Wow, what a topic...!
Panhandling is now legal here in our city and I think it's one of the worst moves our government has made. People are on every corner downtown, and they'll even come into businesses, the universities and churches to beg. My biggest problem is that these panhandlers can get downright pushy and some even act as though it's their right to demand money. I don't have a problem with helping people out, but you've also got to consider why these people are out on the street. I am not saying this is the case for all panhandlers, but if they were able to manage their money correctly, would they be begging? One good thing the city has done though is implement this key program. You buy a key for $2, and if someone tries to beg for money for food or something, you give them the key. It gives them directions to a shelter where it can be exchanged for a meal, a new set of clothes and a shower. The money goes into programs to get these people off the streets and living normal lives like the rest of us.
You know what's really ironic though? First our government legalizes panhandling, then they put posters all over the city warning citizen's that "7 in every 10 panhandlers will use your money to feed an addiction". What's up with that? 😕
