Do you give money to beggars? - Page 4

**banyon** · 10-09-2007, 09:31 AM

Depends.

The most extreme ends of the spectrum I can think of are the following:

1) When I was in Paris, I was in a McDonald's and an urchin-like 8 year old girl come in and put her hand on one of the hamburgers I had. "Man-gee...Mangee.." she pleaded. No way in hell I wasn't letting her have that burger.

2) There this dude in Downtown Lawrence, I think he's Native American who asks for money "for the bus to Topeka". Problem is he's been asking for that bus fare for 4 years. So one day I challenge him on it. I say, why don't you just walk, it's only 30 miles?" He says "Have you ever walked that far?" I say "yes". Then he storms off and says "must be nice being so wealthy". I'm never giving that guy a penny.

Nightwish · 10-09-2007, 10:06 AM

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.

eazyb81 · 10-09-2007, 10:20 AM

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.

View Poll Results: How often do you give to beggars?
Always	2	3.03%
Sometimes, when I'm feeling generous	20	30.30%
I'll buy something if they're peddling, but won't give money away for nothing	2	3.03%
I might buy them a meal, but I won't give them money	9	13.64%
Too many scammers, so I keep the windows up and my eyes averted	29	43.94%
I only give money to Gaz	4	6.06%
Voters: 66. You may not vote on this poll

10-09-2007, 09:31 AM	#1
banyon Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hermosa, SD Casino cash: $10176551	Depends. The most extreme ends of the spectrum I can think of are the following: 1) When I was in Paris, I was in a McDonald's and an urchin-like 8 year old girl come in and put her hand on one of the hamburgers I had. "Man-gee...Mangee.." she pleaded. No way in hell I wasn't letting her have that burger. 2) There this dude in Downtown Lawrence, I think he's Native American who asks for money "for the bus to Topeka". Problem is he's been asking for that bus fare for 4 years. So one day I challenge him on it. I say, why don't you just walk, it's only 30 miles?" He says "Have you ever walked that far?" I say "yes". Then he storms off and says "must be nice being so wealthy". I'm never giving that guy a penny. __________________ “When war breaks out people say: 'It won't last, it's too stupid.' And war is certainly too stupid, but that doesn't prevent It from lasting.” ~Albert Camus, The Plague.
Posts: 44,355

10-09-2007, 10:06 AM	#2
Nightwish 2006 Snipe Hunting Champion Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: A van down by the river! Casino cash: $10004900	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. __________________ "Human tales? But human don't have tails, they have big, big bottoms that they wear with bad shorts, and walk around going, 'Hi, Helen!'" -- Batty (Robin Williams), in Fern Gully
Posts: 7,013

10-09-2007, 10:20 AM	#3
eazyb81 The Illuminati Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: the road less traveled Casino cash: $9984900	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.
Posts: 12,033