INC NEWS - Durham does need a change...

[Deborah Christie]

I agree with Randy.

Spare a change and ban panhandlers at intersections.  It is really 
dangerous.

Deb Christie

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "RW Pickle" <randy at 27beverly.com>
To: <inc-list at durhaminc.org>
Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2007 12:26 AM
Subject: INC NEWS - Durham does need a change...


> 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
>
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