« Sing that song again and I'll bust an ASCAP in your BMI | Main | Bus to the Future »
February 24, 2007
What is that guy's name who works the corner of Willow and McCallie?
Two articles have surfaced this week regarding the existence of panhandlers in downtown Chattanooga. One, the cover story in this week's Pulse, focuses on downtown business owners' reactions to the practice; and today's TFP has a second piece that dwells more on the regulatory aspects. (Thanks to Coptix, I found the latter article online.) Reporters Angela and Herman (respectively) treat the subject with due delicateness, but I struggle with understanding why there's a fuss about this.
I tend to think that as long as there have been villages, there have been beggars. Maybe there is an enlightened way toward eradication of poverty, but you and I know that we haven't found it yet.
We also know that addictions often drive the quest for loose change. Twice, in recent memory, I have endeavored to help someone who seemed down and out in the central business district. I was approached on each occasion with a plea for money for food. I rarely carry cash, so I was honest when I said I didn't have any — but I then walked to the nearest Panera (not the world's best food, but the Sierra Turkey'd be a mighty fine meal, were I penniless) and bought a sandwich. When I approached the petitioner, I was twice met with protestations and excuses. I guess drug dealers and liquor store owners don't accept Panera as legal tender. Maybe I should have tried something from Bluffview. Nah.
I'm hardly ever out during the wee hours, so lunchtime is when I get hit up, if it happens. However, anyone who's ever been out around here knows Sandy, who got nothing but kind words in the Pulse interviews. As my post title indicates, I'm curious about the gentleman in a wheelchair whom I often see around 4:15pm at the aforementioned corner. He seems to make such a personable request, even if no words are spoken. He could be a politician, that guy.
Lastly, with all respectful apologies to the ghost of Bart Whiteman, I used to work in D.C., and Chattanooga has nothing on the system there. Panhandling's just not that big a problem here, in my opinion. Still, it is good to see our media outlets taking up the subject, even if it means talking with Council member Sally Robinson. You guessed it: she's got a zone for that, too.
Community | By joe lance | 01:49 PM