The economy is so bad...

[alnorth]

... that even drunk beggars are giving only a half-hearted effort.

I was topping off my gas tank and walking into the store to pay when I was approached by an obviously drunk guy who wanted money. OK, this'll be good, what's the sob story? He wanted a few dollars to help pay for his dog's operation.

heh... ok, think about that one. That story is so stupid, he wouldnt have done much better than if he just flat-out said "I'm broke and really need a drink, can you help me get a beer?" I passed.

A "dogs operation" isnt a few dollars, more like hundreds if your lucky, or thousands if your not. Raising money for that would involve hitting up family, or maybe donation cans at half the stores in the neighborhood. That story was so unbelievable, it was like he wasnt really trying anymore. Fewer people might be giving money out, so what the hell.