A crisis of conscience

You know, I didn't assume the homeless guy in question was black. But yeah, friend in question is made of fail.

 

Isn't it just as racist to assume that the homeless person asked to sing for the money is black?

Or at least bigoted?

You people sicken me.

 

Well asking someone to sing and dance for money is kind of a cliche out of the racist handbook, is what I was thinking.

 

Only in the sense that white people can't dance. Which is a cuddly stereotype as opposed to an unacceptable one.

 

Well, in my case it's true. So there.

 

The only thing I don't miss about living in Seattle is the endless parade of "homeless punks" up and down Broadway. You can't go more than ten feet without hearing "Can you spare some change so I can get some food." You look down and the little bastard's wearing a leather motorcycle jacket and Doc Martens, has his hair dyed and tattoos all over the place as well as the face that looks like the inside of a fishing tackle box. And nine times out of ten he has a dog.
I would tell them to eat their dog that way both of them would be put out of their misery.

 

I agree that giving money to homeless shelters is an important cause. But if there's a person on the street that is begging for a little money, isn't it just as important to give them something to get through a day?

 

That was me and I thank you for your contribution to my boozing.

Summer squatters are awesome. They are all over the place in Montreal. "Can you spare some change?" is usually followed up with, "You need a dime?"

 

Perhaps you gave him a quarter he would use to go shoot up drugs. Or the guy really makes serious bank and only pretends to be destitute.

I get annoyed when homeless people ask me for money. Let 'em go to a homeless shelter.

 

quote]

I agree that giving money to homeless shelters is an important cause. But if there's a person on the street that is begging for a little money, isn't it just as important to give them something to get through a day?
[/quote]

You gave what you grabbed quickly and the guy was grateful.

How much would you have given? Down payment for a house? First and last month's rent and a security deposit? The cost for rehab and treatment if needed?

Stop kicking yourself. Give a few dollars next time if it makes you feel better. But, as far as making any real difference, your contribution probably won't do all that much by itself.

 

If you dug into your pocket or your check book for every person or organization asking you for money, whether it's a quarter or something far larger, you'd be broke next week. You can't say yes to every request.

 

I don't give directly to people no matter what. Instead, I support worthy organizations that help people in various downtrodden situations.

If you feel you're a disgrace, do something. Volunteer: mentor, tutor, help out at homeless shelter, etc. Support isn't just financial.