WTL Adds to the Anti-Panhandling Conversation
Remember fearlessvk’s thoughtful comments on the anti-panhandling and single-beer-ban situation this morning? Well, Brad Watkins kicks it up another notch:
The worst laws passed in history are those passed based on broad appeals to emotion without a clear and objective view of the situation and solutions. The two new proposed ordinances sponsored by the Center City Commission stand as the latest local examples of this phenomenon.
They include the creation of a Single beer ban and the expansion of the local panhandling ordinance to create a ANTI-PANHANDLING zone both in set within the boundaries of the Central Business Improvement District in part of Downtown Memphis.
Now I and other have already blogged at length about this subject, so rather than rehash all of that I will simply direct you to these posts of mine on the subject Here and Here. Others have also made similar observations which you can read Here and Here.
I think these sum things up nicely.
…But let’s take a step back to point out some of the central and core flaws of these proposed pieces of legislation.
The Anti Panhandling zone, if you read the legislation calls for the creation of exempt zones, places where Passive Panhandling would be permitted withing the CBID. Passive Panhandling involves a person holding a sign..not speaking or communicating verbally unless such conversation is initiated by the potential donor. In this/these areas those who panhandle will be able to legally ask for donations.
That sounds reasonable right?…well that clause was included to help this law get past judicial scrutiny. You see you cannot ban Panhandling outright….more on this later.
via Confessions of a West Tennessee Liberal…: The Panhandling Quick fix…or NIMBY paradox?.
