To the editor:

Thanks to the availability of the Internet, I was able to access the July 29 online version of the Marion County Record.

I feel I need to respond to Karlene Lovelady’s letter to the editor.

I was approached by a reporter for the Record to do an interview for an article pertaining to tent camping vs. R.V. camping. I did not want my homelessness to be the highlight of the article.

Karlene Lovelady should not say she personally knows me. She doesn’t have a clue as to who I am. I don’t even know her. She certainly isn’t an acquaintance.

If my dogs were barking, it’s because others were walking their dogs or walking in the vicinity. I don’t know whether Ms. Lovelady is aware of this, but God creates dogs with the ability to bark, to warn of impending danger. Don’t make the dog responsible for deciphering what is danger and what isn’t.

Marion County Lake is available for the enjoyment of all people, including other residents of the county. The lake is not the personal lake of residents who live around it. I pay my camping fees myself. No one else pays them for me.

Perhaps Ms. Lovelady should obtain a copy of the lake rules and read them to see whether I’m doing anything wrong.

In the future, perhaps Ms. Lovelady might want to consider that homelessness can come to anyone. Perhaps she might want to show a more loving compassion toward others who are less fortunate than her. My homelessness doesn’t bother me. Why does it bother her? It’s a reality of life. And one always has a choice of not reading what is offensive.

Now, have a great day. I am.

Arlene Stika