If I feel they truely need it and I can spare a little, OK. I have seldom ever did this, If it is someone I see daily, I don't. They are capable of helping themselves if they want to.

Problem is , if they get free help, they continue to do so instead of working.

Here, there used to be a wave of couples who would hang out in the parking lot of a local Shop 'n Save during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The woman would wait in the car, huddled in blankets, and the man would get out and accost shoppers, asking for money "to buy gas to get to New Orleans for Christmas." It was always New Orleans, no other city. But it wasn't always the same couple, I counted at least a half a dozen different couples using the same schtick. Finally I told one of them, "If you need gas, pull over to that gas station across the street, and I'll fill you up." When they declined that offer, I said, "You know, if you're gonna sit here and bother these folks for their money, you should at least try to come up with a different story than the six who were here before you." Someone finally reported them to the police, and they stopped coming around.

Why the hell would I give MY money to beggars? I worked for my money - why don't they try the same?

I think it's absurd that anyone gives money to these people, and I have a hard time understanding why begging for money is legal but prostitution is illegal. At least in the latter someone is performing a service.

Slightly off topic, but has anyone noticed how many more beggars there are in warmer climates than in KC? I just moved to Nashville, and they are all over the place down here, even in the really nice areas (I live across the street from Vanderbilt). I have a friend who recently moved to San Fran and he said they are all over down there too.