Reclaiming Carts From the Homeless

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read that the Legal Aid Society of Orange County “represents” the homeless in their shameless misappropriation of shopping carts from local markets (“Markets Reclaim Carts From Homeless,” July 26).

Perhaps “misappropriation” is not the best choice of words, so think “theft” instead, OK? Who pays for these carts, anyway? I venture that higher food prices do, but that’s for budding attorneys to ponder. My real complaint is the $25,000 blackmail that Legal Aid wrested from Viva Mart when the market’s subcontractors attempted to recover stolen carts.

I submit that not one attorney has given substantial lodging or aid in their home to these transients, so why should I have to deal with them? I am constantly assaulted by them in the Civic Center.

When I am solicited by these people, I make it a habit to talk to them and recommend that they contact the Police Department to be referred to relief agencies and shelters. Guess how many have taken my advice? You can count them on the fingers of one stump.

Please don’t think I’m bitter, because I’m physically handicapped and have struggled to get to my station in life, primarily thanks to affirmative action. But I, as are so many others, am tired of harassments from panhandlers supporting a drug habit and people who give every indication of not having any desire to work and prosper.

The Legal Aid Society of Orange County is creating problems, not solving them.

W. HARPER

Santa Ana