Helping the Poor in America

Congratulations and thank you for the excellent column by Richard N. Goodwin. Finally the story of the real state of the nation is told!

We need more news items and columns about the poor, sick, homeless, hungry and/or helpless in this country. It is a disgrace that we have the poverty and hunger and inadequate health care that exists in this country--since it is, overall, a wealthy country. And the politicos of all stripes fear to tackle in a meaningful way these domestic problems.

The politicians are big on taking a stand on South Africa, Nicaragua or something else overseas. One would think there is no problem whatever in this country. The politicians seem more than eager to solve other countries’ problems rather than solve our domestic problems. As far as I know, South Africa, Nicaragua, etc., do not pose a threat to the security of the United States. Let them solve their own problems.

In addition, no one would really know we have serious domestic problems, judging from TV coverage and front-page newspaper treatment. I wish we would tackle our domestic problems with the same energy we devote to other nations’ problems. One would almost think President Reagan had brought up South Africa, Nicaragua, etc., to cover up our domestic problems he doesn’t want to tackle. Let’s make the United States a better place for all Americans, not just the rich.

C. L. SHEPARD

Capistrano Beach