Looking for work

I’m sorry, but Saturday’s guest column by Susan Stokes doesn’t elicit sympathy from me. She’s not worked in two years but doesn’t apply for “just any job.” She then contradicts herself by stating she’ll take “any job.”

If Ms. Stokes is ambulatory and of sound mind, she’s “eligible” for many jobs that always have openings such as food service associate or convenience store clerk. If she has time for “hundreds of hours of research,” she might find time to work two jobs until her dream employer comes calling.

Nancy Bryant

Waco

* * *

In response to Susan Stokes’ guest column, I feel both empathy and confusion. I understand she was an administrator and most likely earned a high wage. I also know what it’s like to be unemployed for a long period. And I applaud the fact she had apparently been trying very hard to resume her spot in the workplace.

However, she clearly states she’ll take any job. Apparently she has not done so in the nearly two years since her layoff.

When I was out of work, I spent time deciding whether to move on to a new career or get extra training in my current one. I chose a new career and started applying at places that would hire and train me. I eventually got the training myself to expand my job opportunities. I also took jobs to bring in income at the same time.

A cursory look through this newspaper’s want ads shows many possibilities. Did I want to scrub toilets and clean trash cans for $6 an hour, or get up at 1:30 a.m. to throw newspapers, or become a part-time handyman? No, not after being a member of a respected profession. But I did those things to feed my family. And I didn’t take a penny of taxpayer money. We accepted a small amount of help from family and church, but none from the government.

So perhaps Ms. Stokes would have a better chance of saving her home by spending more time working and less time applying for jobs. They’re out there. Perhaps not at the income level you are used to, but any income is better than no income.

Joseph Hooten

Waco

Irresponsible owners

I am for responsible spaying and neutering, but the ordinance approved by the Waco City Council will not change the irresponsible pet owner. The city won’t increase enforcement personnel or provide adequate funding.

Result: more animals put to death and increased expense for the shelter.

David Boehner

McGregor

Manhattan mosque

It’s inconceivable the United States would allow an Islamic mosque to be built near ground zero of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack in New York City.

What a mockery of our country’s values.

Kyle Fallon

Waco

EDITOR’S NOTE: New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted against granting historic protection to a building where the Islamic center would be built, clearing the way for the mosque. A suit has since been filed by the American Center for Law and Justice, challenging the city panel’s decision.