What should our reaction be to a beggar who walked up to a Delta passenger in Atlanta checking-in for his flight and punched him the face? How should we answer calls to step up police vigilance and reduce vagrancy in U.S. airports?
I approach this issue with caution. I think we all should. It is quite easy to look at the fact pattern below and demonize the homeless man. That’s not to say that he avoid severe legal consequences for his actions. He should not. Nor can we necessarily make blanket generalizations on the basis of one incident.
But have you noticed an uptick in the homeless population at U.S airports? Interestingly, before even reading about this incident in Atlanta, I counted more homeless people or beggars than normal milling about both LAX and JFK this week. My casual observation does not necessarily mean anything, but the issue has been on my mind…especially as the homeless crisis continues to worsen in many U.S. cities.
The unidentified passenger was flying Delta from Atlanta (ATL) and had just entered the check-in hall on the departures level. The man, who apparently is a regular beggar at ATL with a rap sheet a mile long, walked up him and decked him, splitting his lip.
Security camera footage revealed no provocation or interaction of any kind from the victim…all signs point to a random attack.
Passenger assaults at Atlanta number 236 this year. That’s actually down this year from 2018, but still an alarming number. These sorts of incidents occur at airports across the country.
Rather than just covering this incident, I’m attempting a larger conversation on homelessness because airports present a venue in which we encounter it. The traveler cannot avoid it.
Why The Homeless Flock To Airports
If I put myself in the shoes of a homeless person, the first place I’d go is to an airport. Most large airports are open 24/7 and serve as a warm refuge on a cold night. Travelers may be more generous than other prospective benefactors and eateries and clean restrooms present opportunities for basic comfort.
Any world traveler has encountered poverty. I’ve seen horrible poverty all over the world, including in the Untied States and Western Europe.
The question is what do we do with it? Simply ignore it? Try to save the world ourselves?
Homelessness is a blight on our society and something all sides can join together in trying to eradicate.
But that’s a platitude; an unfunded mandate.
What can we really do?
I don’t know. But I am going to resist the temptation to respond to this horrific incident in Atlanta by simply ignoring the problem. Certainly, we should vote for politicians who take the issue seriously. But we can also, in our own way, meet the needs of others who cross our paths. That does not necessarily involve opening your wallet. Sometimes it is just eye contact or a smile. But these homeless people are humans too. And many are in desperate need of help. Since I forget this sometimes, I figure others may as well.
CONCLUSION
This rather serious issue is in stark contrast to the frivolity of premium cabin travel and luxury hotels that is the typical focus of this blog. We’ll return to regularly scheduled programming shortly. But this issue is on my mind this morning. And I’m bothered not only by this horrific attack, but by a problem that seems to be getting worse, not getting better.
Surely, a nation that is so rich and unbelievably blessed can work toward a meaningful way to address the homeless issue, in airports and outside of them…
Today I’ll be flying. And even if I am setting up myself for a punch in the face, I’m not just going to ignore a person in need who crosses my path. Because if the shoes were reserved, I’d sure hope someone would show me a little love too…
image: ATL Airport
I was expecting this piece to be something a little bit different, but you, Matthew, basically wrote a wonderful piece about how we should treat everyone with respect. To understand that help doesn’t need to be with our wallet and how others might show the need for help in other ways. Most of the time mental sadness, stress, hunger, guilt, etc. are all shown differently by each individual. So, to listen, talk, or simply smile like you said will help far more than we might think.
Amen brother. Homelessness is on my mind all the time. I’ve always been told don’t give them money. They’ll buy drugs or alcohol and maybe some will. But what if they’re just hungry and want to buy something to eat? How can we help? You’re so right. This should not be an issue in this country but who has the answer on how to solve this huge problem?
The problem I have with many of the homeless people is during the 59 years of my life that I worked, is I gave up staying up late, drinking late, sleeping late, etc. While these people were doing all of that. I saw them when I was working. They were off during the day and during the night while I was working two jobs. They all haven’t been dealt a bad hand. This is the sad thing about the whole situation. Many could still take on jobs that ate available, but they won’t. That is not fair. Go to work and be responsible. America is truly the land of opportunity.
I work at a non profit in Florida that’s mission is to end homelessness. We have engagement teams that work with the homeless and local business to get people into services. There are ways to help this problem. But, it involves resources and the community being involved. Sounds like the airport needs anengagement team.
