Definitely Not Crap.
I figure that if someone has to panhandle, for whatever reason, they need the money more than I do.

I give money to bums at every opportunity. I used to think I wasn't doing them any favor if I did, and then I realized that whatever I gave the dude would be trivial to me, but might let him get through his miserable fucking day easier. Lately it's been five bucks.

His life easier>me having an extra couple bucks.

I'm starting to think less of my former not-giving-money-to-bums self, and everyone else who doesn't give money to bums.

John Bird, founder of Big Issue magazine, said something interesting about this last year:

[url=http://society.guardian.co.uk/homelessness/story/0,,1516524,00.html]Mr Bird, a former rough sleeper himself, also criticised members of the public for giving money to beggars.

"My big beef is that I think homeless people are kept homeless by the generosity of the public. That generosity gives people hope, we don't give them opportunity."[/url]

Where possible, I'll buy the person food. I'm just not happy with the thought that in handing over money I may be helping to perpetuate a person's misery by way of subsidising a drug/alcohol habit.

Rimbaud III wrote: I'm just not happy with the thought that in handing over money I may be helping to perpetuate a person's misery by way of subsidising a drug/alcohol habit.

But you would in fact be relieving them of their misery by subsidising a drug/alcohol habit.

Chapter Two wrote:

Rimbaud III wrote: I'm just not happy with the thought that in handing over money I may be helping to perpetuate a person's misery by way of subsidising a drug/alcohol habit.

But you would in fact be relieving them of their misery by subsidising a drug/alcohol habit.

I know of no homeless ecstacy addicts.

Chapter Two wrote:

Rimbaud III wrote: I'm just not happy with the thought that in handing over money I may be helping to perpetuate a person's misery by way of subsidising a drug/alcohol habit.

But you would in fact be relieving them of their misery by subsidising a drug/alcohol habit.

I generally don't give to street-persons anymore for exactly the reasons stated by Rimbaud above; although there are conflicting opinions on this from various homeless agencies. It's often dependent on circumstances, but I'm happier to have a chat or buy them some food or drink, than give cash.

It's also complicated by the fact that, particularly in the summer, some street-people choose to live outdoors and various factors, such as mental-health problems, preclude them from living a more conventional, normalised existence.

It's also dependant on where in the world you find yourself. Obviously, in London there is better provision for the homeless than there is in other parts of the world.

It's a head and heart dilemna, but I don't want to contribute to the problem.

steve wrote:I give money to bums at every opportunity. I used to think I wasn't doing them any favor if I did, and then I realized that whatever I gave the dude would be trivial to me, but might let him get through his miserable fucking day easier. Lately it's been five bucks.

His life easier>me having an extra couple bucks.

I'm starting to think less of my former not-giving-money-to-bums self, and everyone else who doesn't give money to bums.

Spot on.

I love the idea that standing outside all day every day asking people for a small amount of money is tantamout to running some kind of "scam."

Stand outside all day, just one whole day, and try to run this "scam" rather than living a Kevin Smith movie, and see how you like it.

Stand outside all day, just one whole day, and try to run this "scam" rather than living a Kevin Smith movie, and see how you like it.

I suppose it would depend on how much I get. It is not like what I am doing now is greatly thrilling.

If I'd been out there all day (after day after day) with no real way to get my life or my mind sorted out I'd want a fucking drink, or some heroin, or something. If you refused me your spare change because in your wisdom you thought it better that I buy a sandwich with it, I would want you to die.

I used to give out my change but there was one occurence that made me stop.

A few years ago I was walking near where I work (which isn't in the best part of the city) and I got asked for some money. I said "Sorry man." and kept walking.

The bum said "Well Fuck You then!"

So, nameless bum on Capital Ave., you have ruined my giving to all other Atlanta vagrants. Enjoy.