Panhandling on 441

[Joaniesmom]

We live at the northernmost part of The Villages. So we use Routes 42 and 441 very often. At the intersection of these roads and a few others, we daily see people standing in the center dividing lines, holding cardboard signs, asking for donations.

In Ohio this would be immediately stopped, but it seems to be allowed here.

My feeling is that it shouldn't be allowed here either. Or, if there are regulations, they should be enforced.

The people are a distraction to drivers and, if someone stops to make some kind of donation, they are holding up traffic behind them.

Surely there are agencies to help them. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

I was wondering what others think about this situation.

Thanks for your opinions.

[Mack184]

We live at the northernmost part of The Villages. So we use Routes 42 and 441 very often. At the intersection of these roads and a few others, we daily see people standing in the center dividing lines, holding cardboard signs, asking for donations.

In Ohio this would be immediately stopped, but it seems to be allowed here.

My feeling is that it shouldn't be allowed here either. Or, if there are regulations, they should be enforced.

The people are a distraction to drivers and, if someone stops to make some kind of donation, they are holding up traffic behind them.

Surely there are agencies to help them. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

I was wondering what others think about this situation.

Thanks for your opinions.
I'm sort of interested in what fairytale part of Ohio you lived in where panhandling would be "immediately" stopped. I lived in Maumee & worked in Toledo from 1994-1997 and there were panhandlers at virtually every major intersection all over the greater Toledo metro area, and I NEVER saw them stopped or shooed away ever. On top of that every possible legitimate charity organization was allowed to stand at street intersections with collection buckets doing the same thing except they were legitimate charities.

[graciegirl]

Mack. You know if you are from Ohio that every part of it is fairytale and magical.

We saw panhandlers in Cincinnati, even in PERFECT Cincinnati, Ohio. And Joanie, I don't know what the answer is. Our grandson a teenage student looked half the summer for work last year and found it in suburban West Chester,Ohio.

John Stewart and Stevie Nicks ~Gold - YouTube

[mfp509]

I think it should be banned. I see a woman with a sign about being a single mom with 2 or 3 kids - where are the kids? Who's taking care of them while she is standing at the intersection? They are there during normal working hours of weekdays - why aren't they out looking for work? Filling out applications. I've seen quite a few "now hiring" signs lately. The pay may only be minimum, but at least it's something. Probably more than what they are collecting from the motorists. There are organizations that will help with clothing so a person can go out and look for employment. I've donated clothes to them. I see some of them standing there talking on cell phones - how are they paying that bill? Maybe I sound harsh, but I don't buy any of it. I give to many legitimate organizations - not a dime to a panhandler.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I saw a guy standing there with a sign and a woman with several signs getting out of a late model Buick parked in the grassy area off to the right of the road. My wife who is from the Philippines where there are really poor beggars everywhere, commented that these people look very clean and well dressed.

I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

[janmcn]

It's up to the city, town or other municipality to pass an ordinance banning panhandling, like the city of Tampa recently did, and then the police must enforce the ban. The only people now allowed on the streets of Tampa are vendors selling the Sunday newspapers.

[red tail]

most of these folks are not there because they want to be. since we know nothing about their circumstances...ie disabled veterans,mentally challenged etc etc etc perhaps harsh opinions are not warranted.

[kittylecroix]

We live at the northernmost part of The Villages. So we use Routes 42 and 441 very often. At the intersection of these roads and a few others, we daily see people standing in the center dividing lines, holding cardboard signs, asking for donations.

In Ohio this would be immediately stopped, but it seems to be allowed here.

My feeling is that it shouldn't be allowed here either. Or, if there are regulations, they should be enforced.

The people are a distraction to drivers and, if someone stops to make some kind of donation, they are holding up traffic behind them.

Surely there are agencies to help them. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

I was wondering what others think about this situation.

Thanks for your opinions.

We were at Luigino's recently eating outside and a guy came by on a bike and asked us for money. I was surprised.

[Mack184]

Mack. You know if you are from Ohio that every part of it is fairytale and magical.

We saw panhandlers in Cincinnati, even in PERFECT Cincinnati, Ohio. And Joanie, I don't know what the answer is. Our grandson a teenage student looked half the summer for work last year and found it in suburban West Chester,Ohio.

