Panhandling: It's Got to Go

When I began to think about Texas state and local government and what can be done to make a positive change here in the greater Austin area, the first thing that came to mind was the issue of homelessness and how prevalent panhandling has become. It seems as though I cannot go anywhere more than five miles from my house without seeing a homeless person on the side of the road holding a sign and asking for money from those who pass by. Initially I feel for these people as I know that it must be extremely tough to be without a home (if they truly are homeless), but on the flipside, I feel strongly that they ought to be offering a service, or putting forth some sort of effort when asking for assistance, as it is not right for them to beg with a sad look and their face and try to make passers-by feel guilty for not lending a helping hand when they are doing nothing themselves to help out anyone either. What’s even worse is when you are walking down the street, say South Congress, and a homeless person walks right up to you and asks for some change, and then ridicules you when you say you haven’t gotten any. I understand that there are those in need, and I am all for good will and generosity, but the issue of panhandling in the greater Austin area has gotten to be way out of control, and the government ought to take action and outlaw this shameful act that has become a lifestyle for so many.

                As an immediate plan of action, I offer that the local and possibly even the state government make it illegal to beg for money without offering some kind of service, entertainment, product, or the like. I believe that it is entirely okay for the homeless to ask for work, or food, or to put out a jar when playing music etc., but when the only effort they are putting forth is walking up and down a sidewalk while holding an intelligible cardboard sign, they ought not to be given anything. Furthermore, those who wish to make money could simply sell things such as a newspaper (The Austin Advocate, published just for homeless people to sell) or water bottles (I have made hundreds of dollars off of this in fundraisers) to make some extra cash. There is simply no excuse for not working for the cash that they, the homeless panhandlers, desire so much to have.

                Now, I have been in cities, such as New York City, where being homeless and out on the street is altogether banned, and it is very nice, but I am only offering that we take a small, simple step at first. It won’t be easy, and it will take some time to enforce and to really catch on, but the city of Austin should outlaw panhandling, effective immediately.