Panhandled on Thanksgiving (Atlanta: quality of life, live, move)

[arjay57]

I had to go down to the Fulton government center on Pryor a few days ago and found a parking space at the curb. I got panhandled twice before I even got into the building. I also got panhandled when I left.

No real harm, I guess, but it's so annoying to have people pinging on you before you even step out of your vehicle. It feels like flies descending on a piece of meat.

I bet this won't happen at the Milton government center if they create a new county next spring.

[dichloromethane]

Originally Posted by brownhornet

This was threadworthy because...

Exactly. What the OP said is something that happens on a daily basis. No new information here.

[ATLTJL]

It is important. There are people on this board who will argue that the panhandling problem is exaggerated (it's not) or that the people doing it really are down on their luck and hungry (they're not). That's why I posted it.

As for this:

It's illegal to panhandle in downtown Atlanta. To report an illegal panhandler, call the Ambassador Force of Downtown Atlanta at (404) 215-9600.

True, but do you really think they are going to respond and actually catch the guy? And then what are they going to do, hold him there until the real cops show up? The mall cops on segways in downtown Atlanta are useful at giving direcitons to confused tourists and that's aobut all.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by dichloromethane

What the OP said is something that happens on a daily basis.

Therein lies the problem.

[brownhornet]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Therein lies the problem.

Thing is, who cares? I mean, good lord..someone asked you for a dollar let's throw em in jail. SMH, such trivial things I don't get it. Say no, keep it moving..life goes on.

[brownhornet]

Hey, I saw someone sitting beside the interstate exit with a sign asking for change guess I should've made a thread.

[ja1myn]

Originally Posted by brownhornet

Thing is, who cares? I mean, good lord..someone asked you for a dollar let's throw em in jail. SMH, such trivial things I don't get it. Say no, keep it moving..life goes on.

Originally Posted by brownhornet

Hey, I saw someone sitting beside the interstate exit with a sign asking for change guess I should've made a thread.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by brownhornet

Thing is, who cares? I mean, good lord..someone asked you for a dollar let's throw em in jail. SMH, such trivial things I don't get it. Say no, keep it moving..life goes on.

It may be fine with you, but it bothers me. I don't like people aggressively banging on me to give them things -- even people I know. It's even more annoying when a complete stranger does it, who has no apparent claim on my good graces.

I don't think most people feel good about having a stranger follow them around saying "Hey, give me some money, man." To me that's not an inviting or comfortable environment.

[ATLTJL]

For the record, it should be noted, that this guy approached my friend and I, interrupted a conversation between us, and when we ignored him at first he started shouting things like, "What's the matter, y'all can't talk?" and "Don't judge me!"

So it's not an issue of someone asking for money, you saying no, and the person moves on. It's harassment.

[NativeJr]

Exactly. For all those that allow you to ignore them and walk on, there is an equal number that will not take no for an answer and continue to pursue and harass you. It is threatening and intimidating. My partner was a victim of carjacking/kidnapping. Now when someone approaches him on the street he feels threatened. You never know when that person is going to have a gun or a knife.

There are services that available to help those that are truly down and out. People need to stop giving to panhandlers and instead, if they want to help, give money to the organizations that are best suited to help those in need.