Comments on: Street Performers – I’m not dead yet!

By: Chuck Munson

Chuck Munson — Wed, 09 May 2007 01:55:56 +0000

I’m every bit the anarchist and I’m quite sane. In fact, my views are fairly typical for the people I know. Just because some of you are exposed to some opinions that aren’t shoved down your throat by the local TV news doesn’t make the person articulating those comments “insane.” I’ve found that people who dismiss the ideas of others as “insane” are simply incapable of discussing alternative ideas. For some, this is prejudice against alternate ideas. For others, this is just ignorance of other kinds of thinking.

There are plenty of accaptable ways to deal with panhandlers without getting the government involved.

By: kiki

kiki — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 21:30:27 +0000

Stacey, it’s a shame that you’re right, but you are. Let’s hope that the new mayor will make it a priority to cut down on the number of hoops people have to jump through.

It should be a lot easier for people to petition the government, to get licenses, and on and on.

By: stacey

stacey — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 20:47:58 +0000

kiki,

Nope, never expected it to be easy. I’m just glad that my husband was persistent and called until he got an official answer. With government you should never take anything, no matter how clearly spelled out for granted.

By: kiki

kiki — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 20:32:35 +0000

Good one, Craig.

And Stacey, welcome to the wonderful world of red tape. You didn’t expect City Hall to make it easier for citizens to fight City Hall, now did you?

By: stacey

stacey — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 20:07:30 +0000

On the referendum petition. We’ve been checking and finally got the answer. While the city code/charter says we have 10 days to file the intent, we really only have until 5pm on the 8th day. The 10th day is a Sunday, it’s always a Sunday and they aren’t open.

While we will be fine, I find it offensive that they could allow 10 days to organize, but fail to mention that they really mean 8 days.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:46:07 +0000

An olde joke:

A man was walking through Oxford when one of the old Irish beggers asked him “Could you spare some change for a bit of food, sir?”

The man snapped back “You’ll just spend it on drink!”

The begger replied “Oh, no sir.” And patting his pocket, “I’ve got me drinking money right here”.

By: kiki

kiki — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 16:00:11 +0000

Thanks Tim. I want to make clear that I’m not suggesting people be dispassionate or rude or anythign else. But if you do anything but “walk on by,” you’re not helping at all.

The only thing anyone should ever give to a panhandler is healthy, nutritious food. Otherwise, save up the spare change you would hand out and write a check to the social service agency of your choice.

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:03:48 +0000

Kiki-
You’re right. And a lot of them aren’t even homeless, so giving to them instead of a charity means you might actually be depriving the homeless of something they actually need. And the ones who are homeless are rejecting the steps necessary for turning their lives around.

By: kiki

kiki — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:56:36 +0000

Munson, how can you both claim to be an anarchist and decry the lack of government programs? Are you a card-carrying anarchist too?

And how is it that just because I can afford to buy a book or cup of coffee or a shirt at the Plaza that I’m somehow Mr. Moneybags and responsible for all the world’s problems? Sorry, but I vote, I pay my taxes, I work hard, I give to charities that directly help the poor, and I am raising my kids to be socially responsible. But I’m also raising them to be responsible for themselves.

And if you honestly believe that the “economic situation” of the homeless is why they are on the streets begging, then you really don’t know much about the situation. Sorry, but that’s such a fallacy it’s hardly worth addressing.

There are a multitude of social service programs that exist to help these people find shelter, clothes, food, etc. These programs are also in place to help them rebuild their lives and get back on track. They’re not on the street because no one is there to help. They’re on the street because they’ve chosen to reject the help that is available.

No one should ever give these people money. Buy them food if you feel guilty, but don’t give them cash. You’re enabling their addictions and you’re doing nothing but helping to keep them on the streets.

By: stacey

stacey — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:33:08 +0000

The petition is going well. Our goal is to have no less than 200, just to ensure that we get 100 registered voters. I’ve posted a list of places people will be during the next few days over at http://www.kcstreetart.com

Also I will be at City Hall on Wed. for the zoning committee meeting. If you don’t find someone on the list who’s at a place you can get to easily, just email me and I’ll find someone who has a copy and who can meet you. stacey(at)kcstreetart.com

Thanks!