ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 6, 1993                   TAG: 9305060473
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-16   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

GIVING A MEAL IS NOT THE ANSWER

I WATCHED recently a story on the news about downtown Roanoke's plan to curb panhandling. Panhandlers know they can go to the Rescue Mission to eat, or the Red Shield Lodge and Ram House.

Ever since before Jesus' time, there have been panhandlers, beggars and vagrants. It's true that many are alcoholics and suffer from some sort of mental or social dilemma. But giving them a meal is not the answer, just a pitiful excuse for a Band-Aid solution.

Have any of the businesses downtown offered for someone to take the trash out, mop or sweep a floor, or wash a window to give them the smallest feeling of self-worth?

Feed a man for one day and he will starve. Teach a man how to feed himself and he will never go hungry. TOM HALLMAN VINTON 


 by CNB