[massagemamma]

You would be suprised how much these guys are making. Back home in NJ there was an old lady who had the worst stench you could imagine to her would come in the store I worked in all of the time. We were always nice to her, we felt bad. One sad day she was hit by a car and killed. A week later we found out she had family who were very well off thanks to her skills, she chose not to live with them but on the streets instead and sending them the cash she was making. Sad that she died in the streets in dirty clothes but I probably could have bought a brand new car with the cash I gave her cause I felt bad. Now if I truly believe someone is hungry I buy them a meal but I doubt I will do even that when I move to LV. I'd rather spend my time volunteering somewhere where I know that I am doing good rather than guessing that my cash isn't going for drugs or booze.

[jrice]

If they catch me coming out of a store I tell them the following:
Dont bother, I'm a heartless bastard.

If they approach the truck I roll up my windows and turn my music up loud.

The ones that really p1ss me off are the ones that use their children to help beg--really irritates me to no end that not only are they lazy but they are teaching their children its ok to live like this. One guy used to do it outside of Albertsons, I'd see him everyday and finally I saw a metro cop at the Shell next door and went over and complained to him about it--he went looking for the guy but never found him

Dont get me wrong, I am really not heartless, I'll give to real, worthwhile charities like St Judes, Childrens Miracle Network, etc but most of these people are lazy and are looking for a hand out

[ClarkGrisowld]

Wow, I've never come across someone begging with their child.

I mumble that I'm not interested and nervously look away, but I believe you should keep an eye on them and make a point of getting a good look at them (you never know).

A guy got me filling up my car once (I hate that). He wouldn't give up. I gave him a few bucks for the effort. The story could have used some work, but after about 5 minutes I felt he earned it.

Might be fun to try the old "change" trick:
- Ask if he can break a 5. He says, "what do you want back?"
- Ask for $4 back. He proceeds to give me 4 one's. Say "wait a minute, I do have a dollar". Give him a dollar and ask for the 5 back, keeping the other $3.

[Huckleberry3911948]

giving rides is very very dangerous. 25c won't do much harm but don't take out your wallet in front of somebody you don't know.

pdclipart.com
free clipart

[jrice]

I did see one guy on the side of the road with the sign
"Why lie? Need money for beer"

Almost gave him some just for the honesty

[massagemamma]

Originally Posted by jrice

I did see one guy on the side of the road with the sign
"Why lie? Need money for beer"

Almost gave him some just for the honesty

now that guy just might get a quarter outta me...

[What!]

Originally Posted by ClarkGrisowld

Wow, I've never come across someone begging with their child.

I mumble that I'm not interested and nervously look away, but I believe you should keep an eye on them and make a point of getting a good look at them (you never know).

A guy got me filling up my car once (I hate that). He wouldn't give up. I gave him a few bucks for the effort. The story could have used some work, but after about 5 minutes I felt he earned it.

Might be fun to try the old "change" trick:
- Ask if he can break a 5. He says, "what do you want back?"
- Ask for $4 back. He proceeds to give me 4 one's. Say "wait a minute, I do have a dollar". Give him a dollar and ask for the 5 back, keeping the other $3.

I once saw a guy with his dog begging. A bunch of saps took pity on him and his dog.

[Piyi]

I got approached by a few of those people in that shopping center with the theater on the corner of Sahara and Fort Apache. I just ignore them completely like they're not even there; didn't even look at them. It's too bad that some people actually feel bad about not giving them money. I understand that everyone's got to have their 9-5, but deception and playing on people's feelings is pretty low. I am quite glad when they choose to approach me--one less victim for them.

[Piyi]

Originally Posted by jrice
I did see one guy on the side of the road with the sign
"Why lie? Need money for beer"

Almost gave him some just for the honesty


now that guy just might get a quarter outta me...


You know--you have to give the guy credit for honesty. He might get a few coins thrown his way from me as well. It's the deception that bothers me. We all need beer money from time to time.

[MS1]

Originally Posted by Daddys///M3

That's a little harsh. Obviously you don't have to feel any sympathy or empathy for them, but I don't think that hating them accomplishes anything, and in fact probably is a negative influence in your life. I don't see how a female bum is any better than a male bum. I was actually homeless for 3 years myself. Extenuating circumstances caused me to become homeless, and through hard work and just plain willpower I was able to turn it around. I never panhandled, and actually worked some very low paying jobs while I was living that life (because of my pride). I was not a drug addict and I was not an alcoholic. I am now a husband and a father, as well as a homeowner and a succesful business professional. Not saying that your entirely incorrect in your generalizations, and I may be the exception, but it is best not to judge. Sometimes crap happens that is beyond our control, and sometimes people just make mistakes.

Excellent post! People like Lisa are very stereotypical and ignorant in my opinion, and I hope her kids grow up with some sense of justified compassion for humanity. As karma says, what goes around comes around...