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Think before giving to panhandlers

Recently, I counted six panhandlers working the Walmart entrances and exits, all at the same time. Five of the six appeared to be able-bodied and young enough to work a job. Earlier that morning, there was an additional person at the bottom of Farmington Hill, one at Albertsons, one at south City Market and two at north City Market – all during the morning hours. All again appeared to be able-bodied.

So why won’t they work? Talking to a few of them over the past month, they make anywhere from $200 to $400 a day from many of you – completely tax free! There is free food and housing in Durango and cheap, if not free, transportation. Best of all, according to a number of them, there is the legal marijuana – and that, folks, is the main draw for many of them. I actually had a young man and woman tell me that is why they are here in the first place, while holding a sign reading “Family out of Funds.”

Supporting charities is a good thing to do. But, do you really want to finance this kind of lifestyle in Durango? I work 60 hours a week and pay taxes on that.

Some of these folks are bragging about picking your pockets and never paying taxes on any of it. Make your choices wisely.

Frank Clark

Durango



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