Panhandlers

Those of us that are disturbed by the possible motivations of the panhandler (or for whatever other reason) should be able to say “no” and those who want to give should be able to give. But it is an offense to humanity to look through these people as if they didn’t exist, as if they were invisible, and that’s what’s liable to result from the proposed Los Angeles law. We will have found a legal way to avoid our personal responsibilities.

For my part, I don’t want to judge the person that asks for my help. When I have some money in my pocket, and if I feel charitable or guilty or just want, for a brief moment, to connect to another human being, I may give. And when my world seems to be coming apart, I may not. But I don’t want anyone to take away from me my right to be responsible to my own conscience.

MICHAEL R. HEYMAN

Redondo Beach