http://bravenewfilms.org/topics/panhandling 2008-02-07T14:37:44Z http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/28371-why-working-wal-mart-isn-t-something-to-be-proud-of 2008-02-07T14:37:44Z thedailyphosdex <div class="post_content"> <p><p>Interesting item from The Associated Press:</p><blockquote><p><strong>COOS BAY, Ore. - A police survey says panhandlers outside Wal-Mart in Coos Bay can make $300 a day. Inside, it takes a clerk a week to make that much.<br /><br />Police say people who have a problem with that needn&#39;t look to the law - asking for money is considered protected free speech.<br /><br />Coos Bay authorities say most panhandlers are not criminals.<br /><br />Coos Bay Police Captain Rodger Craddock says most have lived in the city a long time and they actually have homes. Craddock says, &quot;This is just their chosen profession.&quot;<br /><br />He says most are docile, and that people should report those who are not.<br /><br />Bob More, director of housing and emergency services at South Coast Community Action, says many panhandlers are there for the money - to feed their addictions.<br /><br />He suggested a voucher system involving tickets people could give that are good for a meal or bed in a shelter.</strong></p></blockquote><p>Which doubtless speaks volumes for what kind of socioeconomic situation we may be facing. And we know who to blame.</p></p> </div> <a href="/blog/28371-why-working-wal-mart-isn-t-something-to-be-proud-of">Continue reading</a>