Panhandlers Research Paper
Loree Weissenfluh
WR122 –Midterm
Evan Burton
June 1, 2013
Revolution Required For Rogue Street Warriors
Oregon seems to have an especially liberal freedom of speech decree; even more unrestricted than the federal constitution. This is why we have too many strip clubs, and why boldly lurking, waiting to ask for money, along with various other kinds of belligerent street behavior, is protected as free speech. Our state constitution bill of rights provides for such conduct. For our communities to feel safe we need to prohibit aggressive panhandling, especially in certain areas. It would help if, as a society, we would not give money directly to panhandlers. Giving to charities that serve the needy is a better option. If people stopped giving panhandlers money, the panhandling would likely stop. As a society we tend to classify panhandlers as deprived, homeless and broken. However, panhandlers and homeless people are not necessarily one and the same. Studies have shown that only a small amount of homeless people panhandle and only a small percentage of panhandlers are homeless. While homeless people often come from larger societal issues such as poverty, …show more content…
Although they have all the time in the world, many pedestrians need to get where they’re going. Laying down or standing in the way is inappropriate. Convicted panhandlers need sentencing that includes community service, cleaning up the streets, sidewalks and alleys where they panhandle. Possibly officials could require solicitation permits to be obtained, although the likelihood of them actually being applied for is slim. Prohibiting panhandling is areas such as near ATM’s, on public transportation, near business entrances, on private property, and on public beaches and boardwalks could relieve anxiety for folks who are nervous to conduct regular business for fear of being
WR122 –Midterm
Evan Burton
June 1, 2013
Revolution Required For Rogue Street Warriors
Oregon seems to have an especially liberal freedom of speech decree; even more unrestricted than the federal constitution. This is why we have too many strip clubs, and why boldly lurking, waiting to ask for money, along with various other kinds of belligerent street behavior, is protected as free speech. Our state constitution bill of rights provides for such conduct. For our communities to feel safe we need to prohibit aggressive panhandling, especially in certain areas. It would help if, as a society, we would not give money directly to panhandlers. Giving to charities that serve the needy is a better option. If people stopped giving panhandlers money, the panhandling would likely stop. As a society we tend to classify panhandlers as deprived, homeless and broken. However, panhandlers and homeless people are not necessarily one and the same. Studies have shown that only a small amount of homeless people panhandle and only a small percentage of panhandlers are homeless. While homeless people often come from larger societal issues such as poverty, …show more content…
Although they have all the time in the world, many pedestrians need to get where they’re going. Laying down or standing in the way is inappropriate. Convicted panhandlers need sentencing that includes community service, cleaning up the streets, sidewalks and alleys where they panhandle. Possibly officials could require solicitation permits to be obtained, although the likelihood of them actually being applied for is slim. Prohibiting panhandling is areas such as near ATM’s, on public transportation, near business entrances, on private property, and on public beaches and boardwalks could relieve anxiety for folks who are nervous to conduct regular business for fear of being