grew up in Indiana, and attended Miami of Ohio, Ball State University and Michigan State. She is a loyal MSU Spartan and Detroit Tiger baseball fan. She has been writing fiction and opinion since her retirement in 2004.
OPINION: The City of St. George and the emperor’s new clothes
POLL: Do you agree with Washington & Cedar City making the 10 most dangerous cities?
Dr. G Hits the Spot: Is having sexual fantasies weird?
Healthy Recipe of the Week: Almond Fudge
St. George Engineering firm poised to go global, double operations
OPINION: Rebuttal to the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale
Christmas Album Review: Nick Lowe ‘Quality Street’
CARTOON ‘Rolling Stone Journalism’ by Clay Jones
SUNDAY HIKE: Hiking Lady Mountain with Bo Beck
LOCAL WORSHIP GUIDE: Spiritual and religious gatherings in southern Utah
OUR BEST OF THE WEEK
December Holiday Gift Guide Part 2
