It's the gift meant to stop you from giving.

Just in time for the Christmas season, the Downtown Seattle Association is putting the holiday spirit in context by passing out a brochure telling shoppers to politely say "no" to the poor and unfortunate.

The association's tips on how to deal with panhandlers includes walking with well-heeled confidence and politely declining when asked for any amount spare change.

I would have hoped to find a special section on how to spear the filthy beggars with the tip of one's umbrella, but instead there's a list of human service agencies to which the outcasts can be directed.

Look, I'm not naive.

I get it that money given to panhandlers will sometimes - maybe most times - go to buy alcohol or drugs.

I also know that sometimes that money is used to buy clean socks, a cup of coffee or a sandwich.

Unlike downtown merchants though, I haven't got the infallible ability to look at someone and tell what they're going to do with the money I give them.

In truth, I don't like the message behind this brochure.

I don't like the idea that some so-called downtown "ambassador" will thrust one at me if I give a dollar to someone down on their luck.

And I sure as hell don't like the notion that the Downtown Seattle Association is trying to control spontaneous acts of personal generosity.

Way to "grinch" it.

Have something to say to Ken? E-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.

And be sure to join Ken, along with John Carlson, on "The Commentators", which airs every weekday from 9-Noon on AM 570 KVI.

It's a lively exchange of information, insight and perspective with two guys who don't agree on much, but still manage to enjoy each other as they tackle issues of the day. Even better, callers are invited in on the verbal action.