Letters to the Rockville Centre Herald editor Oct. 7, 2010

She helps others, regardless of politics

To the Editor:

Wow, I couldn’t have had a more opposite reaction to Liz O’Shaughnessy’s letter, “Day laborer site needs a hand” (Sept. 9-15) than the one Warren Healey wrote in response, “They’re illegal aliens, not day laborers” (Sept. 23-29).

Although I sense the pain and anger he must be feeling, I can only hope that his decision to write such a strong letter was more about the whole illegal immigration issue rather than the humanitarian efforts performed by Ms. O’Shaughnessy.

I applaud her ability to see beyond this hot political issue and focus on some fellow human beings in need. And despite the fact that I have my own political opinions on this topic (like Mr. Healy, I feel that everyone should become a taxpaying citizen if they live in our country), I have contributed to Ms. O’Shaughnessy’s cause. Why? Because this goes beyond politics and right to the basics — people in need. She describes these men as wonderful people because she has taken the time to get to know them as human beings, not some objects entangled in this immigration mess.

I, too, am committed to helping people in need. And, like Ms. O’Shaughnessy, you don’t have to “qualify” to get my help; I don’t care what your race, creed, color, financial or legal status is. If you have ever felt the call to serve, you would know that your direction comes from your spirit within. There are no rules; you just know that you must

do it.

It’s my humble opinion that we should respect the choices, especially charitable ones, that people make and commend them on caring for someone other than themselves.

This world has too much negative energy swirling around as it is; why contribute? Why not focus on the positive energy Ms. O’Shaughnessy has brought to the world? While we may not all agree on political issues, I pray that those differences will never harden our hearts toward anyone who needs our help.

Denise Festa

Rockville Centre

Parking issues abound in RVC

To the Editor: