[Newsbot]

Title: Begging is 'political expression': advocacy group
Category: Misc CDN
Posted By: WDHIII
Date: 2009-09-11 08:25:09
Canadian

[leewgrant]

$1:

"Enforcing laws that prohibit panhandling restricts not only the right of the poor to speak about their situation, but also the opportunities for citizens to receive truths about the society in which they live," the letter says.

I suppose if begging is a legitimate form of political expression then sexual solicitation is a legitimate form of business promotion.

[Akhenaten]

I don't know about the group's claim but it's silly and immoral to create a law/bylaw/formula that simply attempts to sweep a rpoblem out of view rather than deal with it's root cause.

[Choban]

Akhenaten Akhenaten:

I don't know about the group's claim but it's silly and immoral to create a law/bylaw/formula that simply attempts to sweep a rpoblem out of view rather than deal with it's root cause.

I agree that it's not a solution, but at the same time I agree with the bylaw. Those that claim begging is a pollitical expression haven't had the pleasure of an aggressive alcohol fumed bum in their faces I'm sure.

[Akhenaten]

How is the bylaw going to (realistically) prevent that?

[Choban]

Akhenaten Akhenaten:

How is the bylaw going to (realistically) prevent that?

It won't in all cases but without a clearly defined bylaw there is no way to prevent it either, so we are just where we started. I think it's aimed at the more aggressive pan handelers though, like the guy that killed someone in Calgary by punching him after trying to bum change. Personally I don't give to pan handelers either, there are plenty of programs to help them and me giving them change is only going to a bottle or drugs in most cases.

[Choban]

I should add though that calling begging a pollitical expression is complete BS and the only way that this group can think of to shoot down the bylaw. Plenty of Bylaws are BS as well but begging will in no way improve anyones situation on the streets.

[KorbenDeck]

Beggers in Victoria make about $32 hour if they choose the right spot. If begging for money is a form of political expression than taking money from beggers should count as political expression.

Bring back forced labour, if you are on the street for more than 2 years we give you work, willing or not.

[Scape]

I can't see why beatings are not expressions either.

[Mukluk]

leewgrant leewgrant:

$1:

"Enforcing laws that prohibit panhandling restricts not only the right of the poor to speak about their situation, but also the opportunities for citizens to receive truths about the society in which they live," the letter says.

I suppose if begging is a legitimate form of political expression then sexual solicitation is a legitimate form of business promotion.