Editor: As a resident of Chatham-Kent of 53 years, and a semi-professional musician of 35 plus years, it occurs to me that there is a marked difference between buskers and beggars on our streets here in town.
A busker will never ask for or demand payment for his/her craft, but be there perhaps with a cup simply implying that a tip may be given if patrons wish to do so at their own free will.
Perhaps through no fault of their own, some in the street are forced to beg. The economic situation that many face due to inflation and the whims of many three-letter NGO’s profiteering from vagrant migration, has left these unfortunates with no other choice.
Buskers on the whole are folks with some means, a home, and are usually not in the grips of vice or social stigmas. We just like to share our love of music on the streets.
Please stop and converse with us, and please always try to smile, even though we’re both having a rough day, we can all still pretend until they bring down the Big Top on us all.
Daryl Denault
Chatham