John Stewart and Stevie Nicks ~Gold - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM73jRsJn4A)
I'm not "from" Ohio, I'm from upstate NY. I just lived & worked in Ohio for 3 years. While I was not as enthralled with Ohio as you are, I did have the best boss I ever worked for in my entire work history there. And.. there is also a street in Dayton that carries my last name, which is very interesting since my last name is not at all a common one. So there are 2 points for Ohio.

[paulandjean]

Just leave them alone.They are not causing any problems. As Mom use to say,"tend to your own". Or the polite way, Mind your own business.

[Mack184]

Just leave them alone.They are not causing any problems. As Mom use to say,"tend to your own". Or the polite way, Mind your own business.
I think that's an excellent answer. Jesus said that "the poor will always be with us". And if these people are not trying to get in your way, or knocking on your car windows as somtimes happens in places like NYC, Chicago or LA, then leaving them alone is the correct answer.

With that said, I have come to see many of these people in an entirely different light following several episodes of a very interesting program on National Geographic called "Drugs, Inc." On that program you see a number of drug addicts going out to panhandle using the "I'm homeless" or even worse the "I'm a homeless veteran" scam to pull at people's heartstrings just to get money for their drug habit.

But as PAJ said in their post, if they're not bothering you, then either leave them alone, or put a couple bucks in their hat, whichever you're led to do and go on about your business.

[graciegirl]

Some of us think..you should look for a job and some of us think poor you, you are not able to work.

Only God knows what is happening.

Most of us try to take care of our selves and our families and those we know who need our help.

Most of us have so much pride that we would do almost any job rather than to beg.

[justjim]

IMHO if you are able to stand in the hot Florida sun for hours at a time, you should be able to work someplace. Exception might be the mentally challenged.

[red tail]

IMHO if you are able to stand in the hot Florida sun for hours at a time, you should be able to work someplace. Exception might be the mentally challenged.

since we dont have public transportation available how are they supposed to get to and fro?

[DDoug]

If you feed a dog they never will go home

[Sonny39]

since we dont have public transportation available how are they supposed to get to and fro?

The same way they got to the R42 and R441 intersections in the first place

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

I think it should be banned. I see a woman with a sign about being a single mom with 2 or 3 kids - where are the kids? Who's taking care of them while she is standing at the intersection? They are there during normal working hours of weekdays - why aren't they out looking for work? Filling out applications. I've seen quite a few "now hiring" signs lately. The pay may only be minimum, but at least it's something. Probably more than what they are collecting from the motorists. There are organizations that will help with clothing so a person can go out and look for employment. I've donated clothes to them. I see some of them standing there talking on cell phones - how are they paying that bill? Maybe I sound harsh, but I don't buy any of it. I give to many legitimate organizations - not a dime to a panhandler.

Unfortunately, there are often jobs, but they fall way short of a living wage for people. I know people say it is better than no job, but that often is not true. Because a family is out of work, they often qualify for assistance and the assistance is often better than working for minimum wage. When you factor in the expense of a job, clothing, transportation,etc., minimum wages just don't cut it. I feel bad for struggling families, often, their situation is not their fault. Our country has outsourced so many good living wage jobs to other countries, and now we are seeing the results. I know the response I will get for the assistance is that we all pay for this...but I will pay the taxes to help if I can, and am thankful for the blessings I have.

[asianthree]

:popcorn:better than dog **** thread

[paulandjean]

Exactly,All of the above..Just leave them alone. They know they have a problem,and they do not need someone else opinion. You never know till you walk in others shoes.It is easy for those who have everything to comment on those who do not. Do the Christian thing and do not look down on them.

[batman911]

Some of us think..you should look for a job and some of us think poor you, you are not able to work.

Only God knows what is happening.

Most of us try to take care of our selves and our families and those we know who need our help.

Most of us have so much pride that we would do almost any job rather than to beg.

I also think that I'm fortunate that it is not me standing there.

I don't know about everyone else but I am getting burned out with organizations with their hands out at every turn (intersections, mail centers, robo calls, shopping centers, at your front door). Seems like charity has become a big business and that means someone is making money.

[perrjojo]

When you exit I75 at the Belleview exit there are always a large number of men and women living under the overpass there. They take turns panhandleing at the intersection. I hate driving by there. Why do I hate it so much? Maybe some guilt and discomfort that there are those who have so little. I don't know their story but it pains me all the same. On the other hand there are some who make quite a nice sum holding those signs and playing on our heart strings.

