The
source that I decided to look into today is located in Omaha. The reason that I
chose to research this article/interview is because panhandling in Omaha has
become a public safety.
The
article “Omaha City Prosecutor Warns Dangers Of Panhandling,” published by KETV
OMAHA on June 8th, 2015. The article/interview discussed that while
panhandling is legal distracting drivers while begging for money is still
illegal. The reporter talked to a panhandler in regards to what happens when he
is out there. The panhandler stated that he sometimes gets food or money. He
continues to say that in the 3.5 hours that he had been there; he received $45.
That is about $12.86 an hour. For this amount of money; they put their lives at
risk, standing at intersections asking for money. The police chief stated that
tickets are seen regularly, so he feels like something is being done to insure
the safety of all involved.
The
charities that are provided for the homeless and panhandlers feels strongly
about not giving them money, because their necessities are provided through the
charities, while others don’t share the same felling as the charities. They
feel as if the charities have too many regulations.
This
article made me wonder, how are the charities asking too much of the panhandlers/homeless
they help?
You mention that "distracting drivers while begging for money is still illegal." That got me thinking--how does this illegal activity get reported? If a panhandler distracts me, am I supposed to call the police and report it? If so, how many people actually do this?
ReplyDeleteI am also surprised to hear how much this man made panhandling. What kind of people give him money, why, and how much on avg.? I think if I gave money, it would be just a dollar or two.
If you want to look at more sources on this issue, check out this blog from a student in my other section: http://alidyerpanhandlingblog.blogspot.com/