DEAR EDITOR:

I understand President Obama is sending money to the tsunami victims in Indonesia. Let's see here: bailout money to the American automobile industry, financial industry, earthquake victims elsewhere and just anyone who feels a need for it. All this aid to the tune of approximately $800 billion.

Where in the world did all this money suddenly appear from?

We have persons here at home that own property, but no or inadequate insurance. Help them.

I feel personal pain for those who lost relatives, friends and personal property in the recent floods. Anyone who may need money outside the country, for whatever reason, we just give it to them.

However, those at home that have to sleep and live in the woods; kick them to the curb. Sex offenders deserve all they get in punishment for their offenses after proving the circumstances. What about those homeless in the Marietta area that are not sex offenders yet walk the streets and live in the woods as well?

The woods behind CCT on Marietta Parkway have had homeless living there for years. Why can't the government assign a committee to investigate the problems existing for those begging for food on the streets of the greatest country in the world?

There are veterans begging on the streets. The wealthiest country in the world may have as much as 9 percent unemployment, yet we send billions in aid to countries that make no effort to improve, but know we will give.

Why are we not enforcing delinquent notices to those countries that already owe us billions? Veterans returning from Iraq with major injuries are still waiting for assistance.

I may not be in public office, but I have noticed a few areas that can certainly use some major improvement starting at home.

Ralph Laughter
Marietta