[Virtual Geezer]

In Akron Ohio the city requires the PH to get a permit and off they go. Each one has their turf staked out and they are there as if is their regular job. On the exits on the local expressway you will find them at every exit. The one that I use all the time the guy has been holding a "homeless" sign for 5 years now. He takes his breaks and heads to the Quickie E Mart for smokes and back to his station.

VG

[Ripcord13]

I don't know about everyone else but I am getting burned out with organizations with their hands out at every turn (intersections, mail centers, robo calls, shopping centers, at your front door). Seems like charity has become a big business and that means someone is making money.

Amen! I have my charities that I give to. But every time you turn around someone is asking for a hand out.

[Mack184]

When you exit I75 at the Belleview exit there are always a large number of men and women living under the overpass there. They take turns panhandleing at the intersection. I hate driving by there. Why do I hate it so much? Maybe some guilt and discomfort that there are those who have so little. I don't know their story but it pains me all the same. On the other hand there are some who make quite a nice sum holding those signs and playing on our heart strings.
There is the problem...How do you decide? While there are many who game the system, there are also many who are truly needy. My instant reaction is almost always negative, yet I am very blessed, and while I cannot go out and buy a Rolls or a yacht, I want for nothing. The Bible tells us that "to whom much is given, much is expected".

There often seems to be an attitude by those who have that those who do not, have not, because they are lazy. For some people, that's very true. But we live in an age where many who managed to get along with very little have had one serious thing or another upset their entire apple cart, and they are now in serious trouble.

The truth is there are many who suddenly find themselves in these circumstances are the least likely to seek out welfare or other types of assistance. These are not the people who know how to game the system and they often have too few resources to find their way back. I have no trouble trying to help people like these.

Then there are the ones who learn how the game the system and every single one of it's social benefits from day one. They know every line & every scam. I have no care for these people.

But HOW do you decide or know who is whom at a single glance? Jesus said that by helping the poor "people have entertained angels without knowing it".

My feeling is that there are good, decent charities who do good work and don't waste the money that they receive. Pick one or two to donate to, or give money at your church. Put aside some canned or boxed goods for a local food pantry. I think that helps answer the question.

And as mentioned by several posters, if the street people are not bothering you, then leave them alone. They're not hurting you.

[gerryann]

There by the Grace of God go I

[paulandjean]

If you feed a dog they never will go home

Wow

[Warren Kiefer]

I strongly suspect these people are part of a large group of organized panhandlers. I have seen several TV programs that followed people like this only to find they were part of such a group. When asked, they will say that they make more money per day begging than they would if they actually worked at a job. Don't you think it strange that there is usually 2,3,4 or more in the same vicinity ??

[gatherer47]

Michael Jordan always says "it's just as easy to say welcome to McDonald's" as it is to say "can you spare some change."

[Justjac]

We live at the northernmost part of The Villages. So we use Routes 42 and 441 very often. At the intersection of these roads and a few others, we daily see people standing in the center dividing lines, holding cardboard signs, asking for donations.

In Ohio this would be immediately stopped, but it seems to be allowed here.

My feeling is that it shouldn't be allowed here either. Or, if there are regulations, they should be enforced.

The people are a distraction to drivers and, if someone stops to make some kind of donation, they are holding up traffic behind them.

Surely there are agencies to help them. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

I was wondering what others think about this situation.

Thanks for your opinions.
A Spruce Creek south Resident brought the highway panhandling to the attention of the Marion County Commissioners about a year ago. He did this after the McDonald's manager offered one panhandler a job but it the employment offer was turned down. Apparently, there's quite a bit of $$$ to be collected just standing in the highway. One panhandler in another Florida county, when he was denied the right to panhandle, sued the county (with the help of ACLU). He was awarded $10,000. Kinda' makes you want to grab a jar, make a sign and head out to the highway, no? Especially when you see the same people standing in the highway center, smoking cigarettes ($5-$6 a pack?) and talking on their cellphones.

[ugotme]

I asked one of these people down in my area (So. Fl.) why he doesn't get a job.
His response: I make enough to buy a six pack of beer and a pack of cigarettes - that's all I need.

[salpal]

mind your own business and be thankful you are not in a position to beg, but in a position to give.

