For my final post I have chosen a news article from Florida. The difference between this article and the others I have discussed, is that in the other posts I talked about panhandling and the inconvenience and dangers that are associated with it, but I haven’t talked about any solutions that have been discussed.
The article I chose was “Tampa Anti-Panhandling OrdinanceOverturned” published by FOX13 News. Prior to the ban being overturned in
Tampa, Florida, the Tampa City council felt that they should limit the sight of
panhandlers from tourists, by creating zones where panhandlers/homeless could
inhabit. A homeless advocate didn’t share the same Views as the city council.
The ordinance to limit panhandling to specific areas was harming is
organization. The homeless advocates organization relied on their clients (the
homeless) and donations from the community, and without those donations, the
organization is limited in funds to help the homeless. He felt that the
homeless were being targeted, because people were still allowed to ask for
signatures for a petition, but asking
for a donation was prohibited.
for a donation was prohibited.
A year later, a judge ruled that donations or payments are
protected under our first amendment. Now that people can ask for donations, the
organization is eager to get donations again.
While exploring all my sources, my thinking has changed.
Before this exploratory blog, I was very one-sided. This blog gave me a chance
to see different views on Panhandling. I’ve learned that there are many
organizations dedicated to helping the homeless/panhandlers. I’ve also learned
that there are people that see the upsides and downsides of panhandling, such
as the feeling that they only want your money to buy drugs and alcohol, while
others believe that the money they give goes to survival needs. I’m still
wondering if the overturned ban in Greeley, Colorado has any drawbacks or if it
has been really beneficial. Currently I’m still trying to figure out what I
want to argue in my final essay.
The article left me with some question for instance, the zones that they set aside to keep panhandlers away from tourists, where were they located? how where they going to eat without the help of others? How is asking for signatures and asking for money different, if they both soliciting something. In regards to all the articles I've read, why did it take so long to realize that asking for money is freedom of speech?
The article left me with some question for instance, the zones that they set aside to keep panhandlers away from tourists, where were they located? how where they going to eat without the help of others? How is asking for signatures and asking for money different, if they both soliciting something. In regards to all the articles I've read, why did it take so long to realize that asking for money is freedom of speech?
After reading your blog I have some questions too. I also wonder why the police are using resources to ban panhandling when those that are on the corners are there because they can't afford to eat let alone a fine. Since first amendment issues are begin brought up and there seems to be no agreement as to how to handle this issue in Northern Colorado as well as in other cities across the US, will this become an issue for the Supreme Court? I also wonder just how many of the state's resources were being used to enforce the ban and would it be put to better use for homeless resources?
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