What's up with panhandlers?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

I go to the McDonalds in Woodland Hills and on the way out I stop to put something in the garbage and there are two teenagers sitting at a booth. They say something to the effect of "Hey, boss, can I get some money so my brother and I can eat?" They had the Abercrombie and Fitch look and were sporting smartphones. I presume they were skipping school. Any way I give them my $1.40 in change. Then one of them says "How about a dollar for my brother?" . I said "C'mon..." They said "Thank you, boss."

SMH

[flamingdem]

1. future banksters nt

[The Midway Rebel]

2. Maybe they were hungry, had no money and wanted a burger.

Sounds far fetched but, maybe.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. I gave them a $1.40 which left me with a whopping $5.00./nt

[oldhippie]

11. Why didn't you give them the $5.00 ? .....

So they could get fries with the Big Mac?

You hate the poor!

[mshasta]

116. lol

evil....very evil

[BlueJazz]

117. I agree. What a selfish, despicable excuse for a human being.

[bunnies]

14. My thoughts too.

Looks like we're in the minority so far.

[The Midway Rebel]

18. Apparently some will never pass up the opportunity to disparage the poor and mentally ill.

There must be something in human nature that makes bashing the less fortunate feel good about ourselves.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

20. Who bashed the poor and mentally ill ?

I gave money to two teenagers who were better dressed than me and had a smartphone.

[The Midway Rebel]

26. And then ran home to bitch about it on DU. Read the thread you started bashing panhandlers.

Plenty of bashing going on here.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

29. My tone was more of bemusement

There's a difference with being down and out and on the make and these two young men seemed to fall in the latter category.

I did give them $1.40 which left me with five bucks.

[The Midway Rebel]

41. Well, in my case, the transmission of your tone failed.

Thanks for helping those children.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

46. No problem

I'm still bemused.

BTW, I'm woefully underemployed so it was not even my money I gave away as my girlfriend is responsible for 95% of our income.

Hey, I used to literally stop my car when I had one to help panhandlers but these kids didn't look like your average panhandlers. They looked like suburban kids skipping school. I thought it was funny.

[demwing]

79. completely inappropriate response /nt

[The Midway Rebel]

122. If that is true you should have no problem getting my post blocked.

Good luck.

[HappyMe]

23. The "poor"?

Excuse me, I see plenty of people that actually need money and/or food just about every day. Not a one of them had a fucking iPhone.

There was nothing to indicate that those kids were mentally ill either.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

25. That was the point.

It was around 10:40 A.M. on a school day.

[HappyMe]

28. Yes, I know.

Kids ditching school and scamming people out of money.

[ScreamingMeemie]

33. People do have the option to say,"No."

[HappyMe]

34. I sure as hell would have.

It pisses me off that these kids were doing this. There are people that are in genuine need.

[LanternWaste]

52. And may of us pretend to know who they are and who they are not.

"There are people that are in genuine need...."

And may of us pretend to know who they are and who they are not. However, so as not to imply any disparagement on your judgement, I'm quite certain your powers of prophecy are valid and aboslute indeed...

[HappyMe]

56. Oh please.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023815595#post55

[DemocratSinceBirth]

35. Sometimes it's more prudent to just say yes./nt

[The Midway Rebel]

27. Surely!

Panhandling at McDonalds is the hallmark of wealth and mental health.

[HappyMe]

32. lol!

It is a good place for kids ditching school to hang out, and text their friends that are stuck in school.

[kestrel91316]

49. Indeed. And in Woodland Hillls, we almost don't HAVE what most people consider poor folks.

We have working class (not many) and white collar middle class and upper middle class and wealthy and EXTREMELY wealthy here.

If these kids were skipping school, dressed like A&F (probably WAS A&F), and had a smartphone, chances are they are among the upper middle class or wealthy. They tend to skip school with no consequences.

And they tend to drive VERY expensive new imports, usually black. Paid for by Daddy, who is either in "the industry" or a wealthy immigrant from east of the Mediterranean.

[HappyMe]

55. There you go.

I give some money to the local food bank, and give them some non-perishables when I can. I don't have a whole lot to give, and the food bank is the only charity I know of that actually goes directly to those who need it most. At one time I needed food. They helped me out. Now that I don't need it, I have to give back.

There are also quite a few here whose vehicle is a shopping cart. If I have a little to spare, I give it to them.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

61. We live in an apartment complex in Woodland Hills because my gf works there and we don't have a car.

I used to miss having a car but the proximity to the Orange Line makes it more palatable.