[Joaniesmom]

I'm sort of interested in what fairytale part of Ohio you lived in where panhandling would be "immediately" stopped. I lived in Maumee & worked in Toledo from 1994-1997 and there were panhandlers at virtually every major intersection all over the greater Toledo metro area, and I NEVER saw them stopped or shooed away ever. On top of that every possible legitimate charity organization was allowed to stand at street intersections with collection buckets doing the same thing except they were legitimate charities.

Just south of Youngstown, but it was no fairytail. The panhandler usually made it about a half day. Boardman.

No charities, either.

[Joaniesmom]

I'm not "from" Ohio, I'm from upstate NY. I just lived & worked in Ohio for 3 years. While I was not as enthralled with Ohio as you are, I did have the best boss I ever worked for in my entire work history there. And.. there is also a street in Dayton that carries my last name, which is very interesting since my last name is not at all a common one. So there are 2 points for Ohio.

Gee, did I say I was enthralled with Ohio? Perhaps you misunderstood.

[Justjac]

According to federal and Florida law, panhandling is a "freedom of speech" but can be regulated somewhat. Google Florida panhandling for some interesting stories. Last year, Stan Martin of Spruce Creek South approached the Marion County Commissioners and requested they consider the problem of panhandling on Highway 441. Probably because the ACLU brought a suit forward on behalf of a panhandler who was awarded $10,000 in damages, the county did not act on Martin's request. Panhandlers, however, are restricted and can only panhandle in the center median. They cannot panhandle nor park their vehicles on the roadside owned by businesses. I, for one, am against panhandling because it is a major distraction which years ago was the cause of my being in an accident.

[JoeC1947]

There is always someone less fortunate than you. No one forces you to give to the needy, it's a choice you make. Personally, I don't mind giving the change I have in my car or pocket to someone who needs it. When you give to most organized charities a lot of the money of it goes to "administrative" costs. Panhandlers cut out the middle man.
I find this thread to be judgmental and distasteful.

[JoeC1947]

mind your own business and be thankful you are not in a position to beg, but in a position to give.

Well put.

[JoeC1947]

If you feed a dog they never will go home

Unbelievable comment.

[CFrance]

Unfortunately, there are often jobs, but they fall way short of a living wage for people. I know people say it is better than no job, but that often is not true. Because a family is out of work, they often qualify for assistance and the assistance is often better than working for minimum wage. When you factor in the expense of a job, clothing, transportation,etc., minimum wages just don't cut it. I feel bad for struggling families, often, their situation is not their fault. Our country has outsourced so many good living wage jobs to other countries, and now we are seeing the results. I know the response I will get for the assistance is that we all pay for this...but I will pay the taxes to help if I can, and am thankful for the blessings I have.

I second this.

[Shirleevee]

:agree:mind your own business and be thankful you are not in a position to beg, but in a position to give.

[Patty55]

I believe in the rule of abundance, if you use what you have for good you will always have enough. I'm sure I've been snookered along the way, but that's the con artists problem, not mine.

I have absolutely no patience for the fake charities, the ones that take advantage of good hearted people-but that too works itself out.

I would prefer these people worked for money, but here in TV they really can't go door to door looking for work.

Back in the day on LI, there were guys hanging out at 7-11, not begging for money, just looking for work. They were great, hard working, respectful-okay, so maybe they were a bit illegal-it worked.

I think you just do what you can. You do what feels good for you. Maybe something as simple as clean out your pantry and donate it to a food bank. (A few years back you could bring donations to the security booths.)

[Down Sized]

I'm sort of interested in what fairytale part of Ohio you lived in where panhandling would be "immediately" stopped. I lived in Maumee & worked in Toledo from 1994-1997 and there were panhandlers at virtually every major intersection all over the greater Toledo metro area, and I NEVER saw them stopped or shooed away ever. On top of that every possible legitimate charity organization was allowed to stand at street intersections with collection buckets doing the same thing except they were legitimate charities.

Where I came from they would usually pick-up the panhandlers within thirty minutes or less inside the city. If you saw any it was usually on the exits outside the city limits. Even there someone would call the Sheriff's office pretty quick.

[Mack184]

Just south of Youngstown, but it was no fairytail. The panhandler usually made it about a half day. Boardman.

No charities, either.
You lived in "Lyden" land.

