u235

It's simple really. You work and you get paid. Nothing really complicated about it. Ok, in some cases there are complicating factors, usually either in the form of disabilities (in which case the government and state usually come to your rescue if your family can't or won't) or kids - which the government is just beginning to understand. I'll admit that if you're the victim of an abusive husband with 3 little kids and you finally get a divorce yeah it's gonna be tough... but again there are some organizations out there that will help.

So lets go to Atlanta for a sec. They're passing an ordinance that makes it illegal to beg on the street. Business owners claim that shopping and tourism are being hurt by agressive panhandlers. I'll bet from the above paragraph you already know where I stand on this... right?

Now some dolt made the comment that it was their "biblical right" to ask for alms. Uh, correct me here but I don't recall the bible being enshrined in the constitution. Biblical rights also include lopping off hands and taking out eyes. We just don't do that here. I suppose their right not to panhandle might just as easily be countered with my right not to push the person annoying me in front of an approaching bus. I grew up in NYC, I've been to 3rd world countries... and begging sucks. It turns you off, makes you want to go home. And for the businesses that are losing customers, business that are supplying taxes that the city does in part spend on homeless shelters, food and free medical care, it sucks.

It's not your "right" to beg, maybe on your own land, in front of your own house, but from what I'd guess if you had that you wouldn't need to. I guess there is a certain amount of protected free speech, but it's my opinion that the people who -do- pay for the maintenance, security and upkeep of the sidewalks, store fronts and public ways should have more of a say than those who just want stuff handed to them. One former homeless person observed that giving money only enabled them to go spend it on drugs or booze. Note he was "formerly" homeless, meaning he pulled his ass out. I'd say that gave weight to his opinion.

Free country? Yeah I suppose it is - for those of us who contribute in one form or another. I would suggest that those that don't exist at the benevolence of those of us that do.