Also, I think the affluent side is south of Ventura , not north of it.

I like it because it reminds me of suburban south and central Florida where I grew up. I guess you have seen one burb you have seen em all...

[bunnies]

36. It just brings me back to that damn tattoo thread...

And how easy it is for some to judge based on looks. Know what? I have a smartphone. I can look like I have money. Ive got brand new big-name duds I picked up months ago at Goodwill. But I also drive a 22 year old car I got for $500.00 and have less than a hundred bucks in the bank.

Never know it by looking at me though. Who knows what situation those kids were in.

I'll never forget it. Back in 2001 I had a great job at a venture capital co. in Boston. I smoked butts back then and used to go outside to smoke on the side of the building when I stayed late at night. There was a homeless guy, almost always there, and I'd give him around $20 a week (to the dismay of nearly everyone who knew about it). They tried to convince me that most of those guys really had lots of $, drove Beemers and that I was just being a sucker. Whatever. I kept giving him the $ anyway. It was worth $20 bucks for me to take the chance that I might be actually helping someone.

Then one night after not seeing him for a while, I was out there smoking my smoke. It was winter and I was freezing. I hadnt realized how cold it had gotten. Suddenly this man comes out of a doorway across the street, runs over to me and insists I take this jacket he's handing me. It was a beat up brown Members Only leather jacket with a big rip in the liner. And the man was the same man I'd been giving the money to. I put it on. He made me promise to keep it and wouldnt accept any money from me for the gesture. He said he'd been looking for a way to thank me. I had to fight back the tears.

It was one of the kindest things another person has ever done for me. And you know what? I still have that jacket. And I still help someone when they ask, if I can.

[Jefferson23]

123. beautiful.

[JNelson6563]

137. Well damn skippy!

You're awesome!

Julie

[HappyMe]

3. Eesh!

I wouldn't have given them any money.

[cui bono]

4. What's up with eating at McDonald's?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

7. Their salads aren't bad.

I don't think the Flemings or Ruth's Chris across the street is open for lunch.

[fitman]

8. Love their Southwest Grilled chicken salad

n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

10. I got the Bacon Ranch

It's actually one of the "new" McDonalds with flat screen tvs and a nice decor.

I was in one in Vegas that had black marble in the restroom.

[fitman]

6. I like the ones who bring a little puppy with them

and sit at a highway intersection..

My wife who is a veterinarian felt sorry for one guy and bought him some food and when she tried to give it to him he would not take it but asked if she could give him money instead..

He worked 3-4 local exits for a couple of weeks before moving on.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

9. The puppy is a common ruse in L A

I help out in the off chance or chance they must truly be in need . I just think it's ironic when they ask for more because they think they found a mark.

[kestrel91316]

50. Our local derelicts here got a puppy for a while earlier this year. I notice they have ditched it.

[Capt. Obvious]

63. They probably ate it - which would be foolish

They would have gotten more meat if they let it grow a little.

[reddread]

70. derelicts?

vagrants? transients?
nasty terminology there.
loaded and inaccurate terms in widespread use.
Havent heard derelicts for a long time.
gross.

[kestrel91316]

88. Bums who hang out in the vacant lot next door all day drinking and drugging.

They ARE gross. That poor puppy.

[reddread]

90. Now "Bums"! Picture perfect.

YOU are gross.
The MOST reactionary and Pro-Ronald Reagan Republican woman I will ever know lived to be 101.
Knew me since I was six months old.
Drove me downtown past the old railroad station with plenty of low and no income men gathered around, much like they do these days in magnitude larger numbers.
Being something like 12 or 13 I said-
"Look at those bums!"

She dressed me down one side and up the other because she was old enough to know that people fled into California from poverty and hunger and made something of themselves via boxcar.
If she were still alive today, I like to think she would know just what to tell you.
Me, I think I know a hopelessly bad attitude when I hear one.
good luck with that.

[Throd]

95. Some people that appear to be freeloading bums, are in fact, freeloading bums.

I'm all for a society that will help those who can't help themselves.

Unfortunately, there are some who won't help themselves.

[reddread]

101. baby with the bathwater, eh?

yeah, I guess what goes around comes around.
X-ray vision that peers into their souls?
Omnipotent awareness of everything some sad sack has experienced in their life on this cruel part of the planet?
Pretty neat gifts..

[Throd]

103. No, you get to know them and their stories.

Most of the ones I would encounter had obvious mental illnesses.

