Karen Campion expressed her view (letter to the editor, Auburn Reporter, Sept. 24) that standing there begging is just like working and if she had the authority, she would give the beggar a job as a bank guard.

Perhaps the reason she lacks that authority is that if you ever suggested hiring a homeless drunk to carry a firearm and guard other people’s money to any employer, you would probably be labeled as “not exactly management material.”

As far as begging being just like working, I would point out that working creates a product or service that benefits society. Begging does not.

Perhaps I should be more open minded. Begging could be like working, just as shooting up methamphetamine in an outhouse is just like studying for college at the library.

Passing out drunk at the park could be just like doing volunteer work at the children’s hospital.

Of course, there also is my personal favorite: Not giving the (beggar) on the corner any money is just like giving him a fresh new $100 bill.

– Dennis Doucette