I am disheartened by the arrogance, obtuseness and total lack of common sense displayed in Landon Burris’ commentary, “Homelessness, off-campus safety and the darker side of giving alms” (April 18).

I acknowledge that St. Louis can be a very dangerous place, specifically for Saint Louis University students. I also acknowledge that, while much has been done to improve the Midtown area of St. Louis and make it a safe and friendly neighborhood, there is still much more work to be done.

However, what Burris and the readers of this newspaper must understand is that it is not the “homeless bums” that impede progress. It is the spiteful, self-righteous rhetoric like Burris’ that undermines St. Louis’ ability to unify its citizens, promote peace and encourage investment.

Burris’ disclaimer that he does not hate homeless people merely exhibits his disdain for those whom are less fortunate.

His suggestion that it was a mistake to communicate with a person (whom he refers to as a bum) like he was a decent human being is disgraceful and shocks the conscience.

Burris has shown his own indecency by disparaging a fellow human being with expletives and a lecture on getting a job and working like any decent human being.

Unless I am mistaken, Burris is not an expert on employment or homelessness and does not know the life story of this so-called “bum.”

That Burris feels he has license to lecture anyone on decency and getting a job is laughable.

Unless Burris was going to offer this person a job, he should have kept his mouth shut.

His swipe at blond women only further demonstrates his total lack of respect for fellow humans. Burris’ malevolent diatribe is a scourge on our community and should not be tolerated at SLU.

While I do not condone the violent act of the stranger (or violence of any kind), it is transparent that it was Burris’ own pretentious verbal diarrhea that prompted the stranger to pull out his switchblade.

It is the epitome of common sense, especially in an urban environment, not to offend, mouth off to or otherwise start trouble with complete strangers.

I would advise Burris to be mindful of how he acts and what he says in public. Next time he might find himself in a much more dangerous situation.

Brian Hercule

3rd year student, Saint Louis University School of Law