Published: October 19, 2009 09:49 pm      

If she’s proven wrong, she gets first dibs on it

I waited until all comments were in regarding my Aug. 25 letter, “Anti Camping law is aimed at one person,” before using my one rebuttal.

Bonnie Locke: Hats off to your father for making the copper awning on the parklet aesthetically attractive. It also provides endless hours of shelter for myself and innumerable little birds who flock beneath it in inclement weather. This makes it even more beautiful. (Aug. 27)

Harold A. Hammond: You state “I’m sorry she fees laws have been made and enforced to prevent her from living a very public life.” Is it a crime to live a very public life? If not — should laws be enacted to prevent it? A least you recognize the underlying motive.

Taxes? I pay taxes every time I make a purchase. Civil liberties do not operate on a sliding scale that he who pays more taxes has more rights. They’re inherited.

I do not — nor have I ever — received a disability check, because I do not have a disability! I thank God for that. I have never taken one cent or one benefit from Social Services, ever.

You compare this lifestyle to Iran and Iraq. I’m amazed at how many people think this lifestyle is a finished product. I could not fulfill my ambitions, nor could I speak out against — especially being a women.

Finally, I do not rail against the American way of life — I embrace it. The freedom, the individuality. I value my Constitutional Rights enough to know and exercise them — which strengthens them — and that is an asset. (Sept. 4)

Paul McCusker: You sound like a kind and tolerant soul, but there is absolutely no correlation between your neighbor’s brother who “innocently borrows” your rake and shovel, and me, knowing exactly what I’m doing as I stand my ground.

I interpret your letter to mean that you believe Cumberland is making a mountain out of a molehill and I couldn't agree more. (Sept. 9)

Joan Lease: You may have struck panic in the hearts of Ed, Dave, and some city officials as you ask “What if there were 30-plus Cathys?”

From the dedication of this Heritage Parklet — June 14, 1975 — until the present 2009, interest has been almost non-existent. Human beings are too unique for everyone to want to do the same thing at the same time.

However, in the 1 percent chance I’m incorrect, I get first dibs on that corner of the parklet! (Sept. 7)

Dellann Campbell-Fultz: the Anti-Camping Ordinance was written about me (Cumberland Times-News. June 10, 2005). No one ever said there were not others living outside.

The reasons are visibility and because I dared to challenge those who would so cavalierly violate my Constitutional rights.

In 2005, neither Ms. Youmans or Tim were “outside” yet. The difference” between myself and Ms. Youmans, as noted by you, may have an excessive amount of time on your hands, as you document Ms. Youmans’ every movement and analyze the appearance of both. Perhaps, you could campaign to have a shower house built at Canal Place for the hikers, cyclists, and residents to utilize. This would be a great hospitality feature for the city — plus then you could resign your post as “official personal hygiene inspector.” (Sept. 13)

Thanks to all who wrote with kind words and support. (Also prior times)

Steven Herbaugh (Aug. 1): Spoken like a lawyer. David Earl Athey (Sept. 1): ACLU has been notified. Raegan Hawk and Carolyn Robinette (Sept. 2): I have the biggest “house” ever. Casey Logsdon (Sept. 6): Influences do matter. Jenny Steele (Sept. 10): I’m living outside and “protesting” simultaneously. Ed Kelly (Sept. 13): Clever. Erick Kasecamp (Sept. 9): Thanks for the metion. Yvonne M. Perret (Sept. 15): Yes.

Cathy Coughenour

Cumberland