Madison Panhandling
A Madison Alderperson, Mike Verveer is pushing for stricter regulation of panhandling. The new rules would allow panhandlers between the light poles and the curb, 12 feet from a building, 25 feet from an intersection and 50 feet from ATM’s. Some complain that these rules are unfair and go too far. I believe anything less than a complete ban is too little, but I’m willing to compromise. Verveer’s proposal is a good start.
I’m opposed to panhandling for several reasons. The most important reason is because it is not a solution. It’s a scam. There are many programs in the area to help the homeless. If they truly want to get back on their feet, people will help. Many choose to remain homeless panhandlers because all their needs are supplied with little or no effort on their own behalf.
Many panhandlers are complete frauds that exploit the compulsion of some to give money to panhandlers to achieve some sense of helping the less fortunate. When I worked at the Subway restaurant at East Washington and Stoughton Road there was a girl that would beg at the corner. Throughout the night I would see person after person hand her money. At least one in ten cars gave her money. She was making more money in three hours of begging than I made working my eight hour shift. When she was done begging, she would come into the restaurant, get a sandwich, call her friend on her cell phone and wait for him to pick her up.
The people that give money to panhandlers should instead donate that money to a reputable charity.
Comment by Hobo — Tuesday 12 April, 2005 @ 23:11
1/3 of the homeless are veterans.
If a homeless person can make more than you by panhandling, then you have a crappy job. Deal with it.
So what if they need the money to buy a bottle of Thunderbird? They need that to keep from going through withdrawl. I doubt many people get clean their first time through rehab. If any choose to sleep in the streets, it is only because they can’t stay in a shelter if they’re drunk/high, or get their lives together if they’re addicted. It’s a vicious cycle.
Comment by Steven A. Stehling — Tuesday 12 April, 2005 @ 23:24
I had no idea it was a crappy job. Oh wait, I already said it was a Subway restaurant. I didn’t have that job for great pay. I was a full time student at the time and needed flexible hours. That’s the benefit of working at a fast food restaurant (not always the case unfortunately).
I don’t know where you’re going with the rest of that comment. I don’t feel sorry for drug addicts. Programs are out there to help and in most cases, it was their own actions that created the addiction. If you’re going to give away free money, then give it to charities that help innocent children stranded on the streets. It’s not the child’s fault their parents are irresponsible.