a healthy earth for the kids
pickupyourwill
Posts: 3,135
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Post edited by pickupyourwill on
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pickupyourwill
Posts: 3,135
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My biggest concern is my personal safety--while I'm looking in my purse for change, there's plenty of opportunity to reach into my purse and grab my wallet (happened to a friend) or to knock me down and run off with my purse (happened to me). Also, I know that in spite of the story they are telling me, there's a good chance they want the money for drugs or alcohol. It probably wouldn't bother some people how the person will use the money. I just don't feel right contributing to the addiction that may be keeping them homeless.
I tend to be a generous person but I'm not comfortable giving someone money when I'm asked by a stranger on the street.
i answer,"Sorry,im Greek.."
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
sorry Dimi, but that is HILARIOUS.
I also feel very guilty for finding that so funny :?
It all depends on the situation, I'm with Whoprincess - I won't reach into my bag if someone asks for money or a cigarette, I just say, no sorry. I have given people money before, but it's out of my pocket or the change I may have in my car when they walk up to it
However I've got a VERY strict "No" policy at:
ATM Machines
Gas Stations
Walking out of a Convenience Store
and I think I would add in a Parking Lot
There is a very real threat in those situations and if we collectively said no in those situations, perhaps then it would stop.
People are very vunerable in those spots and there are too many stories of theft and fraud that happen.
A pushy panhandler is OUT in my opinion.
-Wilds
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
I laughed so loud that my co-worker, who is easily 60 yards from me, called and said, what are you laughing at?
I have quite a hearty laugh, it's one of my best qualities, I think
I've been burned before too by people I have given money to, believing their sob story, only to be approached by the very same person two hours later on a different city street. This particular gentleman actually shrunk his shoulders and cringed and said "oh, I already got you"
yes you did jackass
hehe......
of course, his hands were cold on your nuts
Unless they have some sort of schtick that is enjoyable (which is rare), I never give money away.
I understand being hard on your luck or whatever, but go get an application for Dunkin Donuts or something.
My standard reply is to hold my hand up and say "No Thank You". The asker is usually so confused they dont/wont have a retort.
i always reply to them ... they're human too
Honestly, I do to... unless it is the scene I described above. If I see people sharing the same disabled vet sign, it tends to piss me off. When they ask for money, I ask them if they've sought assitance from the OVA or anything and when I get that blank look back I know they aren't veterans. I don't care if you ask for money, but don't pretend to be a veteran. Also, I work for a veterans organization, so I am probably biased that way.
Sometimes I wonder what sad or fucked up road got them to this place. Stupid decisions? (bad) Luck of the draw? Things just beyond their control?
There but for the grace of (fate?) go I.
I don't know.
There are many who take full and gleeful advantage of the generosity of others. I try to go by my instinct when it comes to monetary giving.
When approached I tell them just that and suggest they have a good day.
2013 Wrigley
2013 Dallas
2013 Oklahoma City
2013 Seattle
How I choose to feel is how I am.
There's just one word I still believe...and it's LOVE.
"Take care of one another..." -EV
Every once in awhile if I have a granola bar or some other packaged food and they approach me I'll offer it to them (some of them accept it, some get offended). One time I didn't have any cash or change on me, this guy approached me asking for money and I said, "Sorry, I don't have any" and he accused me of being racist. So I'm a little more wary of giving money nowadays...but if I have a dime or some nickels, fine.
on the west coast & when traveling this country i give money & food away like i am santa god damn clause. i don't play games as i am handing out all kinds of good ass shit. homeless & street people were a new thing to me until western washington & cross country trucking.
iowa eats cows, pigs, chickens, corn, & apples & strawberries & melons & it seems to be pretty much ok.
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
I do avoid the people that look like professional beggars however. In Tampa there are some corners with crews of beggars with buckets and fluorescent vests. I don't give those people money. They seem like addicts that just beg for money to get their drugs.
Seriously. The nerve of some people.
9/29/04 Boston, 6/28/08 Mansfield, 8/23/09 Chicago, 5/15/10 Hartford
5/17/10 Boston, 10/15/13 Worcester, 10/16/13 Worcester, 10/25/13 Hartford
8/5/16 Fenway, 8/7/16 Fenway
EV Solo: 6/16/11 Boston, 6/18/11 Hartford,
Yup. The same thing happened to me. It was infuriating.
We have a local who spends everyday standing in the same place on a major street in town with not shirt on swaying back and forth. A brought him a cup of hot coffee one morning and he complained about no cream or sugar. I suppose it's better to offer or ask if help is wanted rather than just give when not asked.
I read about this guy who collects homeless peoples cardboard signs- true, a weird thing to collect. The collector often offers to buy the signs but reports that in some instances people have turned down hundreds of dollars for their sign. I think that's cool. It shows some integrity.
As for the second example... 65% of homeless people have a mental illness. Some wouldn't stay off the streets if they were actually given a home and money.