INC NEWS - Durham does need a change...

[RW Pickle]

ban right-of-way solicitation in both the City and County!

Durham can spare a change, get these folks off the right-of-way before
someone gets killed! Will it take that before we enact measures to protect
those, which others often say, have substance abuse problems or mental
capacity issues? Does it make any sense to leave these folks standing in
the middle of the road?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that approximately
6,500 pedestrians and 900 bicyclists are killed each year as a result of
collisions with motor vehicles. They don't split up the statistics, so you
can't see how many were panhandlers. It's not too hard to believe that it
was at least one (of the 6,500). So what if that next one happened to be
on 15-501 in Durham? Is it not our responsibility to act in a manner that
would create a safer environment for both panhandlers and those in
vehicles? How is keeping right-of-way solicitation a daily norm going to
make it any safer? It isn't. And when they get hit, I guess they can sue
the City for allowing them to stand there when the City had an opportunity
to stop them by passing an ordinance. Maybe even get $10 million for being
hit...

As I said before (and Bill Anderson suggested in his last post), this is
about changing the ideas of those in cars who would roll down their
windows and give these folks something. And I don't care what you call it
and how many fliers you give out, you're not going to change human nature.
We are all taught compassion from an early age; to help those less
fortunate when we can. So now we're going to have this campaign to change
the way we think? I think those supporting this need to change their
minds. You'll never change kindness and generosity. It's human nature.

Those who attended the last INC meeting heard about a new program in
Durham funded by the County, City, and the Triangle United Way (3 deep
pocketed groups). It deals with all the issues these panhandlers face (or
those who support another option would want you to believe); homelessness,
substance abuse, mental illness, and jobs). It would seem to me that
getting behind this already existing (and just getting started) program
would be a much better idea. It addresses all the issues these panhandlers
face and has a staff working toward their agenda. So if the County passes
their right-of-way solicitation ordinance, they are already working to
address the problems that group faces. Then the City can do the same
(since they're funding the new program as well). And the third party
involved with this new program, Triangle United Way, already funds most of
the charitable-help organizations already. So that's huge.

Mike Shifflett said in a post earlier in the week:

"However, with this amazement also comes a small feeling of disappointment
in the fact that in many cases there already exists or existed an
organization, community group, non-profit or neighborhood association that
actual has worked on that same issue or is currently working to improve
it.

Year after year,  new and exciting groups form around the elections to
fight or advocate for more peace, less crime, more housing, increasing
police and law enforcement (read immigration) resources and/or
environmental issues.

Thing is, in all of these instances, there exists just such a group of
concern citizens who would have loved to have more public support
themselves.

But wouldn't it be great if we could all join together and work as a team?
I'm sure it would be more efficient.  I'm more than sure that the results
might be longer lasting as in many instances as these new groups then
either disband or diminish in strength as their particular issue plays out
(win or lose)."

This "Durham Can You Spare A Change" idea is just that. It's a duplication
of another program that is actually trying to change things for those who
need it; not change us. The idea that you can change human nature is just
an up-hill battle. It just won't happen. And when one of the panhandlers
is hit and killed... their blood will be on your hands for not doing
something when you had the chance. Get them out of the road and get them
some help. Support the idea of banning right-of-way solicitation and
support the new County, City, and United Way initiative. You could save a
life...

RWP
27 Beverly