Having a sense of sympathy for this woman and for the plight of the homeless and mentally ill are not mutually exclusive.  No one said this woman is in the same predicament as the 24hour a day homeless and mentally ill. Everyone has a right to be out in public places without being accosted by anyone for any reason.  Also, I think the "middle class", as you put it, are paying their fair share of taxes. How the money is being spent by the local, state, and federal governments is what needs to be addressed.