Homeless People
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Topic: Homeless People
Posted By: The Pessimist
Subject: Homeless People
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:01
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I do. Firstly because I think anyone who is living in a house and gets an income can afford to do so, so there is no excuse. Secondly because the homeless person is probably starving and may well die if not helped out by the good hearts of strangers. Thirdly because I know where it is going. That's right, I trust a homeless person more than Children in Need. Of course, the contraversy behind giving money to the homeless is that: a) It'll just go to the off-license b) They might not actually be homeless and they are scamming people out of money (heard this one a few times) As for the first one, I'm not really bothered where the money is going. If the guy choses he needs cigarettes more than food, then let him buy cigarettes. His life clearly isn't what he hoped for (otherwise he wouldn't be begging), and if I'm helping to make the experience easier for him with nicotine, then so be it. As a smoker and a drinker, I can appreciate that the off-license helps a great deal in the short term, which is an important point: to many homeless people, short term isn't even an option to consider. For the second one, I'm not fussed. Ignorance is bliss, and if this is true, then I won't know about it. And even if 90% of the homeless I give money to ARE in fact scamming me, then I can still rest in the sollace that my money has helped what... 5 or 6 people eat for a night. The others can enjoy their 2 pounds! ------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Replies:
Posted By: Proletariat
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:05
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I almost always give anyway but I am more inclined to give to those who have funny sighns or are doing somthing entertaining or who I talk to and find to be interesting. I think this factor should play in as well. ------------- who hiccuped endlessly trying to giggle but wound up with a sob |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:15
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Oddly enough I've had experience with an on again off again homeless person. He died recently but I never gave him much in money. Just helped in out in other ways and treated him like a basic friend. Now if you're talking about the basic beggar stranger on the street, whether encountered walking or diving, rarely because I've never really been in the best of financial systems myself. I do keep in mind that there but for the grace of god go I. RIP Troy. He was a little bit crazy but he had a good spirit. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
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Posted By: The Pessimist
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:23
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To be honest Brian, some would argue that compassion is worth more than cash. If everyone gave homeless people either, then chances are they would cease to be homeless.
------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Posted By: Evolutionary Sleeper
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:35
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I do give monies/food to homeless people, but not all the time. I hardly
carry cash/change, but I try to give when I can. I live in downtown
Berkeley so there is definitely no shortage of bums. So I definitely can't afford to give to them all of the time. ------------- 
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Posted By: The Sleepwalker
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:36
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I always do. Even if they might buy alcohol or drugs from it, I'd rather have them do that than have them feel even worse. And obviously they will be much happier with that one little euro than I am. ------------- 
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:39
I'd like a minute for rebuttal. 
This is almost never the case (from my experience). I live in and grew up in this area- it may be different elsewhere- but here, I have at least a dozen stories where I know someone used the money I gave them for something other than what they said they needed it for. Poor people lie too. A lot, actually.
This is where I stop disagreeing with you. At 23, I said I would no longer give money to anyone who asked for it (or, more seriously, stop driving anyone anywhere- I've tons of stories on that as well). I just had too many bad experiences. However, I opened the Good Book!  In a passage that I've never heard any pastor preach on or even admit exists, you will read: 6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter 7Let him drink and forget his poverty And remember his trouble no more. (Proverbs 31) I therefore have no problem giving some money (if I have it) to a bum who wants a 40oz or a pack of smokes (actually, I sympathize).
