Bullock Texas State History Museum
Don't Give Handouts to Panhandlers
RECEIVED Wed., Sept. 29, 2004
Dear Editor,
First off, this is a first-class publication and a great forum for the community. I am a new addition to Austin, and the Chronicle has made my transition seamless. I love the liberal perspective and emphasis on giving back to the community. However, I think this city's liberal spirit may be fueling an immense panhandling network.
I have traveled to countless metropolitan cities all over the world. I find that Austin has the most inanimate and least creative panhandlers I've ever seen. When I'm idling in my car at the intersection of Brodie Lane and MoPac I fantasize about the amazing street performers and window washers found throughout Mexico. The Mexican work ethic teaches that everyone must pull his or her own weight. And this applies to the panhandlers as well. If you're not blowing fire out your mouth, washing my windows, or making my commute any better, then I'm not giving you a dime.
However, in Austin, a large group of good-natured and compassionate people reinforce the idea that someone can make a living by simply standing, and in some cases sitting, near the intersections of major streets. These panhandlers have developed careers and territories due to this abundant generosity. And unfortunately several of these panhandlers are developing a sense of entitlement after logging several days at one spot. Today alone, I saw three different people having a confrontation with a panhandler. Honest working people shouldn't be harassed into giving someone money because they couldn't make the traffic light in time.
To date Austin does not have a law or policy against panhandling. However, I read recently that a group called Real Change, a program led by six Austin charitable organizations, is combating this problem. They share my opinion; giving simple handouts to panhandlers does more harm than good. If you want to give your money to charity, please give it to one of these Austin organizations: Capital Area Homeless Alliance, Caritas of Austin, Foundation for the Homeless, Life Works, or the Salvation Army.
First off, this is a first-class publication and a great forum for the community. I am a new addition to Austin, and the Chronicle has made my transition seamless. I love the liberal perspective and emphasis on giving back to the community. However, I think this city's liberal spirit may be fueling an immense panhandling network.
I have traveled to countless metropolitan cities all over the world. I find that Austin has the most inanimate and least creative panhandlers I've ever seen. When I'm idling in my car at the intersection of Brodie Lane and MoPac I fantasize about the amazing street performers and window washers found throughout Mexico. The Mexican work ethic teaches that everyone must pull his or her own weight. And this applies to the panhandlers as well. If you're not blowing fire out your mouth, washing my windows, or making my commute any better, then I'm not giving you a dime.
However, in Austin, a large group of good-natured and compassionate people reinforce the idea that someone can make a living by simply standing, and in some cases sitting, near the intersections of major streets. These panhandlers have developed careers and territories due to this abundant generosity. And unfortunately several of these panhandlers are developing a sense of entitlement after logging several days at one spot. Today alone, I saw three different people having a confrontation with a panhandler. Honest working people shouldn't be harassed into giving someone money because they couldn't make the traffic light in time.
To date Austin does not have a law or policy against panhandling. However, I read recently that a group called Real Change, a program led by six Austin charitable organizations, is combating this problem. They share my opinion; giving simple handouts to panhandlers does more harm than good. If you want to give your money to charity, please give it to one of these Austin organizations: Capital Area Homeless Alliance, Caritas of Austin, Foundation for the Homeless, Life Works, or the Salvation Army.
Sincerely,
Chris Castle
Chris Castle
