I WAS not able to take part in the sleep-in (Letters, July 21), but I thank those that did for drawing attention to the issue.

They clearly recognise the role good or bad luck has in shaping the lives of all of us, and seeing the homeless they think: “There but for the grace of God, go I.”

A short chat with a Big Issue seller the other day made me aware again how little we know of the life stories of the homeless.

He ended sadly saying: “And yet some people seeing me doing this, treat me like dirt.”

Taking effective action to make life easier for all those who have fallen on hard times can only be done collectively.

It cannot be dealt with – as was suggested – by citizens acting individually, any more than can policing, road building, street lighting etc.

They are all the task of government, which is why we willingly pay our taxes and demand action.

Maurice Vassie, Deighton, York

 

I AM disgusted that the European Parliament should reject people’s right to die.

This business that it could be abused is nothing else but an excuse by the church and politicians.

Politicians and the church have no right to have any say in the matter whatsoever, they are abusing their power. It is an abuse to keep people suffering longer than they need, a form of torture.

Euthanasia is up to the person who is suffering, their family and their doctor, not the church or politicians.

To people who are against euthanasia I say it may come to you one day. And to the ones who are for I say still keep fighting, compassion will win the day.

Robert D Greaves, Alder Way, New Earswick

 

HURRAH! The market is to stay in Shambles Market Place.

Last Saturday in Parliament Street under those graceful trees, there were people who were sitting on the benches enjoying the peace and quiet, away from the general hurly burly of York city centre.

But pedestrians beware.

I also saw a male cyclist proceeding at break-neck speed the wrong way all the length of said street and continuing into Davygate swerving round pedestrians as he went. And he was carrying a huge bouquet of flowers in each hand.

Mrs J Whitehouse, Rishworth Grove, York Administration of council is a ‘miracle’ FOUR years ago, the Labour administration began its series of disasters blighting our city via the Clarence Street car park debacle.

Today, we see a much more stable administration led by Cllr Chris Steward, who has shown us the light on the long-craved basics we’ve desired.

Therefore, merely using the previous Labour administration, who couldn’t fathom the definition of “basics”, as a benchmark of success you could almost say it’s a miracle.

Joe Pattinson, Burton Stone Lane, York