Over the weekend I witness someone yelling out the car window because a beggar had asked for money. They'd already said no… they'd already walked past… but then from the moving vehicle they yelled at this person for asking for money as they drove past. It was senseless and unnecessary.
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About Paul Spoerry
I’m a groovy cat who’s into technology, Eastern Thought, and house music. I’m a proud and dedicated father to the coolest little guy on the planet (seriously, I'm NOT biased). I’m fascinated by ninjas, the Internet, and anybody who can balance objects on their nose for long periods of time.
I have a utility belt full of programming languages and a database of all my knowledge on databases... I practice code fu. Oh, I've also done actual Kung Fu, and have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
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I'm currently work for IBM developing web enabled insurance applications for IBM and support and develop a non-profit called The LittleBigFund.
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I would be tempted to side with the other guy yelling, but not without witnessing the situation.
There are often people around here who beg at the traffic light near the fast food places, and at the light coming off the interstate.
They guys are usually clean shaven, and their clothes have fewer holes and stains than what I'm wearing on my way to work. A few weeks ago there was a woman who, when not collecting money, had her shorts and shirt sleeves rolled up, working on her tan. They always have money for cigarettes, clean clothes and a shave, but
god bless, anything helps
Unless it's anything other than cash.
On the other hand, I have met a guy who looked like he hadn't seen a bar of soap in years. You would have thought I had written him a check for $10K by the look he gave me when I gave him a couple of big bottles of Gatorade.
In his case, he told me "Thanks! This is the healthiest thing I've had in a long time".
Gatorade isn't even "healthy".
So, if you want to help panhandlers, give them food/water. Not money.
If they act offended that you're not offering money, they don't need help, they need a kick in the balls.
I think there are far more legitimately needy than those who aren't. But I agree with food/water; it's an easy thing to do. There are many other ways as well… donating time, money, etc to organizations that provide support. You could also just not yell at them minutes after it all went down for no reason.