[Mack184]

Unbelievable comment.
Yep. "Welcome to Florida's Friendliest Hometown where the poor working class in Wildwood had better never show their faces in Brownwood and the unemployed poor are likened to stray dogs". God must be so proud.

[mac9]

:agree::agree::agree:

WELL SAID MACK!!!

[Figmo Bohica]

Yep. "Welcome to Florida's Friendliest Hometown where the poor working class in Wildwood had better never show their faces in Brownwood and the unemployed poor are likened to stray dogs". God must be so proud.

Well I started out as a "poor working class," so I guess that I had better stay out of Brownwood. You sure said it right Mack184, the God part. :agree: :agree:

[bimmertl]

Yep. "Welcome to Florida's Friendliest Hometown where the poor working class in Wildwood had better never show their faces in Brownwood and the unemployed poor are likened to stray dogs". God must be so proud.

Great comment.

No doubt these are all the same folks who have their cars "decorated" with "Keep Christ in Christmas" and "Keep God in America" magnets.

What hypocrites!

[2 Oldcrabs]

Panhandling is a JOB for many of these people. There was a man that panhandled outside of the Bush Gardens entrance that made 50K/year. No taxes on the income. If you give them money, you keep them employed! We give donation to the legitimate charties that help those who need it.:cus:

[kathy and al]

I notice the same group of people along 441 every day. Travel 441 for about a week and you'll see the same faces at all the major intersections. They do "switch" positions on a daily basis (for obvious reasons) and I would bet that they make a whole lot more than having a minimum wage job. You have to wonder-if it wasn't worthwhile then would they be out there panhandling every day? I've noticed some of the same people for many months now. Day in and day out!!

[De Lis]

We were at Luigino's recently eating outside and a guy came by on a bike and asked us for money. I was surprised.

Boy, that will kill business real fast!

[paulandjean]

See no problem with these panhhandlers.They are not filling up our jails,we do not have to house,feed and guard them. They do not fill up our court dockets. I am sure the police,are glad they do not have to handle these complaints. Leave them alone.More power to them if they make that kind of money. Really do you think 50-60 thousand.? I do not.

[Mikeod]

See no problem with these panhhandlers.They are not filling up our jails,we do not have to house,feed and guard them. They do not fill up our court dockets. I am sure the police,are glad they do not have to handle these complaints. Leave them alone.More power to them if they make that kind of money. Really do you think 50-60 thousand.? I do not.

Years ago I had to fly to NOLA every month for the Marine Corps. I noticed the same guy under the same overpass near my hotel every time. I mentioned it to one of the permanent staff and he showed me an article from the paper concerning these people. Seems a new arrival in NOLA, down on his luck, decided to panhandle and chose the same spot as another. A fight started and the cops were called. Turns out the panhandlers essentially had a guild, with locations determined and protected. One guy they interviewed claimed he was making about $50K tax free. he had a family and a house. He considered it his occupation. He was self-employed and worked the hours he wanted. Since he had a prime location (under an overpass), he was sheltered from the hot sun and the rain. If it was too cold, he cut his day short. He claimed he earned more this way than if employed and had no taxes withheld. The thing that bothered me was that his wife and kids were on assistance.

Now, I don't mean to imply those on 441 are taking in that kind of money, or that they are anything more than what they appear. But there are "professional" panhandlers out there.

[Mack184]

I have no doubt that there are indeed professional beggars. Which tends to make people have negative thoughts about all people who appear that way. But I think the idea that's been expressed that if they are not personally hassling people, then in a sense who cares what they do? Just drive on and let them be. Now if they are bothering people or acting in an aggressive manner that's entirely different.

[buggyone]

I agree. If they are not bothering you, leave the situation alone. There are lots of urban myths about beggers on corners for years and years and then they retire to a tropical island paradise or to Palm Beach where they live like kings on the millions of dollars they acquired tax free over the years. THOSE ARE URBAN MYTHS!!!

I have no idea of what a panhandler might get but if they do not hurt anyone, leave them alone. If they do get in the way of traffic, call a police department and lodge a complaint.

I certainly would rather have them beg on Hwy 441 than to turn to burglary in The Villages.

