Comment on "Homeless prefer liberty of life on streets" (China Daily, Feb 18)

Every coin has two sides. On one hand, we should respect homeless people's wishes. If they don't want to stay in shelters because they feel more comfortable and free on the streets, they should not be forced to do so. People have the right to choose their way of life as long as they don't harm others or break laws and regulations.

On the other hand, shelters and other social organizations to help the homeless are necessary, especially during extreme weather such as severe cold, blizzards and heavy rain, because they can provide homeless people with warm places to stay and food.

I appreciate the patrols that local authorities conduct during the winter, which saves some homeless people's lives. I think related civil authorities should make more efforts to help the homeless by providing more humanistic help and services. For example, during patrolling, civic officials could warn the homeless about the upcoming freezing weather and persuade them to stay in the shelters, even if "temporarily", for their safety.

A harmonious society is known by its record of taking good care of the disadvantaged group such as homeless people.

Charlie, via e-mail

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(China Daily 02/20/2014 page9)