This is in response to a letter by Rodney Michaud (June 3).

It is a humbling experience to find oneself in need of public assistance. When it is asked for, people should always be treated in a dignified and respectable manner so as not to feel belittled or like a substandard member of our community. To have your name hollered out in such a way that draws unnecessary attention to you does just that.

Is it so difficult to show compassion to those less fortunate? Is it so difficult to reach out and treat those who ask for help with kindness instead of resentment? Is it too hard to treat people with dignity and respect?

When you go to a doctor’s office, you know what to expect. How can you be embarrassed to have your name called out? If you are losing dignity at your doctor’s office, it is time to change doctors.

Doctors and their associates provide a necessary service, not because they have to, but because they chose to, just as Department of Health and Human Service workers do. But, unlike some DHHS workers, doctors, for the most part, are compassionate and want to help people, not belittle them or their problems.

I feel that some DHHS workers feel that they are doing people a favor rather than providing a service.

There are some who look down their noses at those asking for help.

We are all human beings. We all deserve respect.

Michael Milbury, Windham