I found Paul Bernard’s letter of June 12 filled with a lack of compassion and laced with insensitivity.

He criticized the newspaper for recent stories featuring imprisoned crack addict Lisa Hanson, and Vincent and Walter Edwards, who succumbed to the insidious disease of alcoholism.

I believe the newspaper was trying to bring about an awareness of the social ills that seem to plague inner-city neighborhoods of Lewiston. The stories should not make anyone mad but, rather, sad.

I have heard people say that God only helps those who help themselves. I don’t know what Bible they read from because the message of the Gospels is that God helps those who are helpless to help themselves.

Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying: “But for the grace of God, there go I.”

Enough condemnation toward Miss Hanson for the bad choices she has made. She is obviously already condemned, proven by her circumstance.

And, as far as the Edwards brothers are concerned, please, please let them rest in peace. Like it or not, they were a fixture in the inner-city. Whether we agree with their dysfunctional lifestyles, we must remember they had dear friends and family who loved them and will forever miss them. Instead of criticizing them after their deaths, Mr. Bernard should have considered trying to help them while they were alive.

The Rev. Douglas Taylor, Lewiston

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