Log In


Reset Password
Opinion Editorial Cartoons Op-Ed Editorials Letters to the Editor

Stop feeding panhandlers money

I saw a panhandler near Walmart recently. Her sign read, “My friend will sell me this dog for $100. Please help me reach my goal!!” This was the ultimate to me! Then what? Will she continue to ask for money to feed the dog? I think we have to stop feeding these people money. I also saw a young man in front of Gardenswartz with a sign that read “Need food & camping gear”! When I asked him if he was serious about the camping gear, he said, “Yeah, I guess I’m greedy.” At least he’s got that right.

Another man downtown had a sign saying, “Help wanted, God Bless you,” Well, I think he had that mixed up. He should be looking for a sign that says “Help Wanted.” I took Beth Warren’s recent letter to the editor (Herald, May 28) suggestion to heart and now have bags filled with Emergen-C, soaps and shampoos from hotels I’ve stayed at, a granola bar, etc. On the bag in black marker I wrote the Manna Soup kitchen’s phone and address. I’ve given out three, and they look at me like “lady, just give me the cash!” The Herald recently printed a photo of a young man playing an instrument on Main – well, at least he is doing something for a handout – but I saw him on one corner and his brother playing another instrument was on another corner.

Please stop giving these folks money – it will only bring more panhandlers to Durango. There are jobs out there. Read the paper!

Mary K. Aigner

Durango



Reader Comments