Something occurred last night which gave me an idea for a poll. We were coming home from the Magic Castle and were stopped at a red light at Franklin and Highland in Hollywood. A very disheveled man with a cardboard sign walked up to the car, said he hadn't eaten in a few days, and asked for $20. What would you do in that situation?

 

Ignore him. I get an LA Times out of the rack every morning in front of the Ralphs on Lake Avenue in Pasadena, not a particularly nice place after dark, at 4:45 AM before going to the gym -- to read when I am doing cardio. I get hit on about every other day. I just try to be firm but polite: "Sorry, I just spent my last change in that newspaper rack." Occasionally, they get pushy and I say something like "I said no."

 

C'mon, people. We have one "other" here with no posting about what else you'd do. 'Fess up!

 

When they say they need money for food, I've told them to meet me at whatever fast food resteraunt happens to be close and I'll pay for some food for them. Been turned down every time.

I quit giving money to beggers after the time I handed my son $10 to give to one and my wife and I watched the begger walk around the corner and get into a brand new pickup and drive off.

 

Maybe he stole it, or maybe needed some gas money cause he can't afford the truck payments To funny. I don't bother giving them money either, unless it's a fund raiser or something. I had one guy keep asking after I said no, I told him to piss off, or I would call the cops.


Dale

 

Louisville, KY is a major mecca for "homeless" people much of the year, partially because of climate and partially because they don't get hasseled by the cops much at all.

The majority of these guys have major emotional/mental problems, typically combined with drug/alcohol abuse. Sometimes they really have not eaten within a reasonable period of time, but if so, that is their own fault. I say that because, here anyway, there are numerous places where they can get temporary bed and board or at least food. In addition, many of them are quite successful and creative in their panhandling tactics. Most do NOT spend the money they get on food.

I'm not going to be a facilitator of self-destructive behavior (at least 99% of the time I stick to that). Normally I just say "No thanks" and keep walking, which usually mystifies them. I will sometimes reward one who comes up a really new and good line, just 'cuz I crack up at the creativity.

 

There was a story in a news type program not long ago about a woman who was a beggar. At the end of her "shift", she'd go around the corner and get into a very nice car (maybe a Caddy) and her hubby would drive her home to some modest, but nice suburb. She, of course avoided an interview and tried to duck out of sight of the cameras. Her "salary" was quite astonishing. I will never give money to any beggar. I'll direct them to one of many shelters or social services that exist in almost every city.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RodneyK
[B]When they say they need money for food, I've told them to meet me at whatever fast food resteraunt happens to be close and I'll pay for some food for them.

 

I was in front of jack in the box when a homeless lady asked for a $1.07 for a jumbo jack. So I went inside and bought her one. I was watching her after she left and saw her throw it away!

 

I ignore them. For the most part, they have squandered their lives, and are simply living the consequences of their choices. I have no obligation to them, and since they are complete strangers that I have no respect for, it couldn't care less about what happens to them. I'm not going to kick them when they're down, I'm just not going to give them a hand up.

My actions stem from my belief that I do not believe in the goodness of man. Because of that, I'm willing to presume that the person got to their state because of their actions.

Additionally, for me to give up money I have worked to earn only devalues my work, since it is not a cause I deem worthy.