gregthehand wrote:I like the asking them for money way of doing things too. I have seen this make panhandlers angry though so lately I have stopped doing it. I've now moved back just to saying "No", and leaning it at that. I dont' even offer any excuses or stories of my own, just "No." If they ask again I and I am a good distance away I just walk away while keeping my eyes on them. If they are following me I turn and say in a VERY stern voice "STOP!" This seems to work. I usually will blade myself and take a more defensive stance when I do this. So far it has seemed to work. For thos of you in the Houston area (and probably other areas) try to take some of this information. When I was in the police academy they told us that one of the favorite weapons of the homeless was the ice pick. It was very cheap (around a buck) and could go right through police body armor. Just something to think about.
I too have adopted this approach. While it may be entertaining to ask them for money, it could also rile an unstable person and escalate the situation. Best just to say no and continue on your way, and if he/she follows, respond as Greg mentions.