A scammer is a scammer, and if I have any reason to believe I'm giving my hard earned money to someone who is better off than me, I won't give it. And there are usually tell-tale signs. Of course, I almost never carry cash anyway.  ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
The Pessimist wrote:Posted By: WalterDigsTunes
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:40
I once paid one of them to just leave me alone. Ugh. |
Posted By: Evolutionary Sleeper
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:43
I did that once, some crack fiend that kept talking to me in some gibberish, I gave him a dollar so he'd go the hell away. -------------
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Posted By: WalterDigsTunes
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:47
A good way to get rid of Berkeley homeless people is to use a thick foreign accent and actually start bartering with them. |
Posted By: Vompatti
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:47
| Yes, but only to alcoholics and insane old men. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:47
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Troy never begged for cash and was a hard worker actually, doing mostly odd jobs. Would repay the small loans. Never asked for any big ones or big favors. I wish I had heard about his death in time to pay respects at his funeral assuming there was one. Dying alone is a hard way to go. I felt the need to post this in memory. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Evolutionary Sleeper
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 16:47
lmao   -------------
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 17:00
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Never...f**k 'em. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: A Person
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 17:05
| I don't know, I've never happened upon any. |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 17:12
Bet you have. Quite a few homeless people are not bearded men with cardboard signs. Many of them are kids or women. I even knew one well-dressed homeless guy. He knew his money situation was sh*t, but it didn't keep him from looking like sh*t. Salvation Army, baby.  ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: A Person
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 17:13
Perhaps, but I haven't even seen anyone jogging or on a bike around here since last summer. |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 17:15
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Matt are you a serial killer q.m.
------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: A Person
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 17:21
I don't think so, but I live in quite a rural area. |
Posted By: The Pessimist
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 17:50
Then you are most likely a cannibal and related to your nextdoor neighbour too ------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Posted By: TheGazzardian
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 18:04
| I've given money to people who ask for it before ... homeless people, people who claim they need food, those looking for passage on the bus. It all depends on what I have on hand, i rarely ever have cash or change these days, usually pay with plastic. |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 18:21
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I put no, because I never give money directly to any homeless person on the streets. Instead I donate to agencies that help the homeless, like the Gleaner's Food Bank. Many homeless folks on the street have addictions, and handing them money will only go to pay for more of what got them there in the first place. Better to put my money where it will actually help, like in food, clothing and placement. ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Lark the Starless
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 19:26
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No, I don't really feel comfortable giving money because if they see me again, they'll keep on asking...
The experiences I've had include people begging and begging and I just ignore them. ------------- 
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Posted By: Luna
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 19:47
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One time I was walking with my friend in the city and a hobo asked us for money. We had some that we were going to use for ice cream, which was why we were walking, but my friend decided to give him ten dollars, then the hobo hugged him and said "God bless you" multiple times.
------------- https://aprilmaymarch.bandcamp.com/track/the-badger" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: LinusW
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 19:51
| Yes, it happens, but I prefer to donate money to help organizations for homeless. |
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 19:53
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I don't really encounter them, at least not ones asking for cash. And I rarely have cash, and if I do, it's a $20. I can't afford to give homeless people $20s.
------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want! |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 22:51
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Usually something. Not always though. Really no rhyme or reason to it. Also I usually carry little money on me |
Posted By: The Truth
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 22:52
------------- http://blindpoetrecords.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow">  
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 22:54
Oi it just don't stop eh? Besides I live in a nice middle class suburb. Now go sleep with some corn! |
Posted By: The Truth
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 22:55
lol that's Nebraska silly.
We grow wheat.  ------------- http://blindpoetrecords.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: February 27 2011 at 23:32
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No. I would rather give to those charities TDE talked about, or give something else to homeless people. Like food. Or cocaine.
In fact, talking about that...in Atlanta last year, a friend of mine, who was sick of being asked every day/night by the roaming homeless for money decided to make peanut better and jelly sandwiches and pass them out to the homeless (with a can of coke) who were around. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: progkidjoel
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 02:09
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Generally I'll give them any spare change I have on me. ------------- 
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 02:30
Wow Guess it does give make sure they eat and dont spend the money on booze |
Posted By: KoS
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 02:58
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Spare change and paper money is for peasants. plastic is god.
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Posted By: Tapfret
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 03:38
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I usually try to buy their shoes from them.
------------- https://www.last.fm/user/Tapfret" rel="nofollow">  https://bandcamp.com/tapfret" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp |
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 07:35
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Sometimes, yes.
