Post in Reactions to Panhandling (was " Petty Crime")

Jun 30 20:30 UTC

OK, I figure someone with my last name should comment on a thread about Petty
Crime. First, no one that commented on this or the prior thread has said that
they would eagerly change places with a panhandler. It ain't a good life
apparently, even if Charlie thinks it is a lucrative profession (although I
tend to agree with the tone of his posting). An unscientific survey by City
Pages showed that the panhandlers they interviewed all considered it the worse
"job" they had ever had, and would like to be working for wages if they could.

Second, why should we assume that all panhandlers really don't need the money
or that not giving money will cure an addiction? How many people will we pass
by just to prove that we will only give to the "worthy" ones? So, I do a little
volunteering at Dorthy Day, I give money to charities that provide social
services, I support government programs that provide affordable housing and
social services, including housing for those such as the Hennepin 100 (A study
finding that the 100 most expensive social service cases in Hennepin county
cost about $1 million each annually. Conclusion, it would cheaper to house
these people with support services rather than treat them in emergency rooms,
jail them, and provide inadequate services on a piecemeal basis), and I give
almost everyone that asks my spare change. It is an inadequate response on my
part, but it is what I feel I can do. I don't think I should "judge"
panhandlers.

Finally, my experience with most social service organizations is that they are
pushing self reliance and responsibility to get people on their feet. But,
almost everyone recognizes that the many "isms" and risk factors also play an
important role is creating poverty, homelessness, and despair. Panhandling
should not be considered a Petty Crime, but a symptom requiring a community
response to a social dysfunction. Unfortunately, we are not there yet.

Douglas Petty
MacGroveland