We started what was going to be a five-part series on panhandling and homelessness in Fort Smith just a little more than a week ago. One of our contributing writers, Mary Esther, wanted to do a series on the situation and we thought five installments would be enough to cover the issue.
We printed the fifth part today. It's going to take way more than five parts to paint the entire picture. At this point we're looking at at least three--and probably more -- installments.
And that's okay. The more she --and we -- look into the issue, the more we find to write about. Both pro and con.
The bottom line? Today's installment dealt with a panhandler on Rogers Avenue that seemingly fits the mold of "schemer and scammer" that we have tried to warn you guys about.
I know that there are those out there among you who do not agree with us spotlighting this type of behavior and shining a light on the fraudulent "takers" in the "lifestyle. . I am as compassionate and charitable as the next guy, but every dollar that goes in that panhandlers' cup is one less dollar that goes to the charities that are designed to really meet the needs of the homeless.
While I have absolutely no doubt that there are some people out there in dire straits, there are also people in the panhandling "business" that take advantage of people's good nature and charitable hearts.
When help is available, and those types of individuals refuse to take advantage of the opportunity, there is a reason for that. Because they are doing exactly what they want to be doing and well-intentioned, kind-hearted citizens become victimized enablers by falling for their ploy.
Take, for example, the subject of Part Five of our series.
Without identifying the person, who refused the offer of information for "help" no less than three times, I want to show you some information from her Facebook account that might open your eyes.
Clearly, this person has some issues. There are claims of a Master's degree and a former teaching career on the high school and college level. Lot's of relationship advice and life advice in general.
Lots of music videos, food references and health issue posts that run the gamut.
But among a lot -- and a mean a lot -- of delusional, narcissistic posts exhibiting delusions of grandeur, our girls tells off on herself on a regular basis.
For example:
That little tidbit came yesterday, Right after she refused information for "help" . Three times. And just a few days after she bragged she was bored and thinking about going on a "$4000 shopping spree".
Here's another one:
Because, you know....nothing screams homeless and needy like diamonds and pearls.
And how did our girl spend some of YOUR hard-earned money Saturday night?
At least she knocked the homeless dust off her black pants and purple top. We hope.
And...
Some advice? The place you have listed as a hometown has a better selection of grocery stores if our don't suit you. I wish every time the wife and I got into an argument someone would give me a $20 Sonic card. I'd be pushing her buttons all the time.
At least you're not the worse scammer associated with tht city (inside joke).
One more, then I'll quit. I promise.
Bad enough she wants to take and take when other avenues of hep are available. But now you have to 'grateful" for the opportunity of falling for her nonsense.
Maybe I'm being too judgmental. Maybe this is one of those cases where mental health problems --and not a desire to scam and scheme on people --is the real problem.
Our reporter went and parked at the area drug store our subject likes to "work" and watched her take in $60 in fifteen minutes. That's $240 an hour. $9600 for a forty-hour work week if she is dedicated.
Hell. Sign me up. Being too proud to beg seems pretty stupid at this point.
Unlike our subject, I don't have a Master's degree, but I do have a Doctorate in smelling BS. If this person is who she says, with all of the assets available in this community, then she is really one of two things.
She's either mentally unstable or is running a game on everyone that drops a ten-spot into her hand.
Either way, she needs to be off the streets.