POWER: In wrong places

Lived here most of my life raising two daughters. Tuesday I was swimming with my 6-year-old granddaughter on Sanders Beach where we have been going for 40 years. Down the ramp come two homeless guys, packs and two loose pit bulls which charge us. I called the cops. (Thanks for quick response.) Cops came down, visited with them and reported back “they have service dog papers. They leashed them.” Oh, not full breed pits so they qualify as service animals.

Wednesday morning early I am on my usual hike on Tubbs. Rounding the bend I come upon — whoops! — a naked man greeting the day! Homeless camp next to him. Second bend a guy sleeping on the trail so I had to sidestep him. Down to the beach a couple of homeless guys fighting. Yes, I called the cops. Wonder if Resort guests hiking feel as unsafe as I do?

Bet if these homeless guys could or would vote they would choose Crooked Hillary or Freeloading Bernie so they can continue to exercise their rights. I am seriously trying to find the silver lining in this but honestly, all I feel is a mixture of contempt and yes pity but mostly so very, very powerless. Maybe our legislators can step up to the plate and see a need for VIABLE service animals. I retired from the State Commission For the Blind so yes, I know the importance of true service animals.

SHERRY MAXWELL

Coeur d’Alene