I know that many will disagree with me, but I have to say this. I agree with what the City of Orlando is planning to do with regards to controlling the panhandling situation, which is defintely out of control.

When I worked downtown, I hated having to stop at any traffic light, because they were always there waiting on you. Some would even be so bold as to walk up to your window, if you ignored them.  It wasn’t only then, but also at lunch time. They were everywhere. Can I please be allowed to get my lunch with my friends and get back to work, within the hour, without being harassed… because that is exactly what it is…. constant harassment.

If you have that much energy to stand in the rain, heat and cold all day and all night begging… then you should have that same fortitude, drive and persistence, to go out and get a job like the rest of us. Why is it that we are expected to take care of you and your problems? Don’t they and all those who support them realize that each person is responsible for their own  situation. I should not be made to feel bad because I choose not to give away my hard earned money to you. I work so that my family can have what we need; I don’t work to take care of strangers.

The City of Orlando is planning to stop the panhandlers during the hours of 7pm-7am. Personally, I think the times should be reversed to 7am-7pm. Of course many are against this proposal, but it looks as though it will pass, as city commissioners have already voted 5-1 on the subject.

Already, the panhandlers are required to have a permit in order to beg. But with this new measure, they could face possible jail time and fines.

Quite naturally homeless advocates think this measure is just all wrong and not the way to handle it. They simply want the people of Orlando to continue to house the homeless in shelters or to build more. And if the advocates are so concerned about the homeless, then I propose that those same advocates let the homeless live with them indefinitely, then after six months, come back and tell me if you still feel the same way about the homeless.

But if you continue to give, give, give to people, they will never learn. They will always beg as long as we let them.

How does that saying go: Give me a fish and I will eat for a day… teach me how to fish and I will eat for a lifetime.