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| Bob Dobrowolski | |
PANHANDLING LAW
"Panhandling" means any solicitation made in person requesting an immediate donation of money or other thing of value for oneself or another person or entity. Purchase of an item for an amount far exceeding its value, under circumstances in which a reasonable person would understand that the purchase is, in substance, a donation, is a donation for the purpose of this section. Panhandling shall not include the act of passively standing or sitting, performing music, or singing with a sign or other indication that a donation is being sought but without any vocal request other than a response to an inquiry by another person.
Source: Chattanooga City Code
Bob Dobrowolski was sitting in the Waffle House on Shallowford Road when a man at the next table leaned over.
"Aren't you the chiropractor?" the man asked.
Dr. Dobrowolski, who works at Chiro-Health on South Moore Road, said he was.
"Yeah, I got a business right across the street," the man said. "I stand on the corner and get money."
People asking for money always have been present in the Brainerd area, especially near ramps to Interstate 24 on Moore Road, police and residents say. Some have legitimate need -- they're amputees or homeless veterans or people down on their luck, police say.
Others, though, know they can earn quick money by preying on the kindness of motorists, according to police.
"If they learn the hot spots in town, they go there," said Lt. Charles Russell, who oversees Delta team in the Brainerd area. "People feel sorry for them because they're holding signs."
City ordinance states that those who passively ask for money via a sign are not considered panhandlers. The action becomes panhandling only if a person solicits another person by requesting money or other goods.
So when traffic backs up because someone is holding a sign that asks for money, police arrest them for obstructing the roadway.
And holding a sign seems to be a lucrative business, police say. Of those arrested, some have hundreds of dollars and cell phones in their pockets.
Donating to them only encourages them to continue, Lt. Russell said.
"Giving them money is not helping," he said. "Homeless shelters, food banks, that's where money is better used."
Dr. Dobrowolski said he's watched people work in shifts when begging for money, alternately standing on the corners and resting in a car parked in a nearby lot.
No one could be found standing on corners at Moore, Germantown or Shallowford roads or in East Ridge on Tuesday or Friday.
Betty Moore has lived in the Moore Road area for 40 years and said the neighborhood is quiet. She sometimes sees transients meandering on the sidewalks, but said they're rarely a nuisance.
"I don't see people give them money," Ms. Moore said. "I think this is a good neighborhood."
The number of people holding signs and asking for money has decreased in recent years, said Ralph Christiana, the business manager at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on South Moore Road.
Such people do not accost anyone nor do they typically approach anyone, he said. Church officials mainly watch to make sure none venture onto the campus of the church's school, located next to the church.
"Because of our proximity, people do come over and, if they need food, we certainly help them with that," Mr. Christiana said.
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Wonder how much they pay in income tax?
"Some have legitimate need -- they're amputees or homeless veterans or people down on their luck, police say."
I carry dog treats in a plastic bag (panhandlers with dogs get more attention)and a package of Eat-A-Snack Crackers for the "hungry". If Eat-A-Snack crackers are good enough for me (and I work) they might learn to enjoy them if they're that hungry.
At least the dogs get fed. After driving away from those spots I've seen the human crackers thrown away. So it didn't appear that the "Will work for Food, Help-Homeless Vet, Need gas money to see poor,sick,dying granny" and all the other fake come-ons were all that interested in eating. Only money counts for them.
Change and bills (particularly 5s, 10s and 20s),seem to make them happy. And the dogs are props. The dogs are pawns of the "homeless" and my sympathy is always with the dogs. They'll always get a bag of treats.
But I no longer give money to the most pitiful stories man has yet devised. I choose to give where there is legitimate pain and suffering and I can see results of my contribution.
Next I expect to see the US Congress holding signs (Will work for Kickbacks, First Class Airline Tickets,Free meals at The Four Seasons and Escorts for Congress.)
Now there's a program the taxpayers have supported for years. Perhaps Congress and local government could be an inspiration to the "homeless" and offer classes and tips for succeeding in panhandling. At least the "homeless" will be learning from the pros.
I do happily feed the dogs, but not the crumb-bums who use them.
They probably don't make enough to have to pay minimum tax. And if they have 'hundreds' of dollars, this is still not enough to pay the thousands or so needed for first/last months rent, utility deposits, and a security deposit. All they hear is 'get a job' - I would guess a cell phone is a good first step in that direction. Do the math. The truth is that minimum wage cannot put a roof over your head. So if you prefer to place the blame on people trying to survive rather than the corporations who sent all the jobs overseas, it's because if you were to acknowledge the reality of unemployment, then you would have to admit that the same thing could happen to you.
These people are not "trying to survive". They are operating a nice scam. They can get hundreds of tax free dollars each day they go out. They are not interested in getting a job or in paying taxes for the government services they receive.
"They probably don't make enough to have to pay minimum tax. And if they have 'hundreds' of dollars, this is still not enough to pay the thousands or so needed for first/last months rent, utility deposits, and a security deposit. All they hear is 'get a job' - I would guess a cell phone is a good first step in that direction. Do the math. The truth is that minimum wage cannot put a roof over your head. So if you prefer to place the blame on people trying to survive rather than the corporations who sent all the jobs overseas, it's because if you were to acknowledge the reality of unemployment, then you would have to admit that the same thing could happen to you."
Good for you! Give us your address and we'll see that a map is drawn directing them to your house. Let's just see how much loving kindness you exhibit. Maybe you can set-up a soup kitchen and have plastic tents in your yard for these people you "feel" so much for. Please prove what a good man you are. Then tell me how you've saved the homeless, got them cell phones, and are employing them in your business.
Or, as I suspect, you lips and mouth are bigger than your heart.God loves you for your hypocrisy.