Way back in 1982 my old friend Don Plante had a published letter in the Providence Journal about the " neglected poor " - especially the homeless mentally ill . It could have been written today !

Ron Ruggieri 13:41 (2 minutes ago) to Steve My old friend Donald A. Plante wrote a letter -to-the editor in 1982 about the " neglected poor " -especially the homeless mentally ill Neglected poor January 28, 1982 | Providence Journal (RI) Page: A-11 | Section: NEWS 159 Words | Readability: Lexile: 1370, grade level(s): >12 Read News Document Focus Letters Today as in the 1800's the handicapped, mentally ill, and poor bear the discriminating burden of cutting basic needs "in the best interest of the people." Reaganomics is at best neglecting those in need - the needy, those who can't produce for the industrialist or support the capitalist. These reasons and the rewarding of workers by tax cuts deny "the people in need." The poor, physically ill, emotionally ill, and handicapped as in the 1800's and early 1900's are today's castaways. The state is cutting expenses, funneling large numbers of the IMH (Institute of Mental Health) population into the community, saying their needs must be met. It's soon seen that a cold room does not compare to a warm ward. To be free and cold is the state's idea of support for the needy. Election time will show how we the people feel about a government whose reason for social cuts is related to military action. Donald A. Plante