By Mike Gutowski I hate panhandlers.Well, that’s not entirely honest. The truth is I hate the way I feel when confronted by panhandlers.
I hate going to the store every day, and seeing the same people sticking their hands out and giving me that “oh pity me” look. At the same time I wonder if I am wrong in thinking it.
Maybe I’m jealous because the panhandler, through the help of the “bleeding hearts,” is probably making more money than I do. This thought fills me with shame because someone else has compassion and I feel like a cold, unloving miser.
As a devout Christian, I know that Jesus asks that we consider the poor as God’s specially beloved people and that the more fortunate among us should help them.
The age old question is: Do we give to the hand that is open to us, or do we realize that by giving to a panhandler we may be enabling them?
I came to Santa Monica five years ago; I lived on the streets for a year, but I never had to panhandle. There are plenty of places where the poor, disabled, and homeless can get help.
Overall it’s disgraceful that America is doing nothing substantial about the growing problems of poverty and homelessness.
I will continue trying to give 10 percent of my income to my local church in hopes that they will support the various organizations that provide services for the poor and needy. I hope the panhandlers will avail themselves of these services. Meanwhile, I will try to keep my emotions in-check and not rush to judge the panhandlers.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 25, 2008. Read the original PDF.