THE SAD . . .
We at The Queens Courier extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of William Bateman, a local homeless man found dead just steps from the Bayside LIRR station.
The loss of a loved one is undoubtedly very difficult, and losing someone who was so well-liked in the community is truly sad.
One Queens Courier reader wrote that he “saw Bill every day on the way to work. [He] seemed to be a man with pride who never asked for anything.”
But maybe he needed help. Perhaps the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) could have stepped in and offered resources.
After all, there are many factors that might lead to homelessness, and sometimes people are just too afraid to ask for help.
We agree with our reader, who eloquently pointed out, “[It’s] sad that that richest country in the world neglects those who are left behind, for whatever reason they are out there.”
In Bayside, there is another well-known homeless man, often seen along Bell Boulevard.
Perhaps he could use some help.
With the economy the way it is, it is incumbent on DHS to do as much as possible to help those in need.
THE UGLY
Four words: State Senator Shirley Huntley.
The politician, who is currently seeking re-election, turned herself in to the state attorney general’s regional office in Mineola, as she is being investigated for state funds sent to non-profit organizations.
What we find odd is the fact that Huntley is making a circus of her ignominy.
She hosted a press conference on Saturday, August 25, at which she announced that she would be taken into custody, and, upon her arrest, she said she was not worried about the charges and she would be cleared.
“I am not concerned,” she said. “Whatever will be, will be.”
What is truly ugly is abuse of power – politicians are meant to be bastions of justice for the little guy, the voice of the people.
When those people are struggling to make ends meet, allegations that funds were funneled are downright disheartening. We put our trust in these people, we elect them to be our leaders.
In this election year, we say they should start acting like it.