Some, had tales of woe, where circumstances led them to a dire situation not of their choosing.

And yes, some just preferred drinking to working. I was surprised by their honesty.

[reddread]

110. so do I

but Im not homeless.
You know how many politicians and fake preachers turn their backs on ALL homeless, and any reasonable solutions, because they say
some of them "just dont want help" and they need to address their substance abuse problems?
Despite the better results coming from housing first approaches?
Despite the cost savings coming from housing first approaches?
Not to mention the weasels that mask their crooked non-measures as
"housing first" when its just federal funds first and foremost, there are some dirty schemes being
played out. Anything for money. Except solving the problem that brings it in.

[Throd]

113. I think we agree for the most part.

Every segment of society has a certain amount of undeserving hucksters. This includes the homeless.

[panader0]

51. Two homeless guys were outside my local Fry's supermarket

They each had a dog. I wondered as I shopped about their dogs. I bought a bag of Fry's brand dog food and gave it them.

[Capt. Obvious]

58. The gas can is a popular one

[xchrom]

12. you said 'c'mon' they said 'thank you, boss' -- and for that you wanna know what's up? nt

[hfojvt]

84. not sure what it means when teenagers say it

but in prison, the convicts call everyone in authority "boss" because if you flip it around it is SSOB. Which stands for Stupid SOB.

So I think they were really saying "thanks, you Stupid SOB". It seems polite and respectful, but that's not the way they mean it.

[xchrom]

86. of course, that's what you think. nt

[icymist]

13. What's up with them calling someone boss and then asking for money?

Sounds a bit snarky to me. I would've bought them both a hamburger and watch them eat it.

[The Midway Rebel]

16. Yeah, that'll teach the little beggars to be beggars.

Force them to eat McDonalds!

EAT IT! EAT IT! EAT IT!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

19. What's up with them calling someone boss and then asking for (more) money?

FIXED

[Jefferson23]

15. A family of 5 was situated outside a shopping

area..a relatively small one with a Staples, Trader Joes
pizza place, just about a week ago. The father was standing
on the meridian near the exit yet directly across from the stores
asking for money....he was in close proximity to the cars passing
him. His family directly behind him, three children, the oldest
looked no older than 8 or 9. His wife carried a sign, WE NEED
TO FEED OUR CHILDREN.

I gave him money, it was clear to me he needed the money.
It was as you can imagine, painful to think he knew he would
likely not receive much money without having his family
on display. He was doing what he needed to do for his kids,
it was heart breaking.

What you're describing on the other hand, sounds kind of iffy..
but who knows...they may have been desperate, too.

[seveneyes]

17. Smartphone bills can be burdensome

You likely helped them defer the cost.

[NightWatcher]

21. Need Money For Unlimited Data Plan

Will Tweet For Money

I saw a guy with a "Need $$$ For Beer" sign, I gave him a few bucks.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

24. I have an old Samsung dumb phone

I took it to Metro PCs and said I need a new one because it doesn't hold a charge. Instead of telling me to buy a new battery he tried to sell me a new one. I got online and bought a new battery and had it delivered for less than five dollars. Works fine.

[former9thward]

22. I'm sure their parents are picking up that bill.

[ScreamingMeemie]

30. What's up with posting about it? Give them money or not.

And move on.

I either help someone out, or I don't. I don't judge them if I choose to give them money. It's $1.40. Perhaps it would have been better for all if you had just carried on and kept it in your pocket/wallet.

"They had the Abercrombie and Fitch look and were sporting smartphones.." is almost a welfare queen story.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

39. Since you're doubting my veracity I will share with you another story.

I was walking down Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood and this well dressed and attractive woman asked me for $20.00 because "her car had broke down." It's rare that I even have that much money on me.

[ScreamingMeemie]

42. I don't doubt it, I just wonder "why?" Why the need?

As a side note my "Abercrombie and Fitch" type son wears hand-me-downs from a friend (when he has namebrand tags on) and his smartphone was purchased for 29.50 on ebay (he busted his basic ATT phone, and then lost the replacement--kids!) and doesn't have network access when he's outside of the house.

For me, if I don't "trust" the source, I keep my money in my pocket. I look at it as helping makes me feel good about myself at the end of the day...and that's all that should really count.

[LanternWaste]

53. I imagine it's not your story being doubted at all. Merely your implied powers of prophecy.

I imagine it's not your story being doubted at all. Merely your implied powers of prophecy.

(insert rationalization here...)

