Has downtown panhandling decreased since the city installed those decorative parking meters to collect change for the homeless? CQ is a series where Chattarati readers talk back. Please leave your thoughts in the comments section.
(Photo courtesy of John Hawbaker)
Carl on Aug. 5, 2008
Not in my case. I deliberately, intentionally and on purpose give my money to the homeless and the poor. I do this because the government has adequately proven to me their extremely inadequate ability to handle my money. Put another way, I render to Caesar only what is Caesar's.
Jonathan on Aug. 6, 2008
Whenever I see a homeless person, I ask them for money first...it really confuses them...but compared to other cities I have visited (Nashville, DC, Kansas City...) its hard to tell we even have a homeless problem...
Strat Parrott on Aug. 6, 2008
According to a recent segment on TALK Radio 102.3 pan handling is at an all time high even after the installation of the meters, however, the meters intake of funds is also at an all time high. I find, that most of our homeless or transients have made the choice to be homeless, several have not and are additionally disabled in some way be it mentally or physically. I have lived here in Chattanooga most of my life and come to know many of these interesting characters, from Sandy the flower guy, to Clarence the jacket man, and all of them for the most part are sincere in needing help and never ask. The problem I find is with the transients, the train hoppers, or "the crusties" as they often call themselves. Gutter punk kids that are homeless for the most part by choice, that only collect money for a fix of drugs and booze.
Sumit on Aug. 8, 2008
When homeless people ask me for money, I simply tell them: "I'm sorry, I don't support terrorism."