Homeless

I am a doctor from India, currently attending a medical conference here in the United States. My last visit (my first) was back in 1979. On that visit, I was sincerely impressed at the modern cities and both by the quality of life and at the standard of living that I saw here.

However, on this visit I was greatly disturbed at the changes that had taken place since my last visit. The problem I am referring to is the homeless problem. In all the cities I have visited so far, including Los Angeles, I was saddened to see so many homeless people on the streets. In all honesty I cannot recall seeing any homeless people on my last visit here in 1979.

While I am accustomed to Third World nations and developing nations having to deal with a homeless problem, I would never have expected the United States would one day have to grapple with a similar problem. America! What has happened here in the last 10 years?

SURESH VIDYA

Santa Monica