Wanted to share with you my letter to the editor of The Observer after reading this article….

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/oct/09/barabara-ellen-trudie-styler-big-issue

Dear Editor,

Barbara Ellen says if she was selling The Big Issue guest edited by Trudie Styler she might be tempted to burn them. Why? Because Ms Styler has 6 homes and has the temerity to be married to a famous man.

If Ms Ellen was forced by a change of circumstances to have to end up selling the Big Issue she would more than likely relish the chance to sell an issue full of well known contributors. Because, as has been proved Big Issue vendors income increases when the well connected get on board of The Big Issue. Of course Ms Ellen, in desperate circumstance might choose to beg to survive, or steal and get caught up with the police. Or even offer her body in return for money. But sure as eggs is eggs she would not choose the cavalier destruction of her only legitimate means of income.

Ms Ellen has actually missed the boat. The person who gave me, John –one home- Bird , the chance to start the Big Issue was a multi homed Gordon Roddick. Who with his wife Anita had not been homeless, ever. Should we have refused their multi homed support?

I appreciate the moral guidance, but please don’t demean those that have to live by their labours, and who have not the chance to make a funeral pyre out of their living. Please Ms Ellen don’t behave so spoilt by your choices and impose those on others who have none. They are there to make money, not to pass judgment on the over provided for.

John Bird, Founder, Editor in Chief,
The Big Issue.

The Big Issue 1-5 Wandsworth Road,
SW8.