To the editor:
Controversy swirls about banning panhandling in downtown Lawrence. Let me make a distinction between panhandling and busking. Panhandling is poor people trying to get by; busking is artists sharing their skills with the community, hoping for tips.
True, there are buskers downtown that give the pastime a bad name, but one of the defining characteristics of Lawrence, Kansas, is the fact that your downtown experience can be enhanced by fine musicians, street theater, jugglers, etc. When I go downtown I take a pocket full of $1 bills. A good act gets a few, a bad act gets none. Ban panhandling if your hearts are hard, but don’t ban busking!
Comments
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sustainabilitysister (anonymous) says…
I agree... Don't ban busking! Personally I don't think they should ban anything. I'm never bothered downtown. I think people are just intolerant which is completely ignorant. Let's work on a little tolerance.
merrill (anonymous) says…
We've never been bothered much by panhandlers. In fact most are offering music which then makes any donation a tip.
To include Buskers in this panhandling discussion would be robbing Lawrence,Kansas.
Denying the saxaphone artist a venue at 7th and Mass would be a sin.
Every now and then when walking The Plaza in KCMO we'll be entertained by a guitar player seeking a "down payment on a cheeseburger please" so the sign reads.
foodboy (anonymous) says…
Enforce existing laws. It's that simple. Maybe DL should hire rent a cops like the Plaza does.
pizzapete (anonymous) says…
"one of the defining characteristics of Lawrence, Kansas, is the fact that your downtown experience can be enhanced by fine musicians, street theater, jugglers, etc." Well said. This is a music town, an art town, a downtown, don't make it illegal.
ralphralph (anonymous) says…
Anyone remember the "Keep Austin Weird" campaign?
That might be a little strong for Lawrence, but the idea is the same ... This is a unique spot, so let's keep it that way and not make it just like every other place. The people on the streets downtown are one of the reasons visitors come to Lawrence and go downtown. Lighten up and let it be.
kneejerkreaction (anonymous) says…
ralphralph (Anonymous) says…
The people on the streets downtown are one of the reasons visitors come to Lawrence and go downtown. Lighten up and let it be.
*******
Street musicans (if that's what you mean) are NOT one of the reasons people come to Lawrence. Obnoxious beggers (if that's what you mean) are certainly not one of the reasons people come to Lawrence.
Ask the two OP ladies who had to seek refuge in a local jeweler from an aggressive begger. They said they won't be back. Get rid of the panhandlers. Clean up downtown.
And require a permit for buskers. No money required, but an audition is. Some of those people are REALLY bad and only add to the "obnoxious noise" charm of downtown Lawrence.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"And require a permit for buskers. No money required, but an audition is"
And if you were the talent judge, would all our buskers sound like Lawrence Welk?
3up3down (anonymous) says…
All this can be solved if people would practice a little "selective acknowledgement." Pretend you do not see them and you will have a wonderful time shopping. Enjoy.