Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Our new economy?

Peddling for a pretty penny
Every day last winter, Thomas Sexton left his high school guidance counselor's office at 1 p.m. and went to the nearby Albertsons in South Eugene. He stood outside and asked anyone coming in or out, "Excuse me, do you have any spare change?"

Panhandling is a last resort for most, but a study by the Public Broadcasting Service and published online found the practice can be a lucrative activity that often earns thousands of dollars per year in large cities.

Begging may not be a career, but the homeless said it should be treated like a job.

"Back then," he said, "it was all for drugs."

Besides paying for food and cigarettes, his panhandling money is currently going toward a big splurge - a night in a hotel.

The death of shame in this country is amazing. Imagine waking up and saying to yourself: "I'm on welfare and I beg for money... I should do an interview with the local college newspaper!"

That the Daily Emerald has a sidebar for "What makes a panhandle successful" makes me wonder if they are trying to tell their students something. They actually have this as a tip:

Be professional: Treat panhandling as a job. For most people who are begging, it's the only option they have. If you are in this situation, be professional and work hard because it's likely the only job you have and it's probably your only income.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

If it should be treated like a job, then the income should be taxed.

Anonymous said...

How come you don't talk about illegal immigration anymore Daniel?

Anonymous said...

Actually, that income is taxable. The IRS and even the State Dept. of Taxation could launch an investigation on that guy who participated in the interview. Not a smart thing to do. But the Gubment won't do it. Why? They don't want to look like they are picking on the little guy, so he gets a pass while we all pay. But we should be grateful, we have "real" jobs. Whatever...

Anonymous said...

Millions of Illegal Aliens stealing jobs from Americans and the Media solution? BEG for money!

Anonymous said...

Several years ago in the Medford/Ashland area a reporter from a TV station in Medford followed some "panhandlers" home one night only to find they lived in a very nice house in Ashland, and both husband and wife drove very nice new cars. They were reported to be making about 130K "tax free" a year for begging. Pretty nice work if you have no shame.

Scott said...

Time, Place and Manner.

Thats what counts when panhandling, oh and you can't forget message.

Most of these people make more an hour than the average wage slave.

Anonymous said...

So, what's YOUR solution for people who can't get a job?

I've been out of work for over a year and I worry that considering my age and the near-term economic prospects, employment might be permanently out of reach for me.

Anonymous said...

Boomer stop being a victim. this is the greatist country on earth. figure out what the people need want crave or desire and bring it to them. like paded pants with deep pockets for homeless panhandlers