Comment on "Libraries should be heaven for all" (China Daily, Feb 1)

I applaud Chu Shuqing for thinking outside the box and having true compassion for the homeless. But homeless people do not want or need our pity. Like every other human, they desire respect.

Libraries are public places which anyone can enter. There is no rule or precedence to stop a homeless person from setting foot in a library and picking up a book. Who are we to hinder such a person from doing so?

Many wealthy people travel to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in the United States to gamble in casinos, but this is just one half of the picture.

The majority of people living in Atlantic City border live on or below the poverty line. Unemployment is very high there, and the city has a large number of homeless people roaming the streets and the boardwalks.

Many people look down upon the homeless and consider them a blight. Some people throw a dollar or two at panhandlers, but this occasional act of compassion does not mean they view them with respect or compassion.

Although Chinese culture encourages people to help the unfortunate and American culture focuses on being tolerant and accepting of all people, it is obvious that people in both countries have a lot of work to do when it comes to showing respect to people from all walks of life.

People who can't show respect to someone in need have a big issue with pride. What Chu Shuqing did for the beggars is a sign of respect, that's why it is laudable.

Vanessa Holman, via e-mail

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(China Daily 02/10/2011 page9)