[kestrel91316]

57. Not in Woodland Hills, it isn't. We don't have teen homeless panhandlers here.

All the teens wind up down in Hollywood. If they run away from home, they can't wait to get out of this suburban hell.

[ScreamingMeemie]

62. I am familiar with the area, and one still never knows.

My brother lived in Woodland Hills for 5 years and my other brother lives in West Hollywood.

That's not the point.

[SammyWinstonJack]

75. +1.

[NoOneMan]

31. All wealth is derived from exploitation.

That's their angle. Our society chooses to ostracize it and celebrate thieves armed with fountain pens

[darkangel218]

37. On my way from school today i saw this really skinny old man

Barelly walking on the sidewalk. He picked up a half empty bottle of soda he found on the street and was ready to drink it. I grabbed a $10 bill I had in my wallet and gave it to him just in time, as the stop light turned green.
I hope he was able to buy a lil bit of food with that money today.

Its heartbreaking.

[fitman]

64. The sad reality

is he probably ended up buying booze or drugs with it..many homeless are drug/alcohol dependent or have mental illness though not all..most people who have bad economic luck who are out in the street have enough knowledge to go to food pantries/soup kitchens or private charities for help

Best way to help the homeless like the man in question is by taking him to a soup kitchen or food pantries or actually buy them food or clothing. Money often get's stolen from them by other homeless or people on the street.

Plus many of these groups have counselors and other staff who can help these people get out of their situation..giving him $10 is not going to help him out the next day

My wife and I plant a extra large garden and give 80% of the food away to the local homeless shelter and food pantry..we volunteer at a local soup kitchen 5-6 times per year...try do do what we can.

[darkangel218]

65. We are not allowed to give food directly to the homeless people.

Its been outlawed since 2010. Some people even got arrested for feeding the homeless. ( I live in Orlando)

I agree though, $10 won't go far. Its so sad whats happening. There are not enough shelters and the soup kitchens aren't open every day. I wish I could do more.

[fitman]

67. Never heard of such a thing...

wow... what is their rational behind this?

[darkangel218]

71. I have no idea.. its pretty sick.

I will try to find a link for you

[darkangel218]

73. Here:

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-06-02/news/os-homeless-feedings-arrests-20110601_1_group-feedings-feedings-in-public-parks-ordinance


Three arrested, accused of illegally feeding homeless
Orlando police say they violated a city ordinance restricting the feedings.

Jessica Cross, Ben Markeson and Jonathan "Keith"…
June 2, 2011|By Susan Jacobson, Orlando Sentinel
August 2011: Mayor Dyer drops charges in homeless-feeding arrests

Members of Orlando Food Not Bombs were arrested Wednesday when police said they violated a city ordinance by feeding the homeless in Lake Eola Park.

Jessica Cross, 24, Benjamin Markeson, 49, and Jonathan "Keith" McHenry, 54, were arrested at 6:10 p.m. on a charge of violating the ordinance restricting group feedings in public parks. McHenry is a co-founder of the international Food Not Bombs movement, which began in the early 1980s.

....

I guess its ok to feed one person, just not a group and not in parks ( where they ususally gather). Its still pretty sick that they try to deny such basic things like food. So I can go feed a stray kitten but I can't offer food to a person because theyre in a park.

[reddread]

105. you think that is still in effect?

I dont. And I dont think FNB would stop just because some jerks arrested them.
Bring us some fresh links on the subject if you would.
Use that anger productively.
At least I have the answer to my last question.
you dont help with Orlando's FNB.

For people who want better info, instead of negative out of date news-
http://www.foodnotbombs.net/fnb_resists.html

[Bonx]

82. RE: "$10 won't go far"

If he's a boozer it will be ok. If he's hittin the crack pipe, not so much.

[darkangel218]

83. What about if HE WAS HUNGRY AND THIRSTY??

jesus fucking Christ!!!!!!

[darkangel218]

97. No there fucking arent!!!!!!!!!!

I used to work security, the homeless were sleeping on cardboard out in the open!!!!

[Bonx]

100. Well, if they are sleeping on cardboard

they couldn't possibly be using panhandling $$ for booze/drugs.
What was I thinking ?

[darkangel218]

102. I wont say what im thinking.

I suspect you have an idea.

Good luck on DU.

[Bonx]

104. RE: "Good luck on DU. "

I believe that almost as much as the last 'Will work for food' sign I saw.
But it's ok. I don't begrudge people the right to beg (see my sig). I'm not naive either.

[840high]

108. Not in my city. I give

cash when I feel the need is there.

