SEATTLE - OK, so some people think the Downtown Seattle Association is a warm and fuzzy group that only has the best interest of the homeless at heart.

I happen to think otherwise.

Earlier this week, I went after the association for putting together a campaign that encourages people to 'just say no' to panhandlers this holiday season. (Read earlier commentary here.)

Ken Landry writes: "I vehemently disagree with your tolerance toward...panhandlers. Until no one rewards them, they will continue to avoid any path toward responsibility."

From John Arliss: "Bleeding hearts like you just don't get it Schram. Tossing some spare change into a cardboard coffee cup might make you feel better, but it does nothing to help the individual who urinates in my bushes and intimidates my customers."

Marshall Anderson: "Downtown business is being hurt by panhandlers, especially the more pushy ones. (The only defense business owners have is) to ask people not to encourage panhandling, thus the brochures you find so offensive."

And finally from David Byrne: "You're kidding, right Schram? You can't possibly believe that supporting a drug or alcohol habit translates to helping the homeless. Open your eyes."

I'll do that David, if you open your heart.

Thanks for writing everyone.

Have a great weekend.

Have something to say to Ken? E-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.

It's a lively exchange of information, insight and perspective with two guys who don't agree on much, but still manage to enjoy each other as they tackle issues of the day. Even better, callers are invited in on the verbal action.