Thanks for the compassionate take on this problem. Homelessness is a hard thing to face, which you do often, living in a city or traveling through one. Contrary to simple opinion, too, it’s not just a case of “I’d rather stay up partying all night than look for a job” – the vast majority of homelessness is the result of unchecked and untreated mental illness. Mental health care is the largely overlooked aspect of our health care system, so as I look to effect change with my vote, that’s a big part of it. (Does YOUR plan cover screening for mental wellness as preventive care?) Another homeless demographic, rising alarmingly fast, is LGBTQ youth, many of whom have been ejected from their homes and are bereft of any support.
These are the considerations I make when using my vote as a voice, when it comes to homelessness. It’s not a flashy, banner-ad campaign platform, but finding a candidate’s stance on these matters is important. And it’s important to remember, I think, that not everyone has the luxury, albeit an easy one to take for granted, of simply deciding to get a job instead of staying up all night drinking.
A fine article, Matthew.
I think you meant “reversed” instead of “reserved” in this line, “…if the shoes were reserved…”.
There are pushy people in airports whom I’ve wanted to assault and have verbally under my breath. But I’ve never considered being a victim. I wonder what prompted this? Desire to be arrested and get a bunk and food? Why not install donation boxes for the public? The money could possibly fund some meals. Management of funds would have to be worked out. Just a thought.
“Because if the shoes were reserved…” did you mean “reversed”?
I shouldn’t have to apologize, but I’m human too and I’ve worked hard for the things I have without being a burden to society, and nobody including myself deserves to be punched in the face in the airport just because there are homeless people. Violence has nothing to do with homelessness and to associate the two does a great disservice to those struggling, even working while being homeless – it is a prejudice the author needs to overcome. In this era of record-breaking employment, a hand-up may be in order, but not a hand-out.
Could be a way to get room and board by way of minimum security prison?
If it happens. Beat the offender senseless. It’ll deter. Easy.
I am in no way obligated to help or feel sorry for the homeless. There are laws against vacrancy and the homeless hanging out at airports should be arrested. As to assaulting me while I’m minding my own business, thst will result in a quick beat down. It’s time the dog sagged the tail, not the tail wagging the dog. Enough is enough.
Would you feel the same if the homeless man hit your daughter or mom, or if he was not homeless and from suburban Atlanta? I feel that you really undermined the discussion regarding the homeless problem in this country by using an unprovoked assault by a known criminal (who happened to be homeless) as an example – the vast majority of homeless people do not attack others.
“But these homeless people are humans too”
As are we. As are we.
Having encountered beggars all over the world as well, I find that, aside from the dangerous crazies, the normal variety that hit airports and train stations have a predatory mindset in their approach: If they see me as friendly, relaxed, and unfamiliar with the city, they’ll pounce on me usually with a pickup line such as “Excuse me? Can I ask you a question?” as if they’re a familiar lost traveler or strive to pull my heartstrings in some other way.
The locals, I observe, have become hardened over the years because that helps to discourage them being bothered. Such beggars make public places, including libraries, that would normally be for community socialization into unpleasant experiences to be rushed through as quickly as possible. To get around this, I approach New Yorkers with the line: “I’m a stupid tourist who would like directions. I don’t need money.” That usually gets a quick smile on their face.
I found the best responses for beggars have been to outright say: “I can answer questions, but I won’t give you money” (this also works for door-to-door solicitors taking “surveys”). That kind of kills their whole rhythm and some even get annoyed with me but quickly move on. I exposed them for what they are and didn’t allow myself to be shamed into trying to look away from them and rush off like others do or get pestered by their spiel.
One thing I haven’t tried is to ask THEM for money. Perhaps over the years I developed psychic vibrations that causes them to leave me alone but the next one is going to get it.
Now… this begs the question: Is Matt ever going to do an article on how to minimize time wasted on timeshare presentations? 🙂
I shouldn’t have to apologize, but I’m human too and I’ve worked hard for the things I have without being a burden to society, and nobody including myself deserves to be punched in the face in the airport just because there are homeless people. Violence has nothing to do with homelessness and to associate the two does a great disservice to those struggling, even working while being homeless – it is a prejudice the author needs to overcome. In this era of record-breaking employment, a hand-up may be in order, but not a hand-out.
I was cursed out 3 times yesterday by vagrants while walking around Canal St. in NO after I stated I don’t have cash. Each person who asked me for money genuinely felt like they were entitled to any cash I had in my possession. Sadly I’ve found that being kind, making eye contact, or trying to understand their plight doesn’t change the entitlement mindset. I do care about people but rather than giving out the cash to vagrants on the street I choose to donate to charities dedicated to helping people get over the scourge of drug abuse and mental illness. We must not forget that we live in a country of laws and order and not an anarchy. We simply can’t have folks going around punching people in the face with no consequences.