[LittleBlue]

99. Well done

It was kind of you to do that.

[darkangel218]

107. I did it out of instinct really.

didn't even think about it. he was my my dad's age that old man will sleep out on the pavement tonite, while many claim how the homeless are scammers!! well, fuck me, I hope they are scammers!!

I would sleep better at night knowing they are ok

[LittleBlue]

111. That's the spirit

All this cynicism regarding the homeless is getting to me. I like your approach better.

As far as I'm concerned, anyone who is in need deserves my help, even if they're working multiple freeway entrances or have a phone. Few would choose begging if they had any other choice.

[quinnox]

38. I don't give money to young people or teens who ask me

I will occasionally give money to older people who I can tell are genuinely having problems. But not these young people, nope, they can go work.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

40. That was kind of the point. It got lost on some.

I'm still bemused.

[ScreamingMeemie]

43. I give money to who I want when I want...without trying to discern

a "need" basis.

I can never tell whether someone is having problems or lying about it because I don't know them personally.

[bunnies]

47. Exactly.

Its worth a few bucks to me to take that chance that I might actually be helping someone. As I said upthread... looks can be deceiving.

[AngryOldDem]

119. I also don't give to those who are verbally aggressive and join with others to work "territories."

Downtown is full of such people. I've seen them coordinate their efforts (often out of cars), and I've been harangued. I've worked with the homeless population and am empathetic to their situation. But this kind of shit I won't abide. Call me a heartless bitch, but there are the truly homeless and then there are the grifters.

[cynatnite]

44. I'll give it if I've got it...

You take the same chance that your money won't go to a good cause whether it's to someone sitting on the street or to an organization.

[ScreamingMeemie]

45. +1

And that appears to be lost on the OP.

[Iggo]

48. They ask for money and you either give it to them or you don't.

Last edited Fri Oct 11, 2013, 03:12 AM - Edit history (1)

That's what's up with panhandlers.

[hedgehog]

54. There are some panhandlers out there who think they are scamming do-gooders -

if I understand correctly, you automatically gave money to some boys who claimed to be in need, then wondered if they were laughing at you once you were out of sight. It happens.

There are people like that all around us, and panhandling is only one of their transgressions. They are the same people who park in handicapped spots illegally.

The way I figure it, if I help someone who is taking advantage of me, the bad kharma sticks to that person. I don't worry about it because sooner or later the universe will adjust things.

[Capt. Obvious]

59. At least they can't buy too much drugs with $1.40

[leeroysphitz]

60. To know what's up with them you've got to be down with them.

[JI7]

66. i see that a lot , one time i asked this girl what she wanted the money for

she had a skateboard with her, backpack, phone etc. she looked like any teenager you would see. she said she wanted to get something to drink. i think she just got thirsty but didn't want to go back home yet. and either forgot or didn't think to bring any money .

i see more examples like the guys who mention. and i think it's pretty much them out hanging around because they don't feel like going to school or home.

but i'm thinking back to a few times i needed money like this so i guess it's not that unusual. it's not that i was homeless or anything. but when you are young most people don't always carry money with them regardless of what type of home they come from . one time was before cell phones were in wide use and i needed some change for make a call to have someone pick me up earlier than planned.

[NCTraveler]

68. What's up with panhandlers?

Apparently their income went up after you walked by.

[reddread]

69. scammers should be ashamed, they do much harm

I have heard the same lines so many times from the worst sort of phony solicitors.
Stopping at a freeway rest stop, no matter how desperately I need to, is one of the
scariest things, and Im not sure what exactly raises the hackles, but in some places
you are guaranteed to run into someone holding a gas can, and "needing some money to
get gas"? Never mind how far they are from the nearest gas pump.
There are a few other lines and approaches in common use, one being "can I wash your windshield?"
Which is certainly a lot less heinous than the gas can routine.
I actually have no problem with hard working solicitors staking out a median and "flying a sign"
they are trying to get money to buy things, not just booze and cigarettes.
They may very likely use the money to get a room for the night, sometimes for more than a few homeless people.
That is fine and dandy.
The lowlifes playing gas can scams, and the reams of teen kids working outdoor malls like Santa Cruz' Pacific Garden Mall,
are completely unacceptable for this reason alone- through their criminal deception and lazy, inconsiderate actions,
people who would otherwise contribute some form of assistance to the "truly" needy are either completely put off by
the aggressive demands of less than truly needy people, or from fear or misguided compassion, they give money to
the wrong person.

