I love Branson, Missouri. It has been my home for nearly 15 years. In this time, I have witnessed many positive and exciting changes in our city. Future plans for Branson that have been announced only increase my pride in our hometown.
But during this same time frame I have observed some unwelcome changes. One change particularly detracts and harms our reputation and image of being a safe, family-friendly environment. Panhandlers! When first coming to Branson my wife would often say, “This is the first time in a long time that I do not feel the need to immediately lock my doors when stopping at a red-light or stop sign.” Sadly, that feeling of safety has departed by the ever-growing population of panhandlers.
As an evangelist for the Branson Church of Christ, I teach and practice benevolence. For more than 50 years the Branson Church of Christ has helped countless individuals who we believed had the desire to better themselves physically and spiritually. So, please do not misunderstand me. I am not talking about people who have a genuine need. I speak of people who have no desire to work. People who have no desire to utilize the programs that are available to temporarily help those who are striving to better themselves. I am talking of the charlatans who do not tell the truth when they display a sign that reads, “I will work for food.” These solicitors of free money are like the “sluggard” described in Proverbs 20:4. They are men and women of sound minds and healthy bodies who believe that work is a four-letter word. The only thing that keeps them from working for a living is laziness, which the Bible condemns as a sin. Assisting the lazy is also sinful. The Bible plainly teaches, “If anyone does not work, neither should they eat (2 Thess. 3:10).
Sometimes the best way to help someone is to withhold relief so that they have to face the consequences of their actions. Consider the prodigal son of Luke 15. Jesus said, “and no one (including his family) gave him anything (Vs.16). This tough love is in keeping (not a violation) of the Golden Rule (Luke 6:31).
In a past administration I brought my concern of the ever-growing population of panhandlers in Branson to the attention of City Hall. The mayor at that time responded in writing, “The Supreme Court has made it legal to stand and request free handouts. Drives me CRAZY.”
While it is good to know that our mayor was also unhappy with this increasing undesirable atmosphere, disapproval alone will not create improvement. One place to start would be to make changes to some current city laws.
The citizens of Branson are told that it is legal for someone to advertise/solicit with a handheld sign, requesting (panhandling) free items. However, it is illegal in Branson to hold a sign advertising that you have something free to give away. I learned this firsthand from the Branson animal control officers while trying to find homes for some kittens. I was told that I was soliciting (even though I was offering something for free) and all solicitation is illegal in Branson without a permit. However, the panhandler standing on the corner of the same street was permitted to hold his sign of solicitation for free items. Based upon this law it is illegal for me to stand next to the panhandler who is soliciting free money, while at the same time I hold a sign that says “I will give you free money.”
Solution No. 1: All solicitation (including panhandling) without a permit should be illegal.
Solution No. 2
Make it illegal for both driver and pedestrian to engage in conversation. Distracting a driver of a motor vehicle is dangerous and should be against the law. Traffic is many times held up by drivers trying to find money to give to the panhandler. This poses a danger for other drivers and pedestrians.
Solution No. 3
Post larger signs at major entrance ways into the city of Branson which read: “Welcome to Branson. Please help us keep our city safe and family friendly by NOT giving money to panhandlers. Help is available locally for individuals who have a genuine need. Your assistance is appreciated.” The smaller signs that are presently posted are unnoticeable and therefore ineffective.
There are legal solutions to this problem. Hopefully, those elected to represent us in our city government will act to protect our good reputation as a safe, family friendly place to visit and live.
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