A Case Against Tolerating Panhandling (or Why Do Your Rights Trump Mine?)

I do not pretend to have a solution to the panhandling problem in Rhode Island. It is complex at its core. But I do know I should not be shamed and forced into tolerating and accepting behavior that infringes on me. That is the biggest lie of "tolerance," another result of political correctness.

If they have a God-given right to beg - and under the First Amendment, apparently they do - it is likewise my God-given right to go about my business unmolested. 

The First Amendment does not protect all speech; aggressive and threatening speech is not without limits. But your definition of aggression may differ from mine. I do not have to hear words threatening bodily harm to feel intimidated. Whether that is right or wrong is beside the point. I have the right to travel and conduct my business without unwanted and uninvited encumbrance or intrusion by another.

Someone standing on the corner holding a sign is not the problem with panhandling. It’s the personal approach – encroachment – into what was once politely considered “personal” space to make the direct ask that's the problem. 

To intrude upon another who is minding his/her/their own business with the unsolicited ask can feel very threatening, very aggressive, and makes me vulnerable as I shift focus from what I was doing (minding my own business) to search in my bag for the dollar or two. I do have a right not to be subjected to that.

This is not limited to Providence, but the compassion Mayor Elorza intended when he decreed that police should ignore the law and not enforce the ordinances has done little or nothing to help the plight of the needy or to get at the fundamental problems. 

It has, however, seriously ramped-up the number, and invited and emboldened opportunistic "syndicates" or "career" panhandlers who obfuscate the problems and prevent real solutions. Plus, social service providers will tell you not to donate because it is not an effective solution.

I am not asking for police aggression - I already said I do not know the right answer - but I, and others like me who just want to be left alone, do not want to be shamed by the sanctimonious into tolerating others’ infringing behavior.

Third Party Emerges as Only Real Alternative for Many

 

Gary Johnson is not taking away votes from Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump.

Gary Johnson is giving back the vote, reengaging all those disenfranchised and disillusioned voters who would otherwise stay home - stay out of the election altogether - rather than cast a vote for either Clinton or Trump.

Rabid followers of the Democrat and Republican candidates will not be swayed from their polarized positions, planted firmly on opposite ends of the seesaw, no matter what Johnson or anyone else says.

It's the huge space in the middle, filled with unhappy, frustrated, and confused patriots who know that the two "choices" being offered are not good for their country, not good for their state, not good for their family. Those are the voters - a huge number of them - who are paying attention to Johnson and may be swayed to vote for him.

Repeat: The option for them - so many of them - is to otherwise stay home.

"And if, in four years, you decide you don’t like peace, prosperity, and freedom, you can always vote tyranny back into office again."

A Mother's Axioms (Still True After All These Years)

The marvel of life is that it is a journey of continuous opportunities for learning, many times from the most unlikely sources. I am amazed at the education I have received from my four children. Each is unique in his (three) and her (one) approach, but their lessons have not failed to elucidate. Often, the lessons seem to contradict my long-held beliefs. However, their wisdom is worth sharing. Here is a sampling of the new axioms:

If you leave the empty ice cube tray on the counter, it will refill itself.

A drink of water tastes best when drunk out of a fresh glass each time.

Spills needn't be wiped up; they evaporate with time.

The wallpaper looks much better when loose seams are torn away.

Painted woodwork makes an excellent drawing surface.

Toilets are not meant to be flushed unless the equivalent of a roll and a half of toilet tissue has been used.

Always leave one square of toilet tissue on the roll. It's the considerate thing to do.

Light switches are made to be turned on. And left on.

A napkin is always within arms reach. It's called a sleeve.

Doors close best when slammed.

All chairs are rocking chairs.

Chore time exists to renew fascination with neglected toys.

Blowing on the tops of furniture works as well as using a dust cloth.

The family room must be constantly maintained at a moderate level of mess to be considered comfortable.

For every toy that is put away, two must be taken out.

If at first you don't get permission, cry, cry again.

Clothes are more accessible if left piled on the floor.

Parental instructions must be conveyed at 88 decibels to be heard and followed.

Following hours of after-school silence, the day's routine activities must be discussed at bedtime.

Books without pictures beg for crayon illustration.

Beds make the best trampolines.

Bedtime is a suggestion.

Announcing "Bedtime!" elicits hunger and thirst.

The later the hour, the greater the desire for a long bedtime story.

Mom's televised news programs signal it's time for kids to wrestle on the floor in front of the TV.

Church services produce the irrepressible urge to poke at siblings sitting next to you.

A phone call for Mom implicitly permits family room gymnastics, raiding the refrigerator, climbing up onto shelves, turning up the television volume, arguing over toys, or any and every combination thereof.

And finally, if it belongs to Mom, it's more fun to play with, use, hide, or wear.

Every day is a joyous new challenge!

What have your children taught you? : )


originally published in 2007
originally written circa 1994 AND IT'S STILL TRUE! :)