The topic that I chose to research is panhandling in Northern Colorado and how it affects the residents. Panhandling sparked my interest, because I’ve noticed and increase in the population of panhandlers on my way to work. A few weeks ago I was driving to work, when I came across a man peacefully begging for money on the sidewalk of an intersection. All I could think about while waiting at the stoplight was what would happen if he were to walk into the intersection to retrieve money from the stopped cars. Recently the ban on panhandling was overturned in Greeley and I have taken an interest in what our community will experience since the ban was overturned.The first source that I decided to share is “Greeley City Council Strips Controversial Panhandling Ordinance From The Books,” published by The Tribune on October 18, 2016. The article discussed the many aspects of the overturned ban. Last year the Supreme Court ruled that begging was protected under the first amendment. That same year the American Civil Liberties Union contacted Greeley regarding the panhandling ban and ordered law enforcement to stop enforcing the ban. Police Chief Jerry Garner said “It brought them in compliance with the supreme Court.” Garner went on to say that the ban wouldn’t make a difference in regards to aggressive panhandlers. People are allowed to hold up signs and verbally ask for money without any repercussions, but if it gets physical or they threaten the residents, then an arrest can still be made.
I believe that there is still time to see the effects the overturned ban, whether it was the best decision for our community.
The article left me with only a few question.
- After reading this article, I wonder why panhandling in a median doesn’t have a harsher punishment?
- What is the worst punishment for aggressive panhandling?
- Why did it take the supreme court ruling to change the bans in all the cities.
- What do you do if a panhandlers becomes aggressive.
To play devil's advocate, how is panhandling really harmful to others? Do we dislike it because it makes us feel guilty?
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to poll people in our class to see how many of them are bothered by panhandling, and/or how many do give money to panhandlers and why.
I find that I never roll down my window and give money, but I often drive away feeling guilty for a few minutes. IF those signs and pleas for help are legitimate, then shouldn't I be doing something? Should I let others go hungry when I have enough? And, what could the community do in terms of offering better help, shelter, soup kitchens, etc. so that fewer people had to beg?
This topic is very interesting; in fact, I was very close to using this topic for my project. Like Mrs. Easley, I don't give money to panhandlers. I'm always curious what they will spend the money on. I am volunteering for a local ministry called cold weather care, that aims to help shelter and feed homeless during the winter. It's an important issue.
ReplyDeleteI don't live in Greeley; is there a common opinion in the city about the ban, or are people divided on the issue?
I'm not sure about the details of the ban. Do you know if there are limitations on panhandling locations? For example, last Friday night I was at an outside shopping center and there was a woman walking around asking for money. I was surprised because it was all privately owned land.
Do you know if there were any people in jail for panhandling when the ban was abolished? If there were, were they set free? I also wonder if the crime would be expunged from their records. Very interesting subject and post!
This is an interesting article because in Ft Collins panhandlers are everywhere, even close to the shelters. I would think it could become dangerous out near the interstate or over by Centerra where the traffic goes very quickly. I see them all over and you do tend to feel guilty especially when they are very close to your car. I have experienced people that are panhandling and they tend to make better than minimum wage and don't pay taxes. They have their own area and tend to protect that especially if it is lucrative for them.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting on how they would react if they were offered a regular job that paid okay and if they even want to have the lifestyle we tend to say is normal.
I've transported them in an ambulance and literally everything they own is in their backpack and they are very protective of it all since a good portion of them are homeless.
There have been times when I felt bad going to eat at a fast food place and I would order a second hamburger and then give it to them instead of money. It was always received with thanks.
Clark has a good point that if any of them were in jail if they were let out in Greeley if that is what their crime was?