[ronsroni]

Although the "panhandlers" are not or Do not appear to be aggressive, I will say that seeing this for the first time kind of takes the wind out of ones sails. Having lived in Manhattan, The Bronx and Queens counties in NY, I have had my fair share of PH's working it for a handout. These folks evolved into window washers for coin and when you didn't give over, anger ensued and perhaps a bent wiper blade before you were outta-there. It's NOT always innocent. It may start out that way but it certainly can go haywire in a flash. PLEASE don't say that will NEVER happen here. I bet many folks NEVER thought that PH'ers would appear here in the first place.
It is not a good selling point as something we first encounter here. It is a turnoff. Not saying that these folks ARE harmful. Just acknowledging the fact that some folks TAKE till there is no more to take. To ignore is to enable sometimes. Have a nice buncha days.

[paulandjean]

Although the "panhandlers" are not or Do not appear to be aggressive, I will say that seeing this for the first time kind of takes the wind out of ones sails. Having lived in Manhattan, The Bronx and Queens counties in NY, I have had my fair share of PH's working it for a handout. These folks evolved into window washers for coin and when you didn't give over, anger ensued and perhaps a bent wiper blade before you were outta-there. It's NOT always innocent. It may start out that way but it certainly can go haywire in a flash. PLEASE don't say that will NEVER happen here. I bet many folks NEVER thought that PH'ers would appear here in the first place.
It is not a good selling point as something we first encounter here. It is a turnoff. Not saying that these folks ARE harmful. Just acknowledging the fact that some folks TAKE till there is no more to take. To ignore is to enable sometimes. Have a nice buncha days.

Not a lot of that happens anymore. With just about everyone with a cell phone camera these days,they know that they could be caught on tape. One of the best things to carry these days. had a very aggressive semi-truck driver doing his best to be a jerk. Once I pointed my camera phone at him out the window , his whole demeanor changed.

[buggyone]

"I bet many folks NEVER thought that PH'ers would appear here in the first place.
It is not a good selling point as something we first encounter here."

The poster should realize that the panhandlers in question are NOT in The Villages. The official address up on 441 is Summerfield. It may not be the most desireable thing to see when first coming to The Villages - but we are the bubble of prosperity in the midst of lots of local poverty. Just look at the number of food banks in the area. Thanks to the wonderful giving attitudes of Villages residents and clubs, the food banks can provide some relief to the poor and needy of the surrounding areas.

[paulandjean]

Its not like they are on every street. Just a couple at some major intersections.Hey you gotta do what you gotta do.

[graciegirl]

"I bet many folks NEVER thought that PH'ers would appear here in the first place.
It is not a good selling point as something we first encounter here."

The poster should realize that the panhandlers in question are NOT in The Villages. The official address up on 441 is Summerfield. It may not be the most desireable thing to see when first coming to The Villages - but we are the bubble of prosperity in the midst of lots of local poverty. Just look at the number of food banks in the area. Thanks to the wonderful giving attitudes of Villages residents and clubs, the food banks can provide some relief to the poor and needy of the surrounding areas.

Many good things are done collectively and privately by kind people who live here. It may not ever be enough but it is a help to those who need a hand up or a hand.

I am so proud to live among so many people with kind and giving hearts in every way.

We all react to the panhandlers in different ways because of our upbringing, life experiences and values. I am glad and grateful to have enough as we all are. Our collective gathering on earth should be to look out for each other as best we can. Knowing another's motives for me is left to higher powers.

[BobnBev]

Many good things are done collectively and privately by kind people who live here. It may not ever be enough but it is a help to those who need a hand up or a hand.

I am so proud to live among so many people with kind and giving hearts in every way.

We all react to the panhandlers in different ways because of our upbringing, life experiences and values. I am glad and grateful to have enough as we all are. Our collective gathering on earth should be to look out for each other as best we can. Knowing another's motives for me is left to higher powers.

:agree::agree: With Graciegirl

[Mack184]

One of the most tragic parts of this entire discussion is that out there is a large amount of US Military veterans who are on the skids and unable to find work. There is a piece in this morning's NY Post about this. I will not post it, since there are some political overtones in it that might displease the board police, but you can easily look it up if you want.

A number of veterans joined the military because they came from poor circumstances and had a dismal job outlook. In the military they found their place, and success. Now they are being cashiered by their employer in an effort to "downsize". They come back and now cannot find work, and have troubles.