In a city like London there is so much empty property, which could be used to house the homeless. It should be illegal for local authorities to allow homelessness on their patch. They should face heavy penalties for failing to meet the basic human right of shelter. It would be sorted within a year, if city councils knew they would be crippled by huge fines and would face criminal prosecution. IMO.. ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 08:03
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Homeless people in America often times not hungry at all. I give them food, drink, and clothing. I don't give them money. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 11:48
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Homeless people are also sometimes sick people with schizophrenia or something like that who have been left alone by their families and who deserve to be called "men"or "women" instead of "bums" just like any other person. Some people here probably think everybody has the same luck in life that they have. You know is probably their fault if they're not listening to Jon f**king Anderson while chatting on a computer isn't it? I agree with giving food and clothing. Sometimes I have given money though that happened more in my country where poverty is really horrible. Here I think charities do a decent job of helping homeless people.
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Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:00
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From personal interactions with the homeless, I hear that they are for the most part clothed, housed, and fed adequately. Also, please ask them what they want before you buy them something to eat or drink. Don't just assume they'll eat anything you throw at them. It's often true, but they appreciate it when you ask.
------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:14
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Nope, panhandling is illegal, and giving money to panhandlers only encourages more panhandling.
People make choices throughout their lives, and if those choices made them homeless and living on the streets, then that is their problem. They could have stayed in school, paid more attention in class, not chosen to start drinking, smoking, drugs, got a real job instead of become a musician, etc......... ------------- 
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:16
Tell them you gave all your money to some guy who said he was with The Salvation Navy. 
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:21
True. But many, a BIG percentage of homeless people are there because of mental disorders. I just prefer not to generalize and say that ALL homeless people are "bums" because they made wrong choices... And, besides, let's remember that sometimes mental disorders lead to addiction problems and not always the other way around... It would seem we're all perfect here... -------------
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Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:23
Sorry to the rest, I just feel all people deserved to be called people and not treated as a separate type of being... -------------
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Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:24
Yes they could have been perfect and not made mistakes. But since they did, be damned with giving them a second chance or having them live out their final days with something resembling humanity. Or maybe they were born into poverty with no options for growth, or maybe they were born with a chemical imbalance which reduces their heads to mush, or maybe they came back so damaged from a war we shipped them off to fight that they can't reintegrate. I'm glad you've worked all of this out and laid down your judgment. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:24
I agree. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:31
| I agree, to condemn someone you do not know actually robs you of compassion, so who is the real loser |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:32
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Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:35
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Yes, taxes go to the homeless people...... No question about it. -------------
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Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:36
Summary: It's not my fault or my problem so I don't worry about it. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:36
| The government have compassion for you, if there was ever a more uncompassionate agency I want to see it, your reasons for not giving money to the homeless are all rationalizations |
Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:36
Yup they get that big fat welfare check in the mail. In the mailbox at their house, which they totally have. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:37
That could be my mantra. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:38
| Because it is easy to attach a mailbox to cardboard |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:39
Amazing how the people who would need welfare the most are those who won't get it because they can't put any address and information in the government's database... -------------
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:39
Yep....that meths sure screws up the brain. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:40
But also, a screwed brain seeks substances for relief... -------------
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Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:40
At least you're honest about it. -------------
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Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:40
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Yes because all homeless people use drugs. Better yet, drugs cause someone to be homeless, not the other way around. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:41
Oh Tim I will never figure your political beliefs out...  ... I agree here. -------------
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:41
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Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:43
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Instead of listening for the 1298791 time to Tales from Topographic Oceans, some people should just read about or talk to actual schizophrenics or psychotic people and realize that, when your mind is confused and running at a much faster rate than normal, narcotic substances sometimes seem to bring relief. Yet this is never considered. -------------
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:43
If you went with the majority all time you would never be a prog fan. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:43
| I told you my beliefs and you scoffed, my belief is to rise above it wherever possible |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:47
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I could tie this to our famous thread: Collectivists leave everything to the collective, even charity. Yet it is the individualists who try to solve problem themselves who are deemed selfish, and they are the ones thinking about their neighbor. -------------
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Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:51
| true |
Posted By: NecronCommander
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:53
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No, I don't give money to homeless people, but I still do give them something. This is something I picked up from my parents. Since there is no good way of telling if these people are really just down on their luck and could use a good samaritan, or if they're going to turn right around and spend the money on drugs, I found a way to ensure they can only spend the money on food. I usually carry around a $5 McDonald's meal card or something similar so that if I ever get confronted by a homeless person, I can give them that and guarantee they can get a hot meal and that they won't take advantage of my charity.
