Turf War?

Selling Salt Lake Street News is fun. Although it's harder than I imagined, I keep hitting the events and street corners whenever I have the time. People in Salt Lake City are generally polite, and receptive to the idea of what we're trying to do, whether or not they buy a copy of the paper. I've only been hassled by security guards at a couple of places, and had only one chat with the police. I just figure they are people doing their job, no sweat. Word will spread as more vendors appear on the city streets.

Unfortunately, there are always people who want to make things difficult.

The entire time I was homeless, I never panhandled. I didn't feel right asking hard working people for their money without giving something in return. Yet I know there are people on the street who have done it for years, at the same spot, everyday, without fail. They get to know people and people get to know them, so it becomes a sweet deal.

So I try to be respectful of that. I never sell on the same corner as panhandlers. If they are there first, I cross the street or go to the next intersection. At the Bees games I talk and have a laugh with the sign flyers. When I do well selling the paper, I've even been known to slip them a buck or two.

So  it was frustrating the other day when a panhandler showed up on the corner where I'd already been selling for two hours. He proceeded to solicit change. I pleaded the case that I'd been there first, and asked him could he please go across the street to an unoccupied corner.

You would have thought that I had asked for a pound of flesh. This man called me everything but a human being, began to badmouth Street News, the Salt Lake City Mission, and those running the organization and the street paper project. Everyone within earshot heard his slanderous remarks. I tried to stand my ground, but sir kept talking smack, interfering with my right to sell. To avoid losing my temper, I left, so angry that I quit selling for the day.

The way I see it, we're all in the same boat and have the same goal-to put a buck in our pocket. I give the panhandlers respect and courtesy. I would expect the same in return. So I have a proposition and a challenge for those with whom we have to share the streets.

When you see vendors selling our paper, don't hassle us, put us down, or try to intimidate us. There are a lot of street corners, people, and events to go around. If you are there first, OK, but if you're not, it's only fair that you concede to whomever is. Nobody wants a turf war; you'll lose eventually anyway. Let's be civil and fair to one another. Those of us who are no longer homeless still remember what it was like. We vendors are just trying to improve our lives a little and make some cash, just like you.

I challenge panhandlers to try vending SLSN before you go around knocking it. At least come to an orientation and get the information. It may not be for you, but at least you'll know. Just don't blame the dedicated people who put this program-along with others from which you may benefit-together without having the facts. They deserve your thanks, not your distrust and badmouthing.

If we cooperate, everyone can benefit from the kindness and generosity of everyone, resident or visitor, on the streets of Salt Lake City.

Peace