Those kids were working you for drug money they couldnt get from their parents.
Next time, look for someone who actually needs something, and think about how you can help.
Kids may not be mature enough to fully understand the ramifications of their actions, but they probably do.
Its despicable.
It is funny how threads about homeless people and their struggle within a system that intends to make money from their
suffering sink like stones, but a little questioning of scamming "beggars" is worthy of great indignance.

[darkangel218]

74. Those kids were working you for drug money they couldnt get from their parents.

Maybe they were, maybe they werent. You can't possibly know they weren't hungry, can you? What if the reason they skipped classes was to actually try to get some food? Not all families care for their children.
You dont walk in their shoes, you shouldnt judge.



Welcome to DU, btw.

[reddread]

87. ive got the most disturbing of pictures

that isnt judging, thats cluing you into the bare facts.
You want to see homeless shoes?, I'll see if I can find the picture I took of a sheet of cardboard in a trash can with two temporary soles cut out of it.
Those kids are not homeless, and they were not about to take your money into Mickey D's to spend it, unless their connection works there.
I am not criticizing you for your selfless generosity. I commend you.
BUT I DESPISE PEOPLE WHO STEAL RESOURCES INTENDED FOR THE NEEDY.
This includes the very wealthy folks running mainstream programs cloaking themselves in faith based sheepksin.
I could go into so much detail here, but for now, let me tell you, some of these profiteers make the claim their
funds do not come from the government, because they are "laundered" through some faith based NGO or another.
Go ask some homeless people how they get treated by some of these outfits.
I hope you hear nice things.
I dont expect you will.

[tammywammy]

76. You can give money or not. I don't see the big deal.

But giving money and then either boasting or complaining falls into the distasteful category for me.

I'd rather not judge people, and if I'm scammed, so what? I could afford to give the money away.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

124. It's not like they are reading this thread/nt

[pinto]

77. McDonald's coupons are an option when asked for meal support -

https://www.google.com/search?q=mcdonald+coupons&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=VMNVUpD2A8GBiwKUwYHIDw&sqi=2&ved=0CEcQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=673&dpr=1

[cali]

78. gulp. I am horribly embarrassed to admit this

but I recall a stoned outing when I was at prep school many moons ago when a group of us panhandled. included in the group was a member of the busch family and, oh never mind. shameful to think about.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

130. Come to think of I did that too when I skipped school./nt

[LiberalFighter]

80. I would never give money to anyone dressed that well.

Especially teenagers.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

81. This is why I have a fence around my property.

So they can't bang on my door begging for work and bothering me.

I live in the country, and people come by and say they'll do yard work, and they're hungry and unemployed and on Medicaid. But they want money for booze and cigs first. And can they show up to work when they say they will? Hell, no. They never show up to work when they say they will. Apparently they are not familiar with the concept of calendars and clocks. I was willing to pay them more than minimum wage for weed pulling.



I know I will get flamed for this but the only people I see around here that will work are Hispanics.

[darkangel218]

85. No one should fucking judge others if they are not familiar with their circumstances!

I live in Orlando. Thousands of homeless people are STARVING on daily basis and are barely carrying on in downtown Orlando!! I used to work in downtown, watched them every morning barely dragging their feet on!! And NO, majority weren't drunks or drug addicts!! just people losing their jobs who had no family or friends to get help from!! Just because some of you have safety or a safety net, it doesn't mean everyone else does!!

STOP FUCKING JUDGING!! Don't want to help, no one is forcing you to. But don't fucking deem someone a drunk or drug addict when theyre asking you for food money!!! its fucking sick!!

BTW, this post was addressed to everyone , not the OP in particular.

[reddread]

89. you are right

but so am I.

[darkangel218]

91. You are still judging, subjectively and thus wrongfully!

When you give $10 to a homeless person, they might or might not absolutely need it. but chances are they ARE needing that money. Now, you are already safe and not hungry. You don't care for that $10. Maybe one less Starbucks latte.

DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE??? No one is telling you to help! But don't fucking tell us that we are getting scammed! I PRAY that im getting scammed actually , and the pain and suffering I see on daily basis is all acting!!!! Only if that was true!

[reddread]

92. no, you mean to say im prejudiced

rather than experienced.
I have been experienced.
I almost never give money, mostly because I almost never have any.
Often because it gets spent providing sleeping bags, tarps, tents, food and supplies,
not to mention more on the gas and time spent doing these things than just about anybody.
so be nice to me.
Im sure you would be if you knew me in reals life.