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Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:55
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Even people who make idiotic choices might deserve a second chance... -------------
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Posted By: TODDLER
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:56
| I have a soft heart? I don't know what the deal is. I suppose I have a big heart. I collected a huge inheritance from my uncle and became crazed, bored, and frustrated. One day I parked the car in town and waited for the local homeless to arrive. I handed out probably 2 to 3 hundred dollars per person. I believe there were 6 homeless people there that day. I split over a thousand between them. I don't know if it truly did them any good. I was probably just showboating giving money away and waiting for their expression of shock or happiness! I had a lot of money then and I was pretty lonely. My friend thought I needed mental help. I was being out of bounds somehow? I remember having close friends and watching through the years what money did to them. I was angry on the inside about that issue and maybe I performed a self indulgent act giving money to the homeless. I guess I could have helped them in some way? My joy was to see them smile! |
Posted By: NecronCommander
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:57
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I'm of the opinion that everyone deserves a second chance and that no one should be denied one. -------------
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Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 12:58
Great philosophy there. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:00
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I'd rather help out a guy who wrecked his life with drugs than help a guy who has his sh*t together but could give a damn about the welfare of others.
------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:01
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Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:09
| How does it make you feel to be compassionate, how does it make you feel to be w/o compassion? |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:17
So...what you're saying is that TFTO is like talking to schizophrenics or psychotic people? ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:18
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I know I would much rather do the latter.
------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:19
No. Psychotic people sometimes say interesting things... -------------
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:20
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:26
Rainbows soft light alternate view sunlight tell me someone alternate view alternate view, surely, surely ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:27
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You need Thorazine... -------------
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:34
Haven't heard of that album. ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:35
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Sounds like an extreme metal band. -------------
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Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:37
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It actually should sound more like post-rock... -------------
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Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 13:48
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When I know for sure that it is for alcohol or drugs I give generously. I like honesty. One guy I give 5 bucks to every now and then stands on the corner with a half full bottle shouting out " It's not for food! It's for alcohol ! !
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Posted By: The Pessimist
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 14:04
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A person's past is irrelevant. Part of the problem with the human race is people saying, like rushfan above, "well if everyone else doesn't do it, then why should I?". It's the reason hardly anyone stands up for anything anymore. Let me tell a little scenario: Every time i get a student cheeseburger from MacDonalds in Stratford upon Avon in England, I give it to the homeless guy that hangs around on the way back to college. All my friends look at me like I'm from another planet or something. I ask "what's so weird about that?" and you know what? They all struggle to find an answer. Why? Because they are afraid to go against the grain, and criticise anyone who does. I give to the homeless not because I'm trying to be weird. Not because I feel it gives me character. I do it because I am human, and I have a lot of heart for people less fortunate than me, and if I can make even one guy's day better for him, then I'll be happy. I couldn't give a toss how much meth or herion he takes, he's still human. ------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 14:18
| I don't encounter any homeless people in my daily life, but I give often to a local food bank that distributes food to those in need. |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 15:34
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Posted By: Negoba
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:02
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I should probably give more than I do, but I'm in the camp of giving to food pantries, shelter, etc rather than money directly to someone who begs. Choosing to panhandle is not an accurate measure of the degree of need, and giving out spare change may not be the most effective way to help. Frankly, it's an (empathetic and caring) emotional reaction to a very narrow moment in time and having to look directly at another person. There's nothing wrong with it, but if you're serious about the matter, think about going beyond spare change.
