The state of Maine should not make panhandling illegal. Panhandling is a way of making people aware of the poor and homeless.
Record numbers of homeless people crowding into shelters doesn't do it. People lining up outside soup kitchens doesn't do it. Reports of children showing up for school without having enough of the right food they need to be ready to learn just get well-meaning shrugs.But the sight of someone with his hand out - especially when he is standing in a median strip with a sign - people feel compelled to act.People are dying because they are without shelter and food. Panhandling is their way of speaking to the public, it lets others know that these people are in need of our help. The fact that people have to stand in a median strip with a sign to get others attention, means that we aren't doing enough to help the poor and homeless in our community. Until we find another way to make people aware, panhandling should not be illegal.