Hopefully the man sues delta and the airport for the failure to keep a safe environment around the check in area. Especially with the fact that this homeless man is known to police in the airport already. If you are not picking up someone or flying that day. People should not be in the airport !
That doesn’t work in all airports. For example in airports with shopping facilities landside like ZRH or AMS and where the train station functions as a hub you will have thousands of people every day passing through or purposefully coming there for reasons other than flying.
I have been to AMS and there is police presence everywhere. When they see an unsheltered person they will escort them off premises.
This is certainly a chilling incident. Certain airports seem to struggle with homeless populations (Paris/Charles de Gaulle, comes to mind). But we get into a conundrum in which we are calling upon airports to manage broader societal problems.
Airports just do not have the resources to prevent and treat poverty, substance dependence, thought disorders, and domestic violence–the ingredients of homelessness. The snag is that many airports, including Atlanta, are a part of a community’s government and civic structure.
I hope that this assault was a “one off,” but it falls into the responsibility of the Atlanta Airport Authority. Delta is really just a tenant.
I keep thinking of what Delta could do. A lobby coordinator for Delta could see a homeless person, call the police, and then what happens? I wish I had a happier answer.
On the bright side, Atlanta/Hartsfield-Jackson Airport employs 63,000 people. It is Georgia’s largest employer. If there is any institution in Atlanta capable of providing more jobs, especially entry-level jobs, it is the airport. Of course one has to be capable of working, have access to childcare and healthcare, but maybe there is a chance for growth and development.
In my (admittedly limited) experience, the vast majority of beggars in the United States are people who simply don’t wish to work and prefer to rely on the generosity of strangers for their untaxed income.
Accordingly, I never give money to them under any circumstances.
Great article!
I noticed that last week at JFK terminal 4 . Drunk homeless walking around the departure floor… Sad this is happening in our major airports..
Curious that even within your admittedly limited experience, how you found that out about them during the interactions with them.
Or is it a “theory”?
I can’t recall ever actually interacting with a beggar other than to politely say “Sorry” when they asked me for money. the exception being when a bum pounded on my window while I was stopped at a light, screaming “I need money!”. My knowledge consists almost exclusively of reading articles about them. Perhaps I’m guilty of confirmation bias, though I do try to read a wide range of views on most subjects.
And the author failed to mention that travelers in a crowded airport are easy pickings for the pickpockets and other thieves.
One more instance where I believe there is a lack of understanding of mental illness and homelessness. Assuming that they are variations of normal people is a dangerous generalization. While indeed, some are individuals who might be going through a rough period in their lives, chronic mentally ill and career vagrants do not mix well with the general population at large, and it is reasonable to create protections that work both ways.
In the USA, most of the homelessness is caused by mental illness or substance abuse. I say most – there are exceptions, such as the Bay Area where even working people are among the homeless. That said, the incident at ATL is actually not an uncommon occurrence in areas where homelessness is rampant; many mentally ill people are wandering the streets without the care and treatment that they need.
And think about this: the US (and individual states) has a robust social safety net that we all pay for. Welfare payments, food stamps (it’s now in the form of a card that’s loaded monthly), etc. are available to the poorest among us. Because of this, you can be pretty sure that when you see a panhandler, they’re looking for drug money and not for their only meal of the day.
And this last point also brings me to a quibble that I have with your article: homelessness and vagrancy in the US is NOT the same as in most of the world. When you see someone begging in a place like Guatemala or Ghana or India, they probably are starving. They may be disabled and thus undesirable for manual labor. These places lack societal safety nets. So yes, I am much more likely to give a handout to someone in that sort of situation than to a scruffy looking American panhandler who needs money for their next fix. Yet I see people falling for that every day – naive people who aren’t helping that person at all.
To draw
Right on. All the bleeding heart virtue signaling just serves to amplify and perpetuate the scourge.
“the US (and individual states) has a robust social safety net that we all pay for.
You’re aware that we’re talking about the United States and not Norway, right? There is no “robust social safety net” in the United States, especially in the Southeast states, which have social indicators worse than developing countries — and one could even argue are not “developed” like, say, Oregon or Connecticut.
Hello James.
Indeed, this begs the question as to whether a society should get its “social safety net” up and operational for its own citizens before importing more poverty stricken people for “medicare for all”. By the same token, developed nations that are bringing in more migrants are seeing their own social safety nets strained.
But that being the case, in the short term until these larger issues are resolved, what to do about being able to use a library, airport, or train station without feeling miserable?
Welfare, medicaid, food stamps; that’s called a safety net. A safety net meaning that you’ve got enough not to starve. Norway and Denmark pay you not to work. So why work? That’s different.
