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Is panhandling a problem downtown?

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

Comments

BushBgone 5 years, 5 months ago

A lot of deadbeats come from republican families- so its again the fault of the far right greedy bible beaters.I say put all the clueless, homeless into hard labor.

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Pay_N_My_Way 5 years, 5 months ago

Stop feeding them, paying them, and giving them a place to sleep and they leave. Simple! Lawrence needs to stop feeling sorry for the deadbeats. Tell them to get a job. oh yeah, they are too lazy for that. See Jan Brocker, Nov, 8th blog. She offered a job and they told her.

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sustainabilitysister 5 years, 5 months 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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KsTwister 5 years, 5 months 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.

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hawkperchedatriverfront 5 years, 5 months ago

And the panhanlder must have proof of insurance just like a contractor.

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hawkperchedatriverfront 5 years, 5 months ago

KsTwister, if I understand correctly. Those who give money to the panhandlers would be issued a citation?> Thats a good idea, if that is what you mean. So, the person handing over the money gets a cittation and fine for $25 because the person asking is doing so illegally.Hmmm think they could figure that out at city hall? Or would it be better to issue panhandling permits. Make it legal. $25 applicaton fee, screeing. It comes back with outstanding warrants and the panhandler is arrested. It comes back clean and panhanlder gets permit , must be worn around neck. It costs $50 for $30 days. Panhandling can only be done between the hours of 7am and 3pm.

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KsTwister 5 years, 5 months ago

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

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Jan Brocker 5 years, 5 months 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.

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edjayhawk 5 years, 5 months ago

Once some guy asked me for money for a sandwich. So I said okay and told him to follow me in the restaurant so I can buy him a sandwich. His mouth just dropped open in dismay, thinking he was getting money for drugs or alcohol...He then told me he wanted to spend it later for food. I said no of course.

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TravisTyson 5 years, 5 months 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.

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ModSquadGal 5 years, 5 months 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.

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KLATTU 5 years, 5 months 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....

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ilikestuff 5 years, 5 months 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

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chapdaddy 5 years, 5 months ago

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

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Larry_The_Moocher 5 years, 5 months ago

Just get a can of pepperspray and tell the cop you felt threatened... The cop will just laugh and you will be on your way.

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Chuck Wehner 5 years, 5 months 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.

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Tony Kisner 5 years, 5 months 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.

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demonfury 5 years, 5 months ago

A vast majority of these people are capable of walking to the shelter every day, walking to the food pantry every day, walking to the link kitchen every day, and walking to every other place that keeps the homeless, well, homeless. Why the hell can't they walk to work? Stop blowing your premium cigarette smoke in my face while begging me to give you the money to buy more. If you are smart enough to get all the handouts, and ambitious enough to beg for my hard earned dollars, Get to work !!! That's one of the bigger things that's wrong with Lawrence, we are the ultra inviting meca of all that is benevolent to the indigent and destitude. That's crap, spend my tax dollars getting these people to transition into semi-independent living or even fully independent living. Stop giving them every reason not to do anything for themselves, other than getting everything handed to them. Oh wait a minute, Obama's new "Spread the Wealth" program should take care of them so they don't have to do it for themselves. Smart politics huh? America will lose with this clown bigger than they ever thought they would win. They just don't know it yet....

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kubacker 5 years, 5 months ago

It isn't just a "downtown" problem. I've seen these guys in their mid-20s wait out in the Checkers parking lot and get right up in the face of these old ladies coming out of the store and walk with them all the way to their cars - up in their face the whole time asking for money. It is out and out criminal intimidation and it is outrageous!!

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50YearResident 5 years, 5 months 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?

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Chuck Wehner 5 years, 5 months 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.

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edjayhawk 5 years, 5 months ago

I've heard that many of the younger homeless prefer to live that way. If thats the case then no money from me or my tax dollars.

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Kaiser 5 years, 5 months 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.

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SMe 5 years, 5 months ago

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

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S0uPnAzi 5 years, 5 months 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!!

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JKBagby 5 years, 5 months 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.

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edjayhawk 5 years, 5 months ago

I get tired of being bothered all of the time. Ruins a otherwise pleasant visit downtown.

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majiktami 5 years, 5 months ago

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

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