Jonathan Evans of Bordeaux writes:
The editorial ‘No more begging’ of 27 August 2015 refers.
Beggars pose challenges in many societies around the world, and many of us wrestle with the complexities of the issues surrounding them.
So when someone writes about the issue, I take notice.
“No more begging” sounds promising: is this an announcement of a plan to help the destitute?
A new scheme to shed light and hope?
Sadly, what a disappointment your editorial turned out to be!
You are, of course, entitled to your opinions and prejudices.
However, if you let those be the only things that inform the writing of an article (let alone an editorial), then I’m afraid you must stand
accused of sloppy journalism.
Did you even do five minutes of internet research about begging?
Did you actually speak to even one beggar, hear his/her story about the road that led them to the situation they are in?
I am convinced that if you had done these things the tone of the editorial would have been rather more sympathetic or at least nuanced.
Do you have any constructive suggestions other than “begging is not the solution” or the implied “get a job”?
If not, then, I beg of you, why did you even write the piece?
You hold an influential position, with the opportunity to contribute to and even guide the community conversation in such constructive
ways…I’m sure you can do such a good job at that, if you put your mind to it.
Editor’s note: Letter published unedited.
