Downtown "Ambassadors"

[Tom Joad]

The downtown "Ambassadors" are practicing systematic harassment and intimidation of the homeless and mentally ill. Time and time agin I have witnessed them interrogate and waylay disenfranchised people in downtown Jax. It is sad and disgracefull . You can judge a society by the way it treats it's mentally ill.

[braeburn]

This is certainly an open book and a fine line.

I am not for harassment or intimidation of any kind, so perhaps you could give some examples of what it is you have seen? I get harassed and intimidated by the homeless all of the time. If I do not give them money or cigarettes I get threatened, called a faggot, and have had other horrific things said that I cannot repeat here.

That does not give the Ambassadors the go ahead to return the favor, but could you elaborate and put this into perspective please? I would imagine the Ambassadors cannot at the same time just sit idly by and allow the homeless and mentally ill to have free reign over the city and its patrons under the excuse that they are homeless or mentally ill.

[ChriswUfGator]

braeburn, seriously, wth were you wearing? lol

(kidding)

Actually I agree with you, not to sound like a snot, but there isn't enough money in my pocket to support the number of homeless we have downtown, or my bank or brokerage accounts either. It's just not my issue, and I couldn't properly address it if it were, so I see no sense in feeling guilty about it. It's a huge problem, that's outside any one person's control, and I do get a bit annoyed the 5th time I get hit up for money in a day, usually by the same guys who've already hit me up a dozen times in the past. If the Ambassadors are acting to prevent panhandling, then I really don't have a problem with it.

It's a fine line. Yes it's unfortunate and sad that this group exists, but it's also not my personal problem, and I'm fed up with getting panhandled every 5 minutes whenever I go downtown. If they're doing something about it, fine by me, as long as civil liberties aren't being infringed. However we need to remember that there is no fundamental or constitutional right to go around demanding that other people give you money and cigarettes.

[Jerry Moran]

The downtown "Ambassadors" are practicing systematic harassment and intimidation of the homeless and mentally ill

This is hard to believe.  Are the Ambassadors mistaking our beloved downtown vagrants for bits of chewing gum stuck to the sidewalk?  

Tell us more of what you have seen.

[thekillingwax]

Good for them.

[braeburn]

A homeless person LAST NIGHT asked me if they could use my cellphone. First it was money, then a cigarette (which I obliged and gave one) and THEN hit me up for a phonecall! I draw the line at the cigs.

From Ashley St. to Bay St. I got hit up 4 times. That's almost one for every block! The best one was the guy who said he needed another $2.30 to get a pack of Natural Ice so he could go back to his tent with his girlfriend. At least he was honest.

I also met the late Ronnie Van Zant's long lost brother yesterday, which was pretty cool. 

It gets annoying after a couple of times, but it is to be expected. I'm pretty sure they are all harmless, for the most part.

[Springfielder]

I agree with the others, just how exactly are they harassing them? Just what abuse did you witness? Other then these people panhandling (which by the way, is illegal) and constantly harassing the people who are going about their business. The constant asking for money, cigarettes, etc. is almost overwhelming to anyone that spends any time down town....that's what's disgraceful.

[Ocklawaha]

The homeless often force their poverty on the people in the most repulsive ways for their own selfish purposes. If this sight disappears from the sight of visitors as well, the result will be a definite feeling of relief and liberation. People will feel that things are becoming more stable again, and the economy is improving once more. Really a win - win situation wouldn't you think?  I don't see where the ambassadors have done any wrong here.

OCKLAWAHA

[RockStar]

When I lived in NYC, it was (and still is) the same thing. Here's what you do:

Keep walking. Don't respond. Don't engage. Don't give.

It's simple. But you can't feed the pigeons and then turn around and complain about all the pigeon poop! By giving to them, you are working contrary to what the Ambassadors are trying to do... namely trying to create a hassle free corridor for downtown pedestrians, especially at night.

If you feel guilty for not being "generous", feel free to donate to your charity of choice.