Quote:
Originally Posted by nathanbforrest45
I think it is wrong to just give them money since we all know that money will not go to buy food or shelter. I was riding my motorcycle in Jacksonville Florida one day when it started to rain. I stopped to put on my wet weather gear and while I was doing so a man came up to me with a story that he was hungry and needed money and just got out of the hospital etc etc. We have all heard this before. He told me he really needed help. I told him he was in luck and I was going to help him. Just jump on the back of my motorcycle and I will take you down to the Salvation Army and they will help you. They will help you find work, they will help feed you, they will help you get over your addiction. He looked at me like I had just asked him if he like to eat shit sandwichs. He made a rude comment and walked off looking for the next sucker. I was very willing to help him but really helping him but he wasn't looking for help, he was looking for a handout.
To continue giving them money merely allows them to continue living off others.
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Nathan I agree that there are many just like this. I have ran into them hundreds of times in Chicago. One thing I've found interesting around here is that when I'm on my bike & I go get gas or something people have been interested in engaging me in conversation about the bike, about their own stories & when i just hang & talk with them. It gets pretty interesting.
They at some point will ask for some money...I rarely give anyone any but often times I have found that they appreciate the simple act of acknowledgment & willingness to engage in a real conversation.
I remember once a man who said, you are the first person tonight who simply saw me as a person & said ANYTHING to me, thanks. I didn't give him money but I had no problem acknowledging him. It cost me nothing & gave something in return, humanity.