RB> Where I live, panhandling is illegal if it is done near an ATM,
RB> near a bus stop, if you ask twice, if you touch the person you are
RB> asking, etc etc. Laws like that are classist in nature and are
RB> symptomatic of a society that forces people into desperate
RB> situations only to stigmatize them as incompetent and unworthy of
RB> food and shelter.
Ryan, I don't know where you live but in the areas I've been around 
quite a few of the panhandlers can become quite intimidating. A timid 
housewife on the way to the ATM doesn't need some "crazy" jumping up 
and down in front of her and screaming his/her bloody head off for 
money. Also, the appearance of some are very threatening. These guys 
don't usually last very long in an area.
On the other hand... one of the sweetest people I ever met was a 
fixture around North Beach, in San Francisco. Micheal was on the 
street for over 12 years and is still going. He's tried to hold a 
job but it just isn't in his genes. Whenever I go back on vacation he 
knows he doesn't even have to ask... I'll drop a fiver on him, right 
away. The deal is: that's it! We'll sit down and talk for the few 
days I'm back, about old times or whatever. Way back when I was living 
in SF, he... and a few other street people would see to it I had 
cigarette and beer money when I was on the shortside.
Ryan, I'm a big man... bearded and usually in jeans and tee-shirts. 
Think about me walking up to you and putting my hand on your shoulder 
just as you turn around from the ATM, maybe I'm yelling a bit... or 
even following you down the street.  I'm also very street savvy.
Nobody deserves that kind of intimidation. Just because you're broke, 
a bit "teched" or in dire straits doesn't been you have the right to 
impose, frighten or intimidate people. Ask, yes... no tricks, though. 
Nothing classist about it.  
My money... if I WANT to give, fine. If whining about discrimination 
seems to make someone feel better about being reigned in, fine. Ya 
know, they could always go do day labor if things are that bad.
Naaaah... ya don't want to hear that, do you?
DB
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