[joeysteele]

Actually John Bird has put more people on the streets selling the big issue, day after day, some often just selling barely a few of them too,since you can in some cities find them all the way down the strrets and at every turn too.

I really cannot see where it is a major help to the homeless either really.

I actually find more people moan when they seea big issue seller than they do someone sitting on the pavement saying nothing really.
What likely irritates people about those sitting on the pavement is that their consciences may hit them.
I agree some people feel uncomfortable seeing and passing such individuals,some people can just walk on regardless,not bothered at all at them being there, then you get others,who actually ring the Police to see if they can be moved on.

As I said,I do buy the big issue from various sellers,however even when you have it in your hand, other big issue sellers are moving closert o you shoving their copies in front of you.

John Bird has not got the answer,the big issue is not the way to eradicate people homeless on the streets, it needs to be worked out with the charities who know where the homeless are and also what needs they have.
The problem is, no votes are seen to be got from the homeless so politicians ignore the problem largely.

Charities will be starting soon for Christmas in its help for those homeless,what an eye opener it is to be involved with causes like that and get to see and talk with those who are vulnerable and homeless.
Not shove them on the streets in all weathers freezing, raining, snowing for near all day selling a paper/mag.

In the city I am near, I was in it 3 days ago and across 4 streets of it were no less than 12 big issue sellers.
Know what, the thing I am most thankful of is that I am not homeless and would have topossibly live like that for any part of everyday.
However,I will never ignore and turn my back on them.Seeing how much I could do to help both financially and physically rather than judge and condemn.