by Nosferatu 62 Replies latest jw friends
Another one is when they say "spare change?"My response of choice to this is, "None of my change is spare."
When I get the "do you have any spare change" or something similar, I always answer, "no", even if my pockets are full of change. And I'm not lying either, because to me it's not spare change. I need it and I'll use it one way or the other eventually.
Lovely Lil, Lola 28. Don't misunderstand. This topic is about "panhandlers". We have helped people whose situations we knew of first hand. As a child I remember my mother inviting over a neighbor who was having a hard time to go through our veg. garden and take home a large box of food. (We were always on the verge of poverty ourselves.) I know first hand of charities right here in Portland that provide "no questions asked" assistance. I worked with one charity where I walked in with a prominate local business man and we had a spaghetti, garlic bread and salad lunch. We sat at tables with obvious winos and bums, but at least they were being given a meal, not cash. (Of course, we left a generous donation in the box when we left.) No one asked us anything. Same goes for places that hand out donated clothes, etc. All, I'm saying is that there are probably reputable organized charities in your area that could use your few dollars a lot more effectivly than a street person. I know that you can call charities and ask about specific families who need help. Catholic charities are some of the best. Most of the street people are "professionals" . But, of course, it's your money.
Gregor,
Thanks for your input. I can understand where your coming from and you make some good points. Lil
Gregor,Thanks for your input. I can understand where your coming from and you make some good points.
What she said.
Lola
Do something... do anything and I'll flip you some cash. Dance, Sing, read poetry, Tell Jokes, wash windows (even poorly). If you're gonna stand there and hold your stupid sign you can suck it. If it reads, "god bless." I might even laugh.
My favorite was this dude that had to be 170 kg. He had a boom-box and he was jammin'. High-kicks, moon walk, et cetera. I pulled over and watched a while, soon I gave him $10.
I have to work for every dime that I have. Why doesn't everyone else? I know, I know, if they're truly mentally ill or unstable I understand; but we also have programs for them already. If you simply don't want to work for "the Man" at least do something.
Central Texas is another hot-spot as the weather and University are pretty kind places for bums.
I don't know that I've ever been pissed-off by them though. I'm just glad I ain't them.
I work downtown in a pretty large city.
I get approached a lot. (from homeless etc)
My solution: i bought coupons from a downtown burger joint, within walking distance, and i give them to each one who asks.
I don't know each one's circumstances, but i can afford to buy a burger for someone who says he's hungry...
kimberlee d.
There was a man with no arms sitting in a wheelchair near the entrance to a large shopping mall. He had a small cardboard sign propped in his lap which said "Please help. It's not your money I want" When asked what it was he wanted he said he just needed someone to scratch his ass.
It's a small world.
I was just contemplating a slightly different take on the subject of panhandlers...
I did a brief stint as one of the homeless, sleeping in my car for nearly a month. I've been so broke i would loiter in a Costco, eating from the sampling tables because i had no money for food.
I've been down numerous times and not once did I ever ask anyone for money. As a result I have a low tolerance for those who ask me to subsidize their lifestyle.
I only get pissed off when a panhandler makes a blindside approach, disregarding the fact I am talking on my cell phone. I suppose they think I will just throw them change to get them to move away but instead I throw them serious attitude.
Otherwise I just coldly ignore them.
There are groups in place to help the homeless, I donate to them, especially in the off months.
Most of the time it is scam done by lazy people who do not want to work. The other times, it is people who might really need the help. Yet, how can you tell? So I play safe and give nothing to any of them.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=2003733&page=1
You may change your mind.
On another note, don't be so quick to demonize the poor who self-medicate with drugs and liquor. If you're rich, you can get a prescription for valium, atavan or Xanex.
Lisa
It's all self-medication Class