My example of Latin America is that, in those places, if you have no job you have NO money. No benefits, nothing. Do that long enough to exhaust your savings and you end up homeless. And that’s a lot different than it is here. So save the straw man argument for the uninformed among us.
Solution is very very simple. Put security guard. Anyone without a ticket for a flight is forbidden to enter the airport. No mercy. None at all.
Is that against human decency? Maybe… Only after those beggars or homeless or bums or whatever started stealing something than you realize I am right. Like vaccinations, you may want to prevent trouble as early as possible…..
The vast majority of vagrants I have encountered (mostly in the L.A. area) have mental health and/or substance abuse problems. In the past year or two, there also seems to be a growing number of seemingly healthy young people who just want to live on the beach. My preferred solution would be to build and fund more mental hospitals and substance abuse treatment centers, and rescind laws that prevent people from being forced into them. I would outlaw vagrancy and enforce it, in airports and elsewhere. An enormous amount of money and resources is provided to help those who are simply down on their luck. We’re a wealthy enough society that we can provide help with housing and job training for those who truly need it. And we can mandate help with mental illness for those who cannot help themselves.
I’ve been in homeless shelters that are more pleasant than the ATL airport 🙂
Enforce no panhandling on airport property.
This.
For the most part, you have it all wrong. You are right that we’re all people, but that also means that we want to live free from being accosted or made to feel unsafe. By and large, the homeless had their chance. Now they seek to prey on people that made the good decisions and sacrifices they did not. As you note, they are easy to demonize. They should be. And we have long standing advice on how to handle demons: cast them out. Not just out of the airport, but out of our cities. In fact, I’d even argue out of the country. Personally, I’m not adverse to executing them, or anyone that is willing to victimize another. They’ve made their choices. There’s no reason they should be able to ruin the stew for the rest of us. Bottom line: Hitler had it right, gas them.
The problem is that Atlanta has a social contract less adequate than many developing countries — indeed, more women and children die from maternal and infant mortality in Georgia than in many countries in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. I regularly see those suffering from homelessness camped out in the “rotunda” beyond ATL’s check-in counters — it’s heartbreaking. From ATL to downtown Atlanta, there are homeless encampments under many bridges and around MARTA stations. The solution is for Georgia — a state as wealthy as Austria and Finland — to spend more money on decent social policies for its residents, including social housing, universal health care, and active employment policies. This is something that Delta could also advocate for, if they really cared about their home state and their passengers.
I cant make a comment about beggars at airports as i have never encountered one but i can comment on this particular airport. I recently traveled abroad with a stop at the Atlanta airport. It was by and large my worst airport experience. Utter unwillingness on thenpartnof ANY and all employees to be of help. Granted, airports aren’t the place of choice to find friendliness. But this one tops them all. I’m even considering avoiding any flights where Atlanta will be my stop.
The liberal approach doesn’t work, and won’t work. The violent thug who did this is not afraid of consequences, and certainly would not expect the victim to fight back. It’s time to acknowledge that more liberalism is insane. And each one of you, including the bum in this story, needs to embrace personal responsibility, whether in self-defense or making a living. Otherwise, society goes down the drain. Google for the story about the woman in California who was assaulted by a bum with a big bucket of feces and diarrhea. Her life has changed, because these predators don’t fear the consequences. Our friend is a grade-school teacher in California. She’s obliged to let kids punch and kick her, and then discuss it with administration; i.e. not to mention it to the parents. Society is deteriorating, and it’s 40 years of increasingly liberal policies to blame. JFK would be considered an extreme right-winger in today’s political climate.
Leo,,,you are right! Sanctuary cities and states, public education systems full of Political Correctness, ,,it’s time for personal response ability to be encouraged,,,,and at airports, allow the police to move people to shelters, etc, out of airports…
There are pushy people in airports whom I’ve wanted to assault and have verbally under my breath. But I’ve never considered being a victim. I wonder what prompted this? Desire to be arrested and get a bunk and food? Why not install donation boxes for the public? The money could possibly fund some meals. Management of funds would have to be worked out. Just a thought.
Well folks, it looks like we can all relax since commenter James claims to have found a simple solution to this heretofore complex issue. Apparently the best and only solution to the issue of bums at the airport is full-blown socialism. Brilliant, James. Truly brilliant.
