Yet Another Letter "The Big Issue" Doesn't Want You To Freely Read ...
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"MUGGING OLD LADIES," DID HE SAY??!!
John Walker's article "Big Scheme For Canterbury" [BI No. 752) was all fine and dandy until I read the disturbing comments of former Big Issue seller John Duffy.Described now as a business developer for the international (Big Issue) publication, John Duffy had the mindset and gall to declare: "A number ofhomeless people turn to crime, so we're proud to offer them an alternative way of making a living." The implication of what he says is that the homelessare per se more likely to commit crime than other social entities. The homeless as a collective and societal group are, in my opinion, no more prone to crimethan those who are NOT homeless. In other words, to stereotype the homeless as turning to crime above and beyond other citizens is glib and judgemental to say the least.

Still not content with his condescending put down of the homeless, John Duffy then goes on to rant even further: "We would much rather they (the homeless)were making their money by selling The Big Issue than by mugging old ladies." "MUGGING OLD LADIES," did he say??!! No way, Mr. Duffy!! Your negative characterization of the homeless, and indirectly every Big Issue vendor of which I happen to be one, is tantamount to pseudo-criminology on your part at best. And at worst a kind of self-propelled and flippant demagogy all of your own making that makes me want to spew or vomit all over you!! I cannot and will not let you or anybody else get away with such damning comments that I strongly and unequivocally protest and condemn. Especially when such comments are attributed to a full-time representative of The Big
Issue and an ex-vendor himself. Wasn't he also homeless? You bet!!
While John Duffy may also be a Big Issue case study on the internet, or an ex-bricklayer, or a would-be trekker to the Himalayas come this autumn to raiseneeded funds for the homeless, he needs first to learn and use words and expressions that give big comfort and big dignity to those who, for whatever reason, have become homeless through circumstances not always of their own making. As far as I know, they don't go running around "mugging old ladies." Thus, to colour them by words of criminalization is the last thing folkz like him should be doing -- period!
The Big Issue is BIG on trying to uplift those who are downtrodden by the plight of homelessness and marginalization in post-modern Britain. Moreover, the bigand positive story coming from out of Anglican Canterbury is best demonstrated by such newly selected vendors as David Gallacher, who will undoubtedly represent all that is good and best among Big Issue vendors. Such then is a far cry from the contrived hysteria of "mugging old ladies" that John Duffy seems towant to ram down our throats to engender further fear and disquiet among the general public. Plus, particularly among the uneasy ranks of our civil and police authorities toward those who happen to be homeless and/or sleeping rough. We need comments and actions that boost confidence and esteem even among those who are least favoured by our materialistic and self-centered society that is all too prevalant today. Therefore, all I can say at this point to Mr. Duffy is for godsake "SHUT YOUR BIG MOUTH" And no more comments about "mugging old ladies," please ... Vendor No. 236. +St. James, 2oo7.
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