What is with all the bums lately?

[Jimmy&Timmy]

I have lived in Baltimore and Albuquerque recently, and per capita there are seem to be more homeless people here than either of those places, at least from my narrow perspective. There are definately organized begging rackets; I lived in Denver and it was obvious people worked together. However, none of these people looked like they lived in nice houses or had fancy cars. The homeless are vast and contain multitudes; some are clearly mentally disabled; some are addicts; some are simply unfortunate; many are all of these. Very few, I think, are "scammers," though many may be some form of addict. In CO springs I would think here there would be a lot of transitioning vets who may fall between the cracks. I am actually not terribly bothered by it, though I rarely give money. It would be nice if these people did not have to live on the streets (though, yes, some doubtlessly would anyway) but given the times economically, I am hesitant to blame them. Plus they are people, and there but for the grace of god...

[McGowdog]

Originally Posted by wag more bark less

It's sad and chilling to hear someone think & talk so dispassionately about the homeless...

After reading this post, I think we know who the real jerk off is.

I think you ought to watch your mouth.

Now, as far as bums go, I've got an opinion about them. It takes a certain type to go and be a true homeless panhandler. To just be homeless and in a rough spot and being in need of a break, that's one thing. I'd bet most of those folks eventually get back on their feet and bounce back.

Perhaps there are some panhandlers out there that are just scamming folks for an easy buck and are doing financially better than you want to imagine. But what about the true bum? The dude who doesn't want to go the Salvation Army route because they A) want to drink booze and/or do drugs and B) don't want to submit to others' rules. They are willful and they have merely lowered their standards... and they are happy and content, free, and they are bums.

Please don't mistake the bum with the alcoholic. The bum drinks when they get the opportunity I'm sure... they are not the typical alcoholic. The typical alcoholic gets into a rough spot for sure... but they don't usually lose all nor stay down for long. For them, in their worst moments, they bounce back up with determination and strong will and get back on their feet doing the same things they did to succeed as they have for most of their life.

My personal take on life? Our troubles are of our own making. Once I fix the short between the headsets, I can get along and contribute again. So can you.

Now... to those folks who got involved with the Salvation Army and places like that and turned their life around and decided to give back... now that's a nice story.

Anybody remember old Daddy Bruce? Well that's a story about his son. Another interesting character. He may not have ever been down and out... but as he says, he's as far away from a new car now as he was when he worked the cotton fields of Arkansas.

If a guy needs a drink, I think he ought to get a drink. If he didn't need a drink, I think he might get some food instead. I'm not gonna judge a guy on the spot he stands on. It's where he goes from that spot is what's important. If you're in a rough spot try this; change your mind and try something else.

[MtnLion512]

Originally Posted by McGowdog

I think you ought to watch your mouth.

Gee, okay dad

[otowi]

I always feel both nervous and guilty when I see these folks standing on the corners with their signs. I do worry about them approaching my car, although they pretty much never do. And I feel bad for them and want to help but often can't, and at the same time I don't trust them, given how many services for help are available in our community I'd feel more comfortable giving to one of them that way, having a little confidence in where that money is going.