Why not start at the city level before trying to solve the airport issue. Beggars are now epidemic in many very liberal cities in this country. Yes, liberal. I am not from either party because I come from a culture where you vote on the person no matter what party he or she belongs so I don’t have a political view here other than people with very liberal minds now think that having homeless and beggars all over the city is great. I spent my last 3 years going to Seattle and San Francisco for work. What a shame!!!! Two of the most beautiful cities in this country turned into trash. I witnessed people defecating and urinating on the streets at daylight. People injecting illegal drugs on themselves on daylight. You probably read the news this week where a homeless dumped a full bucket of diarrhea on a woman in downtown LA. On the other hand, I heard from people from Seattle that the local authorities were giving incentives for homeless from all over the place to go there. Tents and people sleeping on sidewalks everywhere. Now you look at the airport. This guy probably got tired of living in downtown and moved to the airport. And he assaulted a passenger. Now, is Delta the one to blame? Is the airport? Or are the authorities that run the city of Atlanta that allow that epidemic situation get out of control?
I live in Atlanta, this incident made the news here quickly. I personally feel like news coverage is omitting a major contributing factor. The homeless man was more or less living at the airport, so he would have been very well informed about the weather, and the impending record breaking cold weather that was predicted. He also knows the Atlanta jail system well enough to know that he will be fed and warm while he is there.
It is my personal belief the man was hungry, and the passenger was his meal ticket.
As you stated, he is homeless and has quite an arrest record. So this means nothing to him. He has nothing led to lose. He punches a guy, and he gets fed, gets a shower, and a warm bed for a week or two.
It’s a selfish, but logical motive for an otherwise unexplainable event.
It is sad to think, this individual the homeless man may have done this just to go to jail. In jail he will get a bed, food, and a place to sleep.
I loved the article. I also fly and travel by train and motor coach. The problem you speak on also surrounds these other 2 travel sources(train stations and motor coach stations such as Greyhound). I work at greyhound & the homelessness situation is out of control around our travel agencies. And it doesn’t seem to be getting better. Wive seen the police clear the area around the motor coach stations(I work there) and soon as the police leave with in an hour or two most homeless and beggars return. The drug use outside of these establishments are ridiculous. And the non-discrete drug sales & use are also out of control. How to really address the issue I really don’t know. I wish I had an answer. I do know part of the issue is the lack of mental health assistance in America. Also the need for job training & overall help to those who really need it. We need politicians who understand this problem and need for help. And devote funds to get a handle on this issue.
Interesting, I have never noticed homeless at airports except at ORD. and they always have iPhones. Cant speak for ATL though, the rare times I am there its a connection and they have indoor smoking lounges
Best beggar ever was in Naples, Italy. Guy placed his hat on the sidewalk and had a sign asking for help. His dog next to the hat making sure nobody would take his money. And the beggar was not paying much attention as he was texting on his iPhone. :)))) I love Italy!!!!!
After reading the article and the comments, I feel that the one positive thing I learned about all this is that those who commented (except James) are the true intellectuals of our day, and not the writers and journalists of our day who sit and talk more than walk through life. And this comes from an English major-
Thank you for this article. Jesus said the needy will always be with us. I guess the human condition never changes. My heart breaks for the vagrant population. I pray we could form some type of hostel community with care takers. Then again who would donate…not the taxpayer. A true conundrum.
The untied states ?
LMAO that’s a funny typo
Dave T and James i agree ., many of the homeless do not want the help we think they need…they want to do what they want and when…hard to deal with… and the new Atl Mayor has thrown out ICE from the Police stations so that will be FUN for all who try to live the,…!!!
The term “homeless” has evolved over the years, to somehow give credibility to bums, who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. They made a decision to take drugs, and get intoxicated. Am I supposed to feel sorry for them? Absolutely not! In other societies, such as in China, this garbage is not tolerated. They will haul their behinds off the streets, and send them to a labor camp.
It appears that the only areas of our airports which are ostensibly safe are the areas, past the TSA check lines, where people have already been screened. However, everything else, such as the baggage areas, is fair game. For example, there was a horrible incident about two years ago, where a psycho retrieved his gun, from his checked in luggage after a flight, and opened fire in the baggage area, at an airport in Florida, killing people. Airport cops are scarce at most airports, and they only appear to react to a crime, rather than prevent one.
The security of airports is up to the local authorities, and there does not appear to be any federal regulations, or standards, pertaining to safety at airports, in areas, other than TSA checkpoints.
I agree with several commentators, that if this bum physically struck someone, then someone should have retaliated, and beat the hell out of that piece of garbage. Unfortunately, the cops are not permitted to do that; hence, it is up to the civilians to teach these miscreants a lesson, that they won’t forget. The next time, instead of that bum punching someone, he could have a knife or a firearm.
But there’s the thing: In an airport, the passengers are virtually guaranteed *not* to have knives or firearms. We’re not allowed to travel with them. The homeless guy that isn’t going through security anyway could very well have a knife or a firearm, though. Attacking them back probably isn’t the best idea except to the point necessary to defend yourself or others.