Police: Oregon panhandlers raking in the green
COOS BAY, Ore. - A police survey says panhandlers outside Wal-Mart in Coos Bay can make $300 a day. Inside, it takes a clerk a week to make that much.
Police say people who have a problem with that needn't look to the law - asking for money is considered protected free speech.
Coos Bay authorities say most panhandlers are not criminals.
Coos Bay Police Captain Rodger Craddock says most have lived in the city a long time and they actually have homes. Craddock says, "This is just their chosen profession."
He says most are docile, and that people should report those who are not.
Bob More, director of housing and emergency services at South Coast Community Action, says many panhandlers are there for the money - to feed their addictions.
He suggested a voucher system involving tickets people could give that are good for a meal or bed in a shelter.
Police say people who have a problem with that needn't look to the law - asking for money is considered protected free speech.
Coos Bay authorities say most panhandlers are not criminals.
Coos Bay Police Captain Rodger Craddock says most have lived in the city a long time and they actually have homes. Craddock says, "This is just their chosen profession."
He says most are docile, and that people should report those who are not.
Bob More, director of housing and emergency services at South Coast Community Action, says many panhandlers are there for the money - to feed their addictions.
He suggested a voucher system involving tickets people could give that are good for a meal or bed in a shelter.
Kudos for those courageous enough to stand out in public and subject themselves to ridicule and insults. Bob Moore's advice misses the point. The act of giving is intended to make the giver feel good. Who cares what the panhandler does with the money. That is NOT the purpose or reason for giving. AND the comment by MS is evident that he does not know the Constitution at all. All in all there is an concerted effort to stereotype and label panhandlers because they are not within the regimented parameters of society. Enough judgmental bias! If you do not like panhandlers, don't give. AND don't tell me what I should or shouldn't do with my HARD EARNED money. I give how I see fit because it makes me feel good.  Â
"...asking for money is considered protected free speech."
The protection of free speech has to do with the freedom to speak out against or for the government and NOT the constant misapplication in situations like this.
The panhandlers are tax evaders and, most probably, also getting some sort of government assistance or other assistance like from shelters, free meals, etc.
Most are simply scammers.