In this story the veteran being interviewed is not "squeaky clean", but there is a larger story. Also I have recently read several articles where companies are openly refusing to hire recent vets if they are receiving even a small bit of military disability because these companies legal departments have cautioned that if the vets have even a shread of PTS, they might be liable if the veteran "acts out". Really? I mean really?? And we are not just talking big high-paying companies, we are also talking about the large chain retailers & fast-food companies as well. So many cannot even find work at an entry level.

This nation should bow it's head in shame if we cannot take care of those who put their lives on the line for us. If even one vet is begging on a street corner, it's one too many.

[Taltarzac725]

There are innumerable reasons that may put someone out on the street. Alcoholism, mental illnesses like post traumatic stress disorder, bad employment choices, a criminal record of some kind, a violent family member, bankruptcy, personal insurance disasters, parent abuse, spousal abuse, etc.

As long as you are civil when approached by someone down on his or her luck, I doubt if you have much to worry about from them.

I do not think that we should be able to do anything about panhandlers in certain areas. Suppose I would be concerned if I saw them outside of Old Mill Playhouse, Southern Trace Publix, or some other place inside the Villages proper. I have never seen them in the Villages nor in Lady Lake.

Have seen some in Leesburg, Ocala, parts of the Tampa Bay area, San Francisco, Phoenix, Minneapolis, New Orleans, etc.

I remember that they used to come in from the cold and sleep at various reading tables when I worked at the downtown Central Branch of Minneapolis Public Library. We would have to push them out near closing and this was often out into subzero weather.

I worked at MPL for about 9 months as a Work/Study Intern while going to Law School at the U of MN.

They did not bother people at the library at all.

[Barefoot]

I am glad and grateful to have enough as we all are. Our collective gathering on earth should be to look out for each other as best we can. Knowing another's motives for me is left to higher powers.

:agree: Well said GG!

[ronsroni]

"I bet many folks NEVER thought that PH'ers would appear here in the first place.
It is not a good selling point as something we first encounter here."

The poster should realize that the panhandlers in question are NOT in The Villages. The official address up on 441 is Summerfield. It may not be the most desireable thing to see when first coming to The Villages - but we are the bubble of prosperity in the midst of lots of local poverty. Just look at the number of food banks in the area. Thanks to the wonderful giving attitudes of Villages residents and clubs, the food banks can provide some relief to the poor and needy of the surrounding areas.

I see them at Buenos Aries at 441 on a daily basis. As a relative newbie wo TV, is that not TV area? I don't know where Summerfield is. Last month, my granddaughter was with me in my car. She is 7 years old and from NY. A woman actually approached the car from her side and frightened her. Although this may not be a regular event, it still sets the stage for other issues if only in ones mind. I have different experience than some others and have a cautions mindset. IMHO the PH individuals need not to be doing so. We moved away from that. Or so I thought. BTW, I mean no one any harm. There are solutions. They have not been thought up yet. paz

[CFrance]

I see them at Buenos Aries at 441 on a daily basis. As a relative newbie wo TV, is that not TV area? I don't know where Summerfield is. Last month, my granddaughter was with me in my car. She is 7 years old and from NY. A woman actually approached the car from her side and frightened her. Although this may not be a regular event, it still sets the stage for other issues if only in ones mind. I have different experience than some others and have a cautions mindset. IMHO the PH individuals need not to be doing so. We moved away from that. Or so I thought. BTW, I mean no one any harm. There are solutions. They have not been thought up yet. paz

I'm sorry. I think this could have been a learning experience for your granddaughter if handled in a calm way and with explanation as to how some people aren't as fortunate financially, for whatever reasons.

In our church in MI, we start small, teaching the young ones what community is and mission is and who has and who has not, and why, and how the fortunate ones giving back to the community helps the poor and society in general.

Unless this person was menacing and threatening, you could explain away the child's fear and make this a teaching moment. Maybe next time?

[paulandjean]

I'm sorry. I think this could have been a learning experience for your granddaughter if handled in a calm way and with explanation as to how some people aren't as fortunate financially, for whatever reasons.

In our church in MI, we start small, teaching the young ones what community is and mission is and who has and who has not, and why, and how the fortunate ones giving back to the community helps the poor and society in general.

Unless this person was menacing and threatening, you could explain away the child's fear and make this a teaching moment. Maybe next time?

Excellent, Just think how many are going to be homeless from New Jersey and New York. Think we should leave the people on 441 alone.