Re: OT: Inflation in the US

A sign that says "will work for food" doesn't mean that they are
serious. Most panhandlers know exactly what works to maximize revenue.
In front of our building, the panhandlers work in organized 2-hour
shifts. The signs are always crudely lettered on brown cardboard,
because that's what works best. The panhandlers are almost universally
youngish white males; in a town that's 30% Chinese, I've never seen a
Chinese beggar.

You certainly demonstrate that is one way of "looking at it." However,
I live in Stockton, California. We are inundated with Indians from
Mexico representing themselves as Spanish. They gather, every morning,
in various locations in the poorer districts, liquor store parking
lots,
vacant lots, quick stop lots, etc. You can hire them for ~$5.00 an
hour
cash. If the "homeless" must compete with them for "start positions",
"take-a-job-just-to-survive-situations", etc.--they probably opt for a
sign in front of your building ... can't really say what I'd do
myself--keep an eye out for me. :-D

<Snipped>

The large number of unemployed panhandlers is a symptom of widespread
prosperity. Think about it.

<snipped>

And, handing a homeless couple a ten dollar bill makes me feel
good--even if their next stop is a liquor store. Again, I can't say
what I'd do in their position--however, I prefer Jim Beam! <LOL>


In the city nearby me - there are often "Panhandlers" there - young and old
alike. Some even play a Sax for money.
I've had occasions - lots of them, to be approached. I do "not" give to the
majority of them. I've heard it said in the "news" - that many of them would
rather Panhandle than to apply for any social benefits. To each his own - I
guess.

If I was to be a bum, I sure in hell wouldn't stay here - where it can get
bitterly cold in the winter. But - in a way - you have to hand it to them,
most likely - have no financial obligations, no home/utilities, family to
keep, vehicle to insure.

There is in many cases - a distinct difference between a "Bum" and a
"Panhandler". I've heard stories of some "Panhandlers" living quite well -
some rather clean cut - shaven - not too bad of clothes on - certainly not
looking deprived of food. As pointed out - sitting there with
cups/pans/boxes - signs asking for money. I even seen a young lady (20s)
with a litter of kittens asking for money to feed her and them. BUMS on the
other hand - I've seen rummaging through garbage most of the time - looking
for half eaten sandwiches, etc - and "NOT" asking for a dime from anyone.
Everything they owned - either in a back pack - if not outright wearing it.
I'm not quite sure how/why many got to that point - I have a hard time
believing "Economical" issues are 100% at fault. Yes - to a degree - the
economy <may have> played a hand - but still - there had/have to be other
reasons.

A guy "appearing" as a "bum" - came to me in the local city's Federal
Building "years" before Security was an issue - walked up - face to face -
stepping on my feet so as to stop my movement. He asked me for a $1. I
looked down at his feet on mine and then back to him - and told him - if you
needed money you could have asked and I "might" have obliged. But, being you
want to be an *** about it - go screw yourself. Now - back off - before
I knock you on your ass. He walked away - "I" went to the "Security" desk as
it was - and reported it.

On another day - I was on a "business" trip one day - we (3 of us) stopped
at a McDs for Breakfast. There was an elderly homeless man there (looking
pretty ragged) - who had asked me "kindly" for some money to buy some coffee
with. I told him to hang loose a minute. I went to order my breakfast -
asked the lady if she knew him and if he was truly homeless - she said yes.
I paid her for my breakfast and gave her money to buy one for him too. I
went back - told him to go see the lady at the counter.

I don't mind helping anyone I "can" - I've spent the better part of about 30
years doing just that in a form or another. But, I won't tolerate any crap
such as the "bum" pulled. That was not asking for help - it was shy of
robbery. As for giving a person or couple $10 or so - well - they won't be
buying booze with it. I'll buy them a meal first. If I want to pay for
"booze" - "I" will be the one drinking it.

None of us ever know when "we" might need help - regardless how well off we
might be - today. When it comes to "our" people in this country - I'll do
what I can. The rest? Well - ........... I guess I'd do a case by case
basis.



.