Homeless Need Help

* Re “Skid Row Streets Are Home No Longer,” Oct. 29:

I find the LAPD’s intense effort to rid skid row of its homeless population shameful, despicable and revolting at best. Biblically, a society is judged by how it treats its weakest members. In light of this current heartless policy, city officials, Central City East Assn. members, Central Division officers and Capt. Stuart Maislin in particular should take a hard look in the mirror, then beg forgiveness from their maker.

The folks on the street are as human as anyone else. Each is made in the image and likeness of God and thus deserves respectful treatment, despite his or her fallen and often wretched condition. Why does it have to be so difficult for all concerned--homeless advocates, city, police and business--to find a just and equitable solution whose foundation is compassion rather than contempt? Is it not long overdue to leave this barbarism behind and learn compassion and tolerance?

MIKE WISNIEWSKI

West Covina