Helping Hand or Just a Scam?

Do you ever give money to panhandlers at local intersections?

The Texarkana Texas Police Department took to social media this week to warn the public about professional panhandlers in the city.

“As the weather has gotten warmer, we’ve once again seen an influx of people soliciting and raising money at intersections. We want to remind you that the vast majority of these people are from out of town, and we typically can’t verify the charity or cause they say that they’re raising money for. However, we do know that whatever money they get, leaves with them when they leave town,” the post said.

The post went on to say, “you should know that your donation may well be going to support a con artist’s lavish lifestyle rather than helping a needy child or family,” and advised donating money to worthy local charities instead.

Most of us see people asking for money at intersections every day. And many kind-hearted people feel sorry for them.

No doubt some are genuine in their need. But others, as the police warn, are just taking advantage of the public’s generosity.

What about you? Do you ever give money to panhandlers at intersections or on the side of the road? Would you consider doing so?

Send your response (50 words maximum) to opinion@texarkanagazette.com by Wednesday, April 24. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St, Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday’s paper.

LAST WEEK: CLOSING THE LOOPHOLE?

Last week’s question was about the Biden administration’s move to close the so-called “gun show loophole.” Do you support this expansion of licensing and background check requirements? Or are you opposed?

Absolutely, expansion of licensing and background checks, is great. What’s the problem, even a dog needs a license. Stop with the craziness about guns, this does not affect 2nd Amendment rights. — R.K., Texarkana, Texas

I absolutely oppose any further government being mandated to chip away at our rights. I do not trust any federal agency in this current administration. Today, they come for your guns, tomorrow they come for us. Hitler and his Nazis come to mind. Read your history. — J.T., Texarkana, Arkansas