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Here's a perspective from a Ft. Lauderdale cop.

Quote:

This is our current issue here in FT lauderdale that has made national news (I'm sure you have seen). -even the Colbert report. It seems like such a non issue compared to the real danger we deal with all the time. But, It is not fun having your face smeared all over the news. This is not the first time that I have been involved in something that has been in the news. But it just solidifies my hate for how the media is purely biased and you can never really get cold hard facts anymore.
Just a minor run down of our new ordinance; it does not state that you cannot ever feed the homeless, it just created certain provisions for mass feelings of the homeless. Such as, providing restrooms, having a wash basin to wash your hands, a way to remove waste properly, permission from the property owner, proper food storing temperatures, etc.
I do not hate the homeless. Homelessness encompasses so many factors that just feedings alone will not solve. It is unfortunately and issue that we will likely never be resolved. Growing up I even volunteered in a soup kitchen at my local church -ironically it fits our new M.O. Criteria. LOL. My issue is that regardless of whether you believe the ordinance is right or not, you are still violating a law. Therefore, you deserve to be cited or arrested. I do not have the liberty to pick and choose which laws I enforce.
Anyway, I just needed to vent. This sucks.

The problem is, they are crapping everywhere, in doorways and alleys...and congregating like stray dogs looking to get fed. Gainesville has porta potties for 'em. And, just like stray dogs who get fed, they stay. The cop is right, the media always posts the side of the problem that is guaranteed to cause the most dissension, and seldom print both sides of the facts. That crap started with that Commie Cronkite and grows worse each day

^ Thanks for sheading some additional light on this fella's, I hadn't really looked at nor considered it from that perspective and I should have. Once you consider both sides one can see how it could be an issue and grow out of hand fairly quickly if not controlled in some fashion ....

I appreciate the alternate view.

I believe that a good deed done honestly isn't tarnished if the recipient misuses the gift. However, thoughtful restraint is expected.

I was accosted by a panhandler in Atlanta, asking for a cup of coffee. So I bought him a cup. He thanked me.

The problem is not the pastor feeding the hungry, as I commend him for that. The problem is, a lot of the homeless flock to Florida because of the weather, and CHOOSE not to improve their lot. And then they make unsanitary messes, disrupt business, accost passers by, and generally create mayhem. I have compassion for those that are truly down on their luck and need a hand up, not a hand out. But, liberal towns like Gainesville have expanded the problem by accomodating them to the point the numbers have grown...word of mouth spreads quick for a free lunch. I have bought a sandwich here or there for those that need it...but I also keep a sign in my truck that reads " I DO work for food". Perspective