Poll: Is panhandling a problem downtown? / LJWorld.com

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Response		Percent	Votes
Yes.		72%	961
No.		20%	274
Not sure.		6%	89
Total	1324

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ModSquadGal 5 years, 1 month ago

These people really annoy the heck out of me. It ruins the atmosphere of downtown Lawrence. You can't even go one block without being "hit up" for cash and then given a rude comment when you decline. I work hard EVERY DAY and pay my taxes so that THEY can sit on their duff begging for MORE of my money. The taxes we pay get them ALL the freebies they can handle in Lawrence and they STILL beg and get up in people's faces. It's time for Lawrence to put up the "No Vacancy" sign for homeless, panhandling, bums. In my opinion, those that really DO just want a hand up get that, and then go on to be productive citizens. The majority of these people are out there all the time, and don't want to have to actually work. Why would they when they get all these handouts?And to the younger set that sits out there with their backpacks and dogs and signs saying "traveling, hungry and broke" - there's your first life lesson. GO HOME, GET A JOB, EAT A MEAL. GROW UP.

Jan Brocker 5 years, 1 month ago

Last winter or the winter before I asked two obvious panhandlers who were walking by and asking for money and cigarettes to clear my sidewalk after it had snowed overnight. I thought that I was doing the right thing; trade a little work for a little money. I offered $5 each for about 5-10 minutes of work. The answer was: "F**k you!" and they walked off. I don't think I have to elaborate any further.

KLATTU 5 years, 1 month ago

Sorry, I gave all my change to prop up failing businesses, and insure the wealthy retirements of lousy business leaders.Socialism for the rich: Yeah!! Oh you poor capitalists.... Socialism for the rest of us: Boooo!! You dirty, no good commies....

KsTwister 5 years, 1 month ago

Perhaps the guilt trip would go away if the issued citations for giving money to them?? Just a thought.

ilikestuff 5 years, 1 month ago

I don't mind giving change or a couple bucks to someone asking for help on Mass. My vow to be generous is independent of the integrity which determines how the one requesting money will spend it..Undoubtedly, I get taken but I'd rather be a bit gullible than a Meany, rationalizing an unwillingness to part with a couple bucks. Besides, you never know when one of those "bums" may not be a bum at all!Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. -Hebrews. 13:2

chapdaddy 5 years, 1 month ago

these panhandlers soon will no longer be a problem, Obama will take care of them..........

Chuck Wehner 5 years, 1 month ago

You don't have to pass laws to get them off the streets, if everyone would just stop giving them money they would go away.

50YearResident 5 years, 1 month ago

Send the Army Recuiter downtown to talk to these guys. They will get 3 hots and a cot, plus free medical. What more could they ask for?

JKBagby 5 years, 1 month ago

Not a problem. I remember an article in the Chicago Sun back around 96 or 97 when the city was prompted by some to shut off the steam on Lower Wacker. Freeze the homeless? Stories flooded all the papers about how close any one of us could be to becoming homeless. The steam was turned back on. Yeah some panhandlers downtown Lawrence can be pricks, but I think the LPD does a good job at keeping those specifics in check.

SMe 5 years, 1 month ago

majiktami, yea good idea until they become belligerent and insistent.

Kaiser 5 years, 1 month ago

I have seen the some of the same bums at Einstein Brothers drinking coffee for years. I have even heard them complaining about the free food they get. These people are definitely a problem.

majiktami 5 years, 1 month ago

just say no. If you don't have it..... you can't give it!

S0uPnAzi 5 years, 1 month ago

Here's the real issue folks: If you don't mind getting hit up on every time you go downtown, great, knock yourself out. I for one, get mighty damned tired of these people, and many of them look able bodied and employable, and hit me up for cash. Get a frickin' job or go somewhere else!!

TravisTyson 5 years, 1 month ago

If I have a couple bucks its no problem. I agree with an earlier post. If you don't have it... don't give it. But I try everyday to be a good person and if that means I attmepted to help someone in need then so be it. It's not my business to judge how they spend the money.

Easy_Does_It 5 years, 1 month ago

No problem downtown they never chase me off. Boy those dudes on the west side can be mean, which is a problem.Seems to me a win-win deal, you give me what I want cash and you get what you want, I'll leave.

Chuck Wehner 5 years, 1 month ago

demonfuryGet over it, you know that isn't what "spread the wealth" is about. Its about making the top 5% obesely wealthy paying there fair share rather than hiding it all with tax breaks.

KsTwister 5 years, 1 month ago

Now I must admit that if a musician is playing then he is actually selling something and if you want to tip him then ok. But when you have someone not competing with him but just wants your money with nothing for the effort then perhaps ticketing those who keep the deadbeats coming back for more is the way to go. Anyway it worked in New York--and some of those panhandlers were making about $2000 a month. No sympathy from me in saying no.

sustainabilitysister 5 years, 1 month ago

It's sad to me how intolerant people are. If people deem pan-handling in this city a problem then think about the root of the problem. The problem is the cost of living versus the wages people make and the jobs available. It's a socio-economic problem and if you make it illegal to pan-handle, it doesn't make the problem go away.

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