Never inclined to shun controversy, New York City Mayor Ed Koch last week offered solace and a solution to millions of pedestrians who cannot pass by a panhandler without feeling guilty. Koch's advice: donate to a charity instead. Most street beggars, in the mayor's view, are "mentally disturbed or it's a scam." Many "just don't want to work for a living" and spend the take from passersby on "booze and drugs." Koch said he will lead an advertising campaign to encourage gifts to volunteer agencies and to tell panhandlers where they can find help. Leaders of charities applauded the idea. But...
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