[darkangel218]

96. Experienced??You say experienced??? and what are you, a psychic?? How do you know someone is not

truly hungry or cold???

This is what you said :
"scammers should be ashamed, they do much harm
I have heard the same lines so many times from the worst sort of phony solicitors.
Stopping at a freeway rest stop, no matter how desperately I need to, is one of the
scariest things, and Im not sure what exactly raises the hackles, but in some places
you are guaranteed to run into someone holding a gas can, and "needing some money to
get gas"? Never mind how far they are from the nearest gas pump.
There are a few other lines and approaches in common use, one being "can I wash your windshield?"
Which is certainly a lot less heinous than the gas can routine.
I actually have no problem with hard working solicitors staking out a median and "flying a sign"
they are trying to get money to buy things, not just booze and cigarettes.
They may very likely use the money to get a room for the night, sometimes for more than a few homeless people.
That is fine and dandy.
The lowlifes playing gas can scams, and the reams of teen kids working outdoor malls like Santa Cruz' Pacific Garden Mall,
are completely unacceptable for this reason alone- through their criminal deception and lazy, inconsiderate actions,
people who would otherwise contribute some form of assistance to the "truly" needy are either completely put off by
the aggressive demands of less than truly needy people, or from fear or misguided compassion, they give money to
the wrong person. "

What a fucking nonsense!!!!

Carry on though... youre going to break the record.

[reddread]

98. sorry if you cant understand my point

before you put me on ignore, go to the first post I made here.
the reason I checked in.
Where were you?
Are you helping out with Orlando's FNB?

[840high]

109. That's how I feel.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

125. Respectfully, they judged me

They asked for more money than I can afford to give.

And it's not like I looked like Rockefeller. I was wearing a pair of basketball shorts, a t shirt, sneakers, and a hoodie.

[Sheldon Cooper]

131. They judged you?

Oh my dear lord

[DemocratSinceBirth]

132. They assumed a person with a net worth Of seventeen dollars and not dressed particularly well

They assumed a person with a net worth of approximately seventeen dollars and not dressed particularly well was capable of contributing more than eight percent of what he has left of a life's earnings.

[Sheldon Cooper]

133. Wow. Next time, you really should just hang on to your money.

Parting with $ 1.40, or 8% of your net worth, has clearly had a major impact on you. Better to hang on to it and be more financially secure, than to give it away and then come here to complain about it. I know which option I would choose, were I in your shoes.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

134. No need to be sarcastic

You were on your high horse or maybe in your instance it was a pony. You judged me with a lot less information than I judged those teenagers. After all I saw and interacted with them in person and they with me.

[Sheldon Cooper]

135. Oh good lord, I've read this entire thread.

You've revealed way more information about yourself than you apparently realize.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

138. "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."

Then you know I clearly established the former.

[Prism]

93. My favorite panhandler of the week by far:

I work in Berkeley, so I'm no stranger to panhandling. Some of them have been working the same corners for years. Usually I'll try to keep a few singles handy if I know I'll be walking through a familiar panhandling corridor.

But yesterday cracked me up.

I left work and walked through a residential area to my car. Another man was walking down the sidewalk towards me. As we approached each other, he held out his hand.

No hello, no asking. Just extended his hand at me as I was passing down the street.

I couldn't figure out if it was ballsy or lazy. It almost made my day because it was so novel.

I know most of the panhandlers in the area by name. Generally they're living on Section 8 and there are a lot of drug problems. Mostly pleasant people who are in an inescapable personal and financial rut. There but for the grace of God, etc.

[ZombieHorde]

106. Judging others is lots of fun.

That is why we all do it so much. I try not to judge others, but I still do it too.

[tabasco]

112. Let me try to work up some good poutrage over this!

Nope, can't do it.

[Blue_In_AK]

114. I've panhandled in my life

because I was broke and hungry. Things aren't always as they seem.

[yuiyoshida]

115. Sometimes the Universe just brings things together..

San Francisco has a pretty high Homeless population, unfortunately many of them are veterans. One day while walking on market street heading towards Embarcadero I looked down and spotted a 20 dollar bill. Well, so I thought, as I picked it up I realized it was actually two twenty dollar bills folded together. Feeling quite lucky with at the moment, I proceeded down market street wondering what I as going to do with my newly found 40 dollars, when I came cross a homeless guy, next to a box that he appeared to have his stuff stuck into. He seemed to have a lot of Army gear including patches I had seen somewhere on a website. This guy was a Vietnam Veteran and so I just felt that he probably could use the 40 dollars more than I, since I already had a steady income, so I gave it to him. He was a little taken back that someone would give him 40 dollars...and I just said, hope things get better for you, and he started Yelling THANK YOU! THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!.

