Why are there so many panhandlers in San Antonio? (Fredericksburg: law, deal)

[majormadmax]

Originally Posted by sapphire

Speeding is enforced consistently in Leon Valley, Shavano Park, Windcrest, et al, because it's very lucrative for those small municipalities to do so. That's probably why you don't see panhandlers there either.

San Antonio police look the other way at speeders (no, of course not all the time) but often they do, and many traffic laws go unenforced here. I guess they have bigger fish to fry--I'm not going to make excuses for them--I really don't know the reasoning. I'm sure that when they have time, or when the homeless and panhandlers become an eyesore because the national TV cameras are here in town, you see an increase in the enforcement of panhandling laws.

I do my part to feed the hungry--not only monetarily but I give my time. They are human beings, and that's what I see. Like I said before, if my giving two bucks to a homeless girl is repulsive to you, look the other way. People who turn their backs on other people repulse me, and I have to deal with it.

Whereas I commend you for donating your time to help the needy, if you are giving money to panhandlers (which most of us know are not the truly needy), then you are contributing to the commission of a crime. Sure, it's only a misdemeanor; but it also encourages them to continue to panhandle and it is the reason they are back at the same intersections every day.

If you donate your time as you say, then you know there are legitimate ways to help these people out. The truly needy will go to the places that offer them food, shelter and clothing. Those people you are giving money to on the street are hustlers, and they are just taking money away from you. If you are that generous, then throw $20 into an envelope and I'll give you an address to send it to. I have a very thirsty Jeep that could use a couple of gallons of gas!

Cheers! M2

[sapphire]

Haha, that's hilarious! Whatever helps you sleep at night......

I guess you'll have a luggage rack hooked up to the top of your hearse.

I still don't understand how your life is affected, other than "they're an eyesore." Seriously, go live your life.

[The Man in SATX]

Okay, so I started my new panhandling job.. to join the others out there.. and have decided to go out to the Forum and IH 35 to gather my donations... err I meant my wages..

So yall come out and support me and my vices!!

On a less humorous note ... I tried to give one of these bums a meal and he flat out refused it... told me he wasnt hungry at the time... I also attempted to give one of them a job cutting my grass (this was another time) and he said he didnt accept work (it said on his card.. "will work for food") go figure... this was about five years ago... hell I can keep the money for myself.. the way I see it.. let them live under IH35 for all I care... (they probably live in a better house then I do)

[sapphire]

If you don't want to give, don't. No big deal. This subject has been beaten to death.

[scuba steve]

Originally Posted by sapphire

If you don't want to give, don't. No big deal. This subject has been beaten to death.

They're human spam. And c'mon, it's spam. Just buck up and delete it! Nevermind the 50-1 ratio of spam to legit messages, all you've gotta do is ignore it.

Hey, got any spare change? I'll give you my address to send it to. Cmon, I need gas money!

[sapphire]

[quote=scuba steve;3739573]all you've gotta do is ignore it.

QUOTE]

Exactly. Rather than spare change, I wish I had all the time it takes to keep my knickers in a knot over this.

[firstclassflyer]

[quote=sapphire;3739602]

Originally Posted by scuba steve

all you've gotta do is ignore it.

QUOTE]

Exactly. Rather than spare change, I wish I had all the time it takes to keep my knickers in a knot over this.

Hehe

[RecovringKrspyKremeAddict]

Happened to hubby and me again yesterday in the parking lot at Gringo's! We'd gone out for a nice "Mothers Day" meal and as we approached the front door some kid approaches with a sob story about how he needs so badly to get back home for graduation but on they way through SA his dad got sick and they put him in the hospital...yadda...yadda...yadda. I had read the previous thread on this forum and decided back then I would not support this any longer. My husband told him we would not help him with cash and we proceeded into the restaurant. Once in the door I reported the event to the hostess and her reply was "Oh no, not again!" Leading me to believe that this had been a recurring event for them. As soon as we got inside, the young man had already approached another couple coming out of the restaurant, but was watching my husband and I out of the corner of his eye all the while, talking to the other couple. I guess he was wondering if we were complaining to the mgment. I don't feel badly for not helping him out. As MM2 keeps saying....the truly needy know where to go for help. Everyone else....well, I ain't got the kind of *help* they need!

[annie_annie]

Originally Posted by traveler guy

I understand what you mean but not all those people are actually con-artist.
And if you are a person of faith and give to the church then why get greedy just because that person might be a fake.

I'm not sure I understand how you've drawn the conclusion that someone is greedy if they choose to donate money to reputable charities instead of giving a handout to panhandlers.

I like to think of donating money as a hand UP not a hand OUT. If something falls under the category of being a hand out, then I would not dream of donating. If that makes me greedy, then I can deal with that.

[scuba steve]

Is it ok to panhandle in this thread? I haven't heard any good sob stories in a while or seen any creative signs... anyone have a few to share?