The last two times I've been 'cornered and worked on' on a public sidewalk, I had fire and brimstone called upon my head.

I start out mildly, telling them that I understand that they feel compelled to ask the "question" but that I personally believe that it's not only rude but counterproductive.

From there it gets worse. I quote scripture right back at them and they (each time it was a 40ish man) tell me that I have a "proud heart" and I end up telling them to get the hell out of there. The last time I didn't get mad but the time before I did, taking a step toward him- he really thought I was going to hit him with my shoulder bag. I'm not so sure that I wasn't, had he not skedaddled.

I no longer have time for politeness with those guys. At the very least I give them something to report. (I'm not talking about Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons, by the way. I have not been accosted by them for a long time but with them I'm more polite, just saying something like "Thank you, but I'm not interested." Basically just what I tell telemarketers.