January 28, 2011Dear Sir,This is in response to Sandys' letter “Work, Don't Beg” to you Jan 24, 2011. First of all, I would like to say, “Sandys”, seems like you haven't moved on from your childhood … Because mommy and daddy didn't or couldn't give you what you wanted, you sound like the Scrooge of the New Year.It's people like you that make me want to take your mask off in public and let the world see it's not just on television or in the movies, but in real life too, how someone can be called human and at the same time be so insensitive.I would like to point out a couple of things to you regarding your gripe:1. You should have paid closer attention in English Comprehension classes; it's not “….me and most of my peers…..” The correct speech would be “….most of my peers and I…” (you count yourself last), but oh I forgot, you're the New Year Scrooge, only thinking about yourself so there is no first, second or last!2. How many times have you taken your car (if you have one) to a Majorette car wash (fundraiser), purchased something from a Majorette Bake Sale (fundraiser) or even had them pack your groceries (fundraiser)? You see all majorettes that I know of have several fundraisers that don't have kids knocking on doors as you say BEGGING.Pick your lip up and realise this; just like any business you always have a plan B, and that plan B may call for a knock on the door, but hear what I'm saying now, it's plan B, meaning we tried other ideas before knocking on your door, as you say, begging!Truly, tell me what's so hard in assisting someone financially to acquire funds, whether it's a school prom, majorettes, sports related travel etc. by contributing $5 or less, when they knock on your door! You never know that young person that you chased away with your “tude” may be the very one to save your life one day because they grew up to be that neurosurgeon. Or they grew up to be that bank executive who will stamp approved on your loan when you go asking, oh sorry, begging for financial assistance. Never burn your bridges because you never know if you have to cross them again!Here you have youngsters doing something constructive with their time; not breaking in someone's home, around the corner drinking, smoking, or into something illegal, but people such as you discourage them with your negative attitude. Why do folk like you kick folk down instead of grabbing their hand and asking “can I help you up”. Please don't hurt any more of Bermuda's youngsters with your words: “No, I don't give to beggars, my Mommy didn't give that to me when I was little, so go work for it like I did”. Do us all a favour, just don't answer your door when you see them coming.You said “teach your child to work for whatever he or she wants”, ask your old school teacher how this very thing you are griping about falls under the teaching/responsibility category, obviously you can't see outside the box.Sandys, take your blinders off, the race is over, and all the other horses are back in the stable feasting and partying because they saw the big picture with the beautiful scenery around them. You missed it all with your blinders on seeing nothing but the old gravel road in front of you while thinking about the grass pasture you wanted but couldn't afford.A MAJORETTE'S PARENT/LEADERCity of Hamilton