Or at least that's the excuse I tell myself. ------------- You are quite a fine person, and I am very fond of you. But you are only quite a little fellow, in a wide world, after all. |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:06
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I'd say that is somewhat reasonable but in the end like ThePessimist said: even if that single action which will not change, as you say, anything, at least improves the other person's day, you're doing a good rather than a bad to someone. -------------
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Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:16
Why not do both? That's the path I choose and recommend. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: Negoba
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:23
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It would actually be quite dangerous to get money out at all outside my place of work, where I'm asked most often. Most of those asking I doubt are homeless. The oly place I commonly see the truly homeless and poor folks are standing at stoplights during rush hour. This is extremely dangerous and I'm not going to encourage that either. St. Louis is a very different place than the college town where I first encountered this, and back then I gave more even though I made substantially less. (I didn't give time or money to charity much then though). It might be different downtown where you could remain anonymous and have enough others around you to remain safe. ------------- You are quite a fine person, and I am very fond of you. But you are only quite a little fellow, in a wide world, after all. |
Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:29
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Safe from what? I'm confused. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:36
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I assume safe from potentially dangerous people who might be trying to pass as homeless or for potentially dangerous homeless -------------
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:40
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St. Louis and Detroit have the top two murder rates in the country, so yes, it is a bit dangerous to deal with people who are wandering the streets in these cities. Desperation breeds danger. -------------
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Posted By: Negoba
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:49
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Safe from getting mugged. Assuming you have more money and taking it. Stabbed, shot, beaten, etc. usually goes with it.
I work in a very inner city clinic (East Saint Louis) right next to a grocery / convenience store with alot of foot traffic. Most of the people that ask me for money look like every other person walking in and out of the store. Most are either teenagers or young adults. The exact same demographic are a large proportion of my patients at that site.
Obviously, I've chosen to make my profession giving health care in that area. But you have to have some safety awareness. ------------- You are quite a fine person, and I am very fond of you. But you are only quite a little fellow, in a wide world, after all. |
Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:51
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Taking money out to hand to someone is hardly going to attract muggers unless you're carrying large sums of money. I grew up in the inner city, so maybe it doesn't bother me as much? I don't know. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: Negoba
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 16:54
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Maybe your inner city is different than mine, and maybe you were lucky.
Folks don't know how much you are or aren't carrying until they roll you. How much you're carrying has nothing to do with it.
There are many many different reasons for being homeless. But the typical homeless person that beg in a busy downtown is extremely different from the people walking around where I work. ------------- You are quite a fine person, and I am very fond of you. But you are only quite a little fellow, in a wide world, after all. |
Posted By: The Pessimist
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 18:12
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You have a valid point Jay... obviously it depends on where you live, the risk of giving. I mean I don't know what you guys know of England, but Birmingham (where I live) isn't exactly the mushroom kingdom. Even so though, I give money when I feel it's safe. Once you know the area better, you soon learn which places you are most likely to get mugged and the places where you're not very likely to get mugged. The point I'm making though is I imagine no-one walks around on their guard constantly surely? From my experiences there are safe and dangerous parts of every town or city. ------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 20:29
Not to paraphrase but you're more or less taking the "poor people are poor because they choose to be" route? Although worded not quite that harshly. ....I was hoping that mindset died with the 19th century  |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 20:41
OK I can agree with the first part that giving panhandlers money may encourage them. If you assume every person begging for money is doing it because of bad choices, like say getting laid off when their jobs are shipped to a low wage country, not being born into a wealthy family, having mental health issues but no insurance to get treatment, etc., well unless you were just trying to be funny there's really nothing to say. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 21:03
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Yeah, I could see that as well. And I never cared about giving money, figured why the hell not? If they spend it on booze then whatever, but I like some of what I heard in here...giving actual food, or something, instead. And the whole poor people are so because they chose it, well I'm not addressing that even.... |