J.J. Smith's "Numbers"

I have only submitted one opinion to the Statesman Journal. It was published a few years back. For my second submission, I have responded to the [above] scanned image. It was published in the Journal on March 2, 2013:

This is in response to Bill Blankenship’s Feb. 24 letter, “Why would a homeless person need cell phone?”

This struck a chord after having driven 1,465 miles to visit my homeless father in Arizona. He suffers from schizophrenia, (and is) incapable of socializing with others. His cell phone was a pre-paid gift from distant relatives.

Perhaps a little bit of critical thinking would best serve Mr. Blankenship. It is not difficult to realize that an individual lacking a home still remains irrevocably human. Or maybe that does not occur to the casual passerby whose “common luxuries” are taken for granted.

Many of our homeless suffer debilitating mental illnesses. A simple acknowledgment of their existence can do wonders for their esteem. Oftentimes, my own father raves over the kind gestures of strangers, remarking that God is indeed responsible.

Despite my own reprehensive nature toward a Christian deity, I can admire my father’s faith. He calls me some nights just to celebrate having sold $20 worth of newspapers. Another day survived; that is an achievable dream.

If this response does not seem sufficient enough, allow me to refer you to my novel “Rabbit” written on this very subject: a son accepting his suffering father.

[Read the article by clicking here]