Boy, is this a classic case of government incomptence. I don't believe banning begging by individuals violates anybody's rights. But how can they possibly include legitimate organizations such as the Girl Scouts and the Salvation Army in this ban? Sadly, this story doesn't get into that issue very much but rather focuses on the debate over whether panhandling should be allowed.

It shouldn't, in my opinion, but courts have ruled otherwise. When I was a grad student at Marquette University in Downtown Milwaukee, panhandling wasn't banned but students were strongly encouraged not to give anything. The logic was the more you give, the more panhandlers you will see. And yes, the panhandlers often got aggressive. A woman asked for money one day and I was in a tremendous hurry. Mindlessly I said "no thanks." I didn't realize what I was saying. She followed me for a block, cursing at me.

As is argued in the stories linked here, advocates for beggars believe banning panhandling just pushes the homeless into the shadows. Perhaps. But it also makes them find another option. And yes, they do pose potential safety risks to the public.

But for a ban to include the Scouts and the Salvation Army. Talk about begging...they're begging for this thing to fail...