In Wake Of Atlanta's Controvery On The Rights Of Beggars In Downtown Atlanta, The Issue Has Drawn Mixed Feelings

Do you care where your money goes? Most of us do. Pandhandling has become a way of life for many and the effect is far reaching. It was reported that one professional beggar in New York made $27000 in one year. What is the city of Atlanta trying to do to crack down on these individuals?

Atlanta (PRWEB) October 21, 2005 -- Most of us care where our money goes. After all we work hard for our money.

We openly speak on the issues of welfare,taxes and panhandling because these things either directly or indirectly affect our wallets.

It's been over a month since a law was passed in Atlanta banning panhanding downtown. Area workers are now upset because police are not enforcing the ban which was supposed to crack down on violators. This was to be handle by a special task force.

The law was said to have been passed to keep panhandlers from annoying tourists and from detracting patrons of local business establishments. However, controversy brewed because many activists believe that it was done to accommodate a Home Depot executive who invested in developments such as the exciting new downtown aquarium. But city officials contend that it is because the panhandlers turn away potential customers.

Atlanta's mayor, Shirley Franklin, signed the ban which was supposed to take effect around August 20 and was to affect prominate downtown areas including the Martin Luther King, Jr site.

Some cite delays of the enforced ban due to the influx of people as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

Currently the ban is lax. Some of the begging has subsided but the "true" beggar is enduring to not only see what will happen but to also supply there need.

What is your opinion of panhandlers? of beggars,as we call them? And what choices do these people have, if any?

One additional story tells of blind man who "begs" his way to sight.

Georgia resident and local mailman delivers story to us in a way that many would like to, so that we may get to know the life of a beggar.

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