Bible Potpourri with Rev. David Richardson — Frankly Speaking

Rev. David Richardson, Executive Director of the NH Bible Society, came on ‘Frankly Speaking’ to do an episode of Bible Potpourri and discuss an assortment of about a dozen off-the-wall topics regarding the Bible and Christianity.

Among the issues discussed on this show included: Should Christians advise their youngsters to enroll in college Philosophy classes; the health and psychological benefits of Forgiveness; did Paul the Apostle deliver a Biblical prophecy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 about Donald Trump; do churches tend to alienate Singles and Divorcees; is laughter and smiling discouraged in Christian churches; what did Jesus mean when he said, “greater works will ye do when I go to my Father” in John 14:12; how to respond to a Panhandler; and are both the Salvation Army and Goodwill Industry too nit-picky on what they’ll actually accept as a donation.

This interview took place in the Access Nashua studio on 6-27-16. Sharon DiFronzo of Screamin Heart records sang the opening and closing theme song for this episode.

Love in Motion for Haiti — My second show on Nashua TV

How do YOU know for sure if a Panhandler is legitimately needy?

(So what exactly do you think about this particular issue?

I think the comments which were posted on NashuaTelegraph.com immediately following this article are much more revealing about this subject than the article itself — see initial comment to this particular Thread. 

On the one hand, you’d love to help out someone who’s genuinely needy. People are losing their jobs, as well as their homes. It’s really tough to pay your regular bills and buy food for your family to survive.

But on the flip-side of that, what about these panhandlers who post their exploits on Facebook with their i-Pads? Or dress up in more expensive clothes than you or I have? Or drive away from their popular begging spots, much of the time in Cadillacs or some other newer and pricey model vehicle? To donate money to folks like that, would make most people feel as if they’ve just been ripped-off.

And lets not forget that panhandlers who stand out and walk around busy intersections can easily cause accidents, hence that’s probably why most communities initiate laws against jay walking.

So do you think communities like, Hudson NH are just ignorant for denying panhandlers the right to get some money to help make ends meet — or do you feel they’re justified on instituting ordinances to prevent these types of practices?)

Beggars Beware: Hudson (NH) officials examine anti-panhandling ordinance

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/1022827-469/beggars-beware-hudson-officials-examine-anti-panhandling-ordinance.html

By BRADFORD RANDALL

Staff Writer

12-3-13

HUDSON – Panhandling has become a new focus of concern for several selectmen who have begun debating the merits of outlawing beggars within town borders.

“We’ve talked to the police department on a number of occasions, and it’s becoming a big problem,” Selectman Ben Nadeau said at the board’s Nov. 26 meeting.

Nadeau said his inspiration for proposing an anti-panhandling ordinance came when he became witness to an accident caused by a motorist giving money to a beggar. Nadeau said the motorist had stopped at a green light to give money to the panhandler when they were rear-ended by another vehicle.

“It’s a big scheme,” Nadeau said. “People are feeding this problem by giving (panhandlers) money.”

Nadeau’s concerns were echoed by Selectman Roger Coutu, who said he hopes that Hudson follows a recent example set by the city of Lowell, which banned panhandling downtown after a controversial vote by the city council earlier this month.

Coutu said he has been in contact with Lowell City Councilor Martin E. Lorrey about crafting a similar ordinance in Hudson.

“The ordinance is well crafted,” Coutu said. “There is one exception that would be for nonprofits.”

Coutu said any anti-panhandling ordinance in Hudson should take nonprofit activities, such as the fire department’s boot drive, into consideration.

Coutu also elaborated on Nadeau’s suggestion that panhandlers in Hudson were operating as part of a “scheme.”

“They’re standing out there … and you can watch them as they leave,” Coutu said. “They go down to their new vehicles.”

Coutu said Nashua is also expressing interest in anti-panhandling measures that would replicate the ones in Lowell.

However, Selectman Chairman Rick Maddox was less than enthusiastic about the suggestion of an anti-panhandling ordinance and said it likely would have little effect.

“I think this is just a case of making an ordinance that isn’t going to do us much good,” Maddox said.

Selectman Nancy Brucker remained silent during the discussion and Selectman Ted Luszey said any ordinance should be geared toward enforcement, should the need arise.

No decision relating to an anti-panhandling ordinance was made at the Nov. 26 meeting but Maddox directed the two main proponents of an ordinance, Nadeau and Coutu, to “continue the search for good stuff about panhandling.”

Maddox said the board likely would revisit the idea of an anti-panhandling ordinance, once more information is gathered, at an upcoming selectmen’s meeting.