Ok, well, it's actually not awesome, but I was pretty dumbfounded after this one...
So yesterday I'm approaching the train station and there's a woman right outside saying, "does anyone have $2? I'm short for the train." By the time I'm at the door, someone has given her $2, after which I see her start to walk inside. Then I see her stop short of the door...and I decide that since I've got a few minutes I'm going to observe. I then see her put the $2 in her purse, wait about 15 seconds until she thinks everyone has gone inside, and start asking for money again. To top it off, this woman had silver rings on 3 fingers of each hand, a couple of bracelets (silver and gold) on each arm, and two or three silver/gold necklaces on.
I know we've discussed panhandling on blogs before, and I've stated that I do not give money to anyone for any reason. Man, does this ever reinforce my stance. Incredible.
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7 comments:
These people have no dignity and no shame. I give money sometimes, but not often. I don't see beggers as often, since I moved and don't go downtown much, either.
I think they have to do whatever it takes to get money, even if it means claiming they're short just 2 bucks for a train and then start over. People give to them. Both sides "benefit" It makes the giver feel good i.e. their "good deed" for the day, at a low cost to them. Plus the receiver now has income for food today or maybe even later in the week.
Having rings and necklaces - no idea if those are real, they could be gifts, or taken out of the garbage.
People who calculate how much per hour some of those people make, tax free - consider that they don't put in 8+ hour days, or even 40 hour weeks, don't work every day, so it does not actually add up as nicely as just looking at it "per hour" and calculating as if they do it regularly.. They work when they need money. They get more money in crappy weather than nice, so they scale back in nice weather and can enjoy the break.
My coworker took a picture of a begger with sign saying he was homeless and asking for money. The begger, at the time and the reason for the photo, was text messaging on a cell phone.
WOW! Things like that make me angry. I would have helped that person out thinking they just had made a mistake. Irritates me!
mart, interesting comment, especially regarding htat last sentence.
people in general have dwindling respect for others- for their kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity.
It happens all the time. BTW...This is Justin's dad. Thought I would check in to see if I could read your blog since I can't get into your husbands.lol Hope things are going well for all.
This is why I don't give people who beg money. I would have just bought the lady's ticket for her. I'm so skeptical of these people. I'm so glad that you caught it though! Wasn't it tempting to say something to her?
Bah I hate people like this.
I agree with Lisa, if I was going to do anything it would be buy the ticket. I never just give people money for this exact reason.
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