Thank you for this post.  Often folks look for simple, black and white, yes or no, all good or all bad answers.  The debate ovr panhandling is far more complex than Mr. Gerber portrays it.  If, in fact, we were providing the services and support individuals need to help work their way out of homelessness and poverty, we'd be seeing far less panhandling.  We don't provide the facilities and programs destitute addicts and chronic alcoholics need to work on recovery.  We don't adequately provide the assisted living facilities for the developmentally disabled.  We don't adequately fund communty based programs for the mentally ill.  Our lack of care and support for our Veterans is a disgrace.  Affordable housing is woefully inadequate.  and on and on and on.  Provide the support and programs our most needy citizens should be receiving and I'll be far more amenable to suggestions that outlawing panhandling is sensible.  In sum.....listen to the 
DogLady...her message is important....