Panhandling has long been a touchy issue in soft-hearted Chapel Hill. Stereotypically it’s just not Chapel Hilly to be tough on panhandlers.
The ordinance that prohibits begging on the public sidewalks at night is scarcely enforced, although it was passed as a public safety issue in behalf of harried pedestrians and merchants.
This issue of public safety on the streets and highways has become a compelling issue – both for the automobile driver and the panhandler. Panhandlers who confront motorists when they stop at busy intersections can make a good living off the guilty conscience of drivers in a few moments.
Constitutional freedoms of expression and peaceful activity are sometimes complicated by gray areas of violation. But panhandling on the public highways is simple to interpret and doesn’t merit this protection. It should be outlawed.. .
