Panhandler Arrested Making $60,000: Legalize Begging?

Shane Warren Speegle broke the law in Oklahoma City by asking people for money. Soliciting in public requires insurance and a permit. Mr. Speegle told the arresting police officer that he would pay for a $200 permit for the day because begging pays well. How well? Better than a job. Speegle said, "I'm lazy, and I made $60,000 doing this last year. Why would I go get a job?"

Legalizing panhandling would allow people like Mr. Speegle to earn money instead of collect welfare, particularly during this recession. Some people like Mr. Speegle don't know the process or feel "too lazy" to apply for a permit and jump through a city's regulatory process of public solicitation.

On the other hand, legalized begging could increase public nuisance. Legalization could encourage more people to beg on street corners or even go door-to-door in residential neighborhoods. Laws against begging protect the public and other beggars from aggressive, competitive beggars.

KOCO.COM reports:
A man arrested on suspicion of panhandling in Oklahoma City told officers there was no point in getting a job, because he made "$60,000" last year.