It made my day.

[darkangel218]

118. +1 billion!!!!!

[yuiyoshida]

120. True story too..

I have found money in the past, a dollar here..a five dollar there, but never two 20s. It made both our day...at least I hope so..

[darkangel218]

121. It was meant to happen.

X

[duffyduff]

126. Time to trash this thread.

I can't believe what I am reading.

[donheld]

127. I've rarely been as disappointed in a OP as I am in this one.

From a supposed Democrat since birth who disregards what this economy has done to many many people is unbelievable. Just as unbelievable is some to the other comments. There are not NEAR enough places for the hungry. What has DU become?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

129. What part of the teenagers were dressed better than me and had smartphones didn't you understand?

Occam's Razor- When you eliminate all the explanations the most likely explanation is true.

What's more likely? They were two teenagers skipping school on a Wednesday morning or they were homeless waifs?

I gave them $1.40. I left myself with $5.00 on my person, $1,00 in my savings account, and $15.31 in my checking account.


SMH

[donheld]

140. If you thought they were NOT poor kids why'd you give them a penny?

I know many homeless people. You can't always tell by looking who they are. Just because they aren't dressed in rags doesn't mean they aren't homeless and starving. Just because they were sporting smart-phones doesn't mean they had a data package to go with them. They could have been what the Republicans call Obamaphones. Next time strike up a conversation with kids like this. Try to find out their stories before judging.

[a la izquierda]

128. I read this after I sat and told my student from Malawi...

What a year in Latin America does to a person's outlook on social justice. Hint: it made me see America for the fucked up, shallow place it is, because Latin America is worse.
Maybe the kids scammed you (pre-paid phones are cheap, but savvy you know, and I've bought Calvin Klein skirts for $2 at thrift stores); maybe it's equally true they did not. I'd rather risk someone taking advantage of me once or twice so that those who get help need it, than do nothing at all.


Sounds like you need a change of outlook, democratsincebirth.

[Orsino]

136. The economy.

A large part of their situations is beyond their control. They adapt.

[Nine]

139. I don't run into panhandlers much, but there was an incident several years ago...

I had gone out to lunch with co-workers and as we were walking back to our cars, a couple of college aged guys asked for money to get gas. I don't remember them being dressed shabbily, but hardly relevant as anyone can run out of gas, I guess, and sometimes people forget their wallets. I gave them a couple dollars and after we left, another coworker commented that she wouldn't have given them money and she thought they were trying to get drugs. I think that was a very likely possibility, but figured if they were telling the truth, I'd hate for them to be stuck because I was stingy about two dollars. I think her decision to not give them anything was just as valid as my decision to take a chance, and I will never judge anyone harshly for declining panhandlers. For all I know, that co-worker gives lots of money to charity or volunteers at the soup kitchen, and I actually think organized programs like that are a much better investment of charitable dollars than just handing out money to people on the street.

I don't like phony panhandlers. I also don't like people who defraud either private charities or government safety nets or even private insurance. I posted on the thread about the 60 Minutes piece on disability fraud and agreed with those who said disability seems generally very hard to get and this was just a right-wing hit piece. But I have nothing but contempt for the few cheaters who do make it through the cracks in the system. I don't like the people who take phony service animals into stores. I don't like people who use phony doctor's notes to get things. I don't like people who collect unemployment insurance and aren't even making a real effort to look for work. Basically, I dislike cheaters and phonies of all stripes, and I don't think that makes me or anyone else who feels the same way a bad progressive. It doesn't mean I think all or most people who use services are being dishonest.

I also think the concern that money given to panhandlers will be spent on drugs or alcohol is a very realistic one. People who worry about that are not just being judgmental and selfish. I wouldn't consider a panhandler with an addiction problem to be in the same category as those I mentioned above. These are real problems. But I also don't think it does an addict a kindness to enable them to get more of the stuff that's killing them. Maybe the people who refuse to give money directly to panhandlers are actually doing them a better turn than those who do hand out money. Maybe homeless people with mental issues like schizophrenia are more likely to seek out shelters and other forms of help if they aren't given money directly. I think it's all a bit more complicated than, "You're a bad person if you don't give money to panhandlers. You're a bad progressive if you have doubts about the individuals who panhandle."