henric
07-24-2012, 12:21 AM
by Monica Bugajski
A U.S. panhandler told police that he made $60k last year and has no plans to quit because he is too lazy to get a job. Is he a fair representation of all panhandlers?
When Shane Warren Speegle of Oklahoma City was arrested on suspicion of panhandling, he told police that he'd rather pay the $200 fee to get a permit than leave the street because he's "lazy" and "made $60,000 doing this last year." He then added, "Why would I go get a job?"
By shamelessly cheating the system and his fellow citizens, Speegle has done pretty well for himself, especially since the median US income in 2011 was between $49,434 and $51,413.
Now, panhandlers have always been looked down upon, and Speegle's story only helps to incite condemnation of them, but can we really say whether or not he is a fair representation of all those who beg on the street?
It's difficult to really tell if this shameless con man is typical or unique. A few friends of mine work directly with the homeless, and they can attest that there really are men and women who ask for money on the streets not because they're too lazy to find work, but because they have mental illnesses that prevent them from keeping a job.
That being said, plenty of people out there are looking to make a profit off of our goodwill. They make a good deal of money for doing nothing at all, and they could care less about putting it back into the community. Unfortunately, there really is no way of telling them apart from the people who do need a few bucks in order to eat.
Though I do believe in compassion for our fellow men and women, I don't think we should give money to people begging on the street, particularly in a country like ours. In Canada, we have a social service safety net with programs designed to help those in need. Therefore, I think that in order to effectively help people and avoid falling prey to con artists, we should give donations to shelters, food banks, and other centers established to help rehabilitate the homeless.
If you are on the street and come face to face with someone begging, it's best to hand them a bottle of water or some food. The panhandler's reaction to this kind of donation will usually give you a inkling of the state they are in. Plus, I also think pulling out your wallet or any sum of money on the street isn't the safest option, as it could make you a potential target of theives.
It's sad that Speegle's story will only work to discredit those who really need help, and though his behaviour is nothing new, it isn't emblematic of all those begging on the street.
A U.S. panhandler told police that he made $60k last year and has no plans to quit because he is too lazy to get a job. Is he a fair representation of all panhandlers?
When Shane Warren Speegle of Oklahoma City was arrested on suspicion of panhandling, he told police that he'd rather pay the $200 fee to get a permit than leave the street because he's "lazy" and "made $60,000 doing this last year." He then added, "Why would I go get a job?"
By shamelessly cheating the system and his fellow citizens, Speegle has done pretty well for himself, especially since the median US income in 2011 was between $49,434 and $51,413.
Now, panhandlers have always been looked down upon, and Speegle's story only helps to incite condemnation of them, but can we really say whether or not he is a fair representation of all those who beg on the street?
It's difficult to really tell if this shameless con man is typical or unique. A few friends of mine work directly with the homeless, and they can attest that there really are men and women who ask for money on the streets not because they're too lazy to find work, but because they have mental illnesses that prevent them from keeping a job.
That being said, plenty of people out there are looking to make a profit off of our goodwill. They make a good deal of money for doing nothing at all, and they could care less about putting it back into the community. Unfortunately, there really is no way of telling them apart from the people who do need a few bucks in order to eat.
Though I do believe in compassion for our fellow men and women, I don't think we should give money to people begging on the street, particularly in a country like ours. In Canada, we have a social service safety net with programs designed to help those in need. Therefore, I think that in order to effectively help people and avoid falling prey to con artists, we should give donations to shelters, food banks, and other centers established to help rehabilitate the homeless.
If you are on the street and come face to face with someone begging, it's best to hand them a bottle of water or some food. The panhandler's reaction to this kind of donation will usually give you a inkling of the state they are in. Plus, I also think pulling out your wallet or any sum of money on the street isn't the safest option, as it could make you a potential target of theives.
It's sad that Speegle's story will only work to discredit those who really need help, and though his behaviour is nothing new, it isn't emblematic of all those begging on the street.