Assaulted by a panhandler at an ATM
I am always conflicted by Madison's panhandling problem. On one hand, especially in these cold winter months, it is so easy to feel bad for those who need to beg on the streets. On the other hand, I am always stunned by a city that allows an activity almost universally known to support alcoholism in lieu of nutrition.
Still, at least by legalizing it, Madison is able to place constraints on those who elect to take to the streets with an outstretched hand. Not in front of businesses or ATMs. I suppose this makes life easier for those who are approached by panhandlers.
Or does it?
On my way to hand a paper in this evening, I stopped by the ATM on the intersection of State and North Frances Street to get some cash for dinner. While approaching the machine, I was followed by a panhandler who commenced to make some form of a request – presumably that I withdraw cash for him.
This is precisely the sort of behavior the city claimed would end with the legalization of limited begging.
But the man persisted and so I threatened to call the police if he didn't leave me alone at an ATM. I know the law. I presume he does too. And he was the one breaking it.
But he didn't walk away, leave me alone or merely continue to beg.
He struck me.
I'm okay, my ATM card is still in my wallet and the man didn't get my money. I called the police, and they made sure I was okay. But once I told them I would be able to walk away, that was the end of it. My description of the man who assaulted me in public was cut off by a police operator who seemed thoroughly disinterested.
Apparently panhandling in front of Madison ATMs is okay after all. And I suppose it is fine to take a shot at civilians who decline beggars' requests too – so long as the civilian isn't too badly hurt.
10 Comments:
Wow - the fruits of the city council's wisdom.
But fear not, I'm sure the gallant Ashok Kumar will do something about this. He can fight back with his gaucherie.
In the mean time, you'd better take along a posse of Safewalkers when you go out. Or get a taser.
You were assaulted by a state street bum? This is horrible! The long term mental health costs of this will be enormous: post traumatic stress syndrome will probably kick in any time you see an ATM from now on. The MPD should have to pay for your mental-health costs, because your assailant is still free on the streets.
State Street Bum Abuse (SSBA) is a serious problem, but it will continue as long as people give money to these folks! They are like feral cats, if you feed them, they will keep on coming back, but if you ignore them, they will move to the neighbor’s house (Milwaukee). ASM, the Madison City Council, SLAC, and PACE should come together to form a blue-ribbon task force to fight the evils of SSBA. In the mean time, carry pepper spray, and use frequently!
feral cats? So do you want the legislature to pass a law to shoot them?
No. Shooting them is extreme. As Mac said, these folks beg for money not because they cannot find work, but because they are chemically dependent on drugs and alcohol. The best and most generous thing to do with State Street bums is to prey for them and to keep your money in your wallet. If you feel the need to give, save it for those Salvation Army bell ringers...it will help the Madison homeless FAR MORE than giving your change to a druggie.
Don't give money to the Salvation Army. They don't like gay people (unless you don't either.)
But to the issue at hand, I'm glad to hear you are ok.
However, unlike Bob and Brad, I don't see this as an indictment of all panhandlers. While certainly a lowly existence, panhandling should not be criminalized. Because something is annoying, it does not follow that it should be illegal (like telemarketing.)
Mark, getting smacked by a wanton panhandler is not merely annoying.
Physical harm was involved.
That is unacceptable.
Period.
.
Of course it is unacceptable. The question is, what should we do about it?
Simply because this person was a panhandler, it does not follow that we should suddenly criminalize panhandling. Panhandling involves asking another person for money, free of physical force. That, in itself, ought to be legal. Instead criminalizing panhandling, how about we more aggressively pursue those panhandlers that do indeed commit crimes (like assault in this case.)
Brad (or Bob), I challenge you to give me a logical reason why pandhandling should be illegal.
I think you should sue the bank for putting the ATM machine in such a location as to make it unsafe to withdraw money from it.
It's the bank's fault, not the bum. You're in Madison; you should know these things.
You should always smoke a cigar at the ATM machine. That way, you could use the homeless guy's eye as an ashtray.
It's not like the guy reads the "Jobs Section" or anything.
give him money next time, god knows you have enough
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