Brother, Can You Spare a Character Reference?

The city of Calgary, Alta., Canada, doesn’t have a big problem with beggars; there are only about 40 “regulars” on its streets, and the city wants to be sure things stay that way. The city council is considering a plan to license panhandlers, requiring them to wear photo ID tags before they can put out their hands to passersby. “It’s intended to reduce any potential disruptive behavior or harassment or confrontations with the public,” says city councilor Bob Hawkesworth. To get a license, a beggar would have to undergo counseling and attend job search workshops. (Reuters) ...What, and be reduced to the pay city councilors get?