Thursday, May 23, 2013
IQ: Panhandlers
by Kristen Sherwood
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Telecommunications Neighborhood: Downtown
Layla Ishler
What do you think about banning panhandlers from highway exit ramps? That's infringing on human rights. We're telling people, "No you can't stand here." What's next? To a point, I can see it, because of the pressure they put you under, but still, it's infringing.
Have you ever been assaulted by or seen an accident caused by a panhandler? In Portland, but never here.
Which hurts the city's image more: panhandlers or banning them? Honestly? Them sitting there. When I lived in Portland I hated going downtown, because there are so many panhandlers, you're going to get hit every five minutes.
Who is worse, panhandlers or politicians? Politicians. Any day.
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Retired Neighborhood: Westside
Richard Wilson
What do you think about banning panhandlers from highway exit ramps? It's probably OK.
Have you ever been assaulted by or seen an accident caused by a panhandler? No, but I drive all the time, and sometimes they're kind of distracting.
What should we do about the homeless? I think we should subsidize some housing for them.
What do you think about the mayor being afraid of panhandlers? Well, I think she's an excellent mayor. She's just doing her job.
Who is worse, panhandlers or politicians? Gosh, it's a tossup.
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Accountant Neighborhood: Westside
Christina Elmore
What do you think about banning panhandlers from highway exit ramps? I kind of have mixed emotions on it. I don't think they hurt anybody, but at the same time, I know I get kind of nervous sometimes being stopped there with a panhandler on the corner.
Have you ever been assaulted by or seen an accident caused by a panhandler? I have not, no.
Which hurts the city's image more: panhandlers or banning them? Banning them. It's banning the freedom to do what they want to do.
Who is worse, panhandlers or politicians? Politicians.
-- Kristen Sherwood
