Editor:
Such simple but such lethal words: not in my back yard.
This is the mentality of those opposing the homeless shelter proposed for Chimayó, and previously Española and El Llano.
Let me ask a few questions of those opposed. First and foremost, Have you ever been homeless? Have you ever wondered where you will sleep from mid-December to
February while temperatures plunge below freezing? You have probably never had to spend the night huddled in the cold with only the clothes on your back, trying to shield yourself with newspapers or cardboard.
Yet, as you sit in your nice cozy warm home by the crackling fireplace, give the following some thought. If you have children, they may someday become one of the “maggots” who chooses drug or alcohol addiction to your lifestyle. Then your idea of “maggots” might change.
While I agree, some have chosen to live the lifestyle, or by misfortune or circumstances beyond their control, that doesn’t make them any less a human being,
Mr. Richard Martinez states, “he thought he was doing a good deed.” The problem is most residents are too busy worrying about me, my house, my property and my land depreciation.
Our dear Lord asks us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Pretty hard to do these days, isn’t it? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter and welcome the stranger. These are some of our obligations to our Creator. It could be one of you or your loved ones someday. Look at yourself in the mirror.
Lucille Montoya
Española