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If this type of aggressive "soft robbery" was going on in a Texas city, at what point would a driver first be legally allowed to display a weapon and ultimately when would shooting be justified?

What about use of pepper spray?

I am not sure deadly force would be warranted in a case like this unless there was a physical threat. Same for pepper spray.

I've been noticing a fair amount of guys doing this in Southwest Houston but none that I've encountered have been aggressive at all.

A quick wave and a polite no thanks seem to make them move on. I had one guy who ignored me and cleaned my windshield anyways but didn't ask me for money.

I'd think there'd have to be a threat of force with a weapon before I'd consider taking any action. My preference would be to speed off if at all possible.

It's funny, I remember a lot of folks doing the squeegee thing in Houston, but I haven't seen a single person doing it in Dallas since I've moved here in 2000.

If they persisted, I shot them windshield sprayer and wipers. That was very effective.

So-called squeegee men are beggars trying to disguise themselves as workers basing the synthetic guilt we're supposed to feel once they finish "the job" we didn't request. The bogus guilt is then supposed to produce money from me to them.

Fat chance!

Now, if they did a little song and dance or maybe a magic trick, hmmmm, maybe I'd fork over a couple bucks for the entertainment, but I sure won't give in to low quality extortion.

A lot of people today don't even carry change of small bills today as there's little need to.

Abraham wrote:So-called squeegee men are beggars trying to disguise themselves as workers basing the synthetic guilt we're supposed to feel once they finish "the job" we didn't request. The bogus guilt is then supposed to produce money from me to them.

Fat chance!

Now, if they did a little song and dance or maybe a magic trick, hmmmm, maybe I'd fork over a couple bucks for the entertainment, but I sure won't give in to low quality extortion.

I'd put them in a spectrum ranging from beggars (the majority) to robbers (a few). Most will accept that you don't want their service or accept the fact you won't pay for that which is unsolicited, but a small number may turn hostile, which is where degree of threat and appropriate response comes into play.

SQLGeek wrote:I've been noticing a fair amount of guys doing this in Southwest Houston but none that I've encountered have been aggressive at all.

A quick wave and a polite no thanks seem to make them move on. I had one guy who ignored me and cleaned my windshield anyways but didn't ask me for money.

I'd think there'd have to be a threat of force with a weapon before I'd consider taking any action. My preference would be to speed off if at all possible.

I see one most mornings at Harwin and Dairy Ashford. He waved back politely when I nodded "No" and mostly walks by me now.

I remember them being a lot more prevalent and perhaps a bit more aggressive in the early 1990's.

The awnser is a simple one, your trucks not tall enugh.

Abraham wrote:So-called squeegee men are beggars trying to disguise themselves as workers basing the synthetic guilt we're supposed to feel once they finish "the job" we didn't request. The bogus guilt is then supposed to produce money from me to them.

Fat chance!

Now, if they did a little song and dance or maybe a magic trick, hmmmm, maybe I'd fork over a couple bucks for the entertainment, but I sure won't give in to low quality extortion.

If a motorist pays out of fear of retribution rather than guilt, then the line has been crossed as far as perceived physical threat.

And like I said earlier, many people today don't carry change and small bills, and they are put into an uncomfortable situation if "pounced"

It would seem that people in NYC are adept at "street talk" and bluster, but aren't as willing to stand up to petty criminals (in part because their city and state are not self-defense friendly) as us Texans.

I had the squeegee man go up to my car. I just drove off before they got there. My biggest fear is them scratching my car, not having to pay.

DeBlasio is certainly turning the city around, all right. Back to the '70s we go...

They are doing it in Texas, Austin, Houston, Galveston. I have been approved in all these cities so far no one has gotten agressive with a no. But they are more agressive with women than men.

Here's a thought...

Couldn't you call the police on them? I mean, they are spraying an unknown substance on your property. For all you know, it could be acid that will eat away at your paint...

dicion wrote:Here's a thought...

Couldn't you call the police on them? I mean, they are spraying an unknown substance on your property. For all you know, it could be acid that will eat away at your paint...

I blame compliant people who don't firmly tell them "No" for the problem just as much as the panhandlers. Otherwise, the panhandling activity wouldn't be worthwhile and the problem would go away.