Would you be inclined to give a Panhandler a few $$ should you hit it Big?

Reply #54

RedStang — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:21:24 GMT

When i say useless lazy I'm only referring to certain people like the addict who was standing there with a single mom sign and john 3:16 written below and couldn't keep her eyes open because she looked like she was going through a major withdrawl. I was going to offer her food but i know she wanted cash.

You're right, times have changed. Older folks use cardboard while the younger generation uses Gofundme, lol.

Reply #53

RJOh — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:21:03 GMT

Contributing money to poor folks just because you won a lottery jackpot is a bad idea mainly because ungrateful people (which include most folks) see your lottery winnings as unearned money which they deserve as much as you and they can never be given enough.

I remember reading when Jack Whittaker of Virginia won the PB jackpot and brought his favorite waitress a house so she could move from her trailer, she complained all he did was up her cost of living with no future way of supporting it.

Reply #52

Teddi — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 17:15:22 GMT

Guess I see things in a different light. For the most part I don't think it's my place to judge them (except for the ones who are obviously conmen. Remember that basketball player's wife who sat on cardboard at a street corner and proclaimed loudly that her husband was divorcing her and leaving her with nothing and was going to be homeless? Meanwhile she was wearing a Neiman Marcus track suit, had a thousand dollar weave in and at the end of the day drove away in a Mercedes). I'm not feeling sor... [ More ]

Reply #51

Teddi — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 16:53:29 GMT

I think that's one of the most poignant and beautiful sentiments I've seen on LP. We are blessed to be a blessing . Thank you for that.

Reply #50

noise-gate — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:37:08 GMT

Just an observation: Not taking sides..

They would call you insensitive for saying they useless and Lazy. For one they out there in all types of weather plying their trade . What you remember back in the 80's does not work for them anymore. No one wants them bringing a sponge soapy fluid to their windows at intersections, they have evolved. They have changed with the times from your experience to going for the cardboard message and just outright asking for money, if they get a No, no biggie... [ More ]

Reply #49

RedStang — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 22:20:54 GMT

Your right. Their useless and lazy now. I remember back in the late 80s driving through NYC, people would clean your windows for a cigarette or a buck.

Reply #48

mrcraft — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 20:37:36 GMT

I work in Downtown LA, and there's this one particular panhandler, that has a white bracelet and says he's just been released from county jail, and if I could help out. I've seen him off and on for 3 months and says that same crap every time I pass him by. When I say, sorry, I don't have anything, he just starts cursing. Pathetic.

Reply #47

noise-gate — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 20:04:40 GMT

You looking at it all the wrong way OSP...

*** l am amused when I see those with signs saying they lost their job and need Help. .. notice that they not saying they need another Job, why? Because being a Panhandler is a Job to them.

** * I do not give anything since majority of them look perfectly capable of working. ..They ARE working, they working on you and l to get us to give them something.

*** yet I pass by several stores nearby that have Help Wanted signs posted on entrance door... [ More ]

Reply #46

OldSchoolPa — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 18:17:36 GMT

I see scam panhandlers at every highway off ramp intersection in Arizona and Chicago. I do not give anything since majority of them look perfectly capable of working. I am amused when I see those with signs saying they just lost their job and need help, yet I pass by several stores nearby that have Help Wanted signs posted on entrance door. No I will not give one red cent when they could go get a job.

Reply #45

river26 — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 23:00:01 GMT

i agree

Reply #44

mikeintexas — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 22:50:58 GMT

As Reagan sometimes said: There you go again.

That's an urban legend (perpetuated by far-left progressive sites like MoveOn.org and partisan hacks.) and it had to do with USDA regulations on subsidized school lunches and severe budget cuts by (a Democrat-controlled) Congress to that program. I'd explain it to you, but people learn better by reading for themselves and not having the facts (AKA the truth) spoon-fed to them, especially if they don't want to hear and accept them because it goe... [ More ]

Reply #43

uprrman — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 14:32:03 GMT

that was funny RJOh

Reply #42

RJOh — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 09:37:00 GMT

Now you got my mouth watering and I'm starting to feel hungry.

Reply #41

zinniagirl — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 09:32:39 GMT

Yes, it is RTE, ready to eat, with a pop top lid. Ex, a can of spam, deviled ham, etc, with crackers, apple or banana, a pack of fig newtons for a sweet, hard candy, and a bottle of water or juice box, with any needed utensils.

Reply #40

noise-gate — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 05:54:59 GMT

l noticed that you posted your response twice..lucky me.

Anyways your recommendations make no sense whatsoever. l mean why would l want to start a shelter, let alone three shelters when there are plenty out there to begin with?

No disrespect but your Statement If I win big, I will be traveling in limos, flying first class. I will hire people to shop for me. I will be living in a fancy house in a gated community. ........ Careful what you wish for. Do you Remember a David Edwards?

M... [ More ]

Reply #39

Raven62 — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 04:55:33 GMT

Unbelievable

Reply #38

JAMORA — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 03:02:12 GMT

I've seen a few work the Wal-marts parking lots regularly....especially Fridays....(folks just got paid and have the weekend off)

Yep, some folks are scamming....but If I see a true need, I have no problem giving, and it won't be up to me to judge them if they were not sincerely in need.

Reply #37

Coin Toss — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 02:49:33 GMT

SilverLion,

Do a search here on LP about gated communities. They may not be the Nirvana you're hoping for.

noise-gate,

The phony vets are violating a law called Stolen Valor.

Reply #36

noise-gate — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:08:17 GMT

l felt compelled to post this piece because if l did not see it for myself. ...

I just drove by a Walmart in Union City about 20 minutes ago, and lo and behold l see this guy dressed in fatigues, a huge American Flag not 2 ft away and here he is standing with his cup..... asking for a handout..is it just me or is this going on in other States where people are decked out in fatigues, flag and all as though they have represented the Armed Forces? Anyway I called my Father who served and asked h... [ More ]

Reply #35

SilverLion — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:07:18 GMT

If I win big, I will be traveling in limos, flying first class. I will hire people to shop for me. I will be living in a fancy house in a gated community. At the rear of my house will be my 100 foot yacht. I will travel in stlye, by air and by sea.

I don't think I would ever see a panhandler again.

However NoiseGate, its a nice gesture, and I recommend that if you win big, that you should start a shelter for less priviledged people, another for people who dont want to work, and another for... [ More ]

Reply #34

SilverLion — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:07:06 GMT

If I win big, I will be traveling in limos, flying first class. I will hire people to shop for me. I will be living in a fancy house in a gated community.

I don't think I would ever see a panhandler again.

However NoiseGate, its a nice gesture, and I recommend that if you win big, that you should start a shelter for less priviledged people, another for people who dont want to work, and another for people who are generally just insane.

Reply #33

RickyRocksteady — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 00:58:15 GMT

Hey there dr65,

I suggest you watch and learn a thing or two from the movie by the name of:

FED UP. It's rentable.

...and tell us all here on the board which well known actor come President went public with the statement that ketchup was a vegetable ??

(quite an embarassing) but that's how some people think.

Reply #32

RJOh — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 00:54:13 GMT

You should have told her to use her credit card, I've never seen a women of legal age without one.

Reply #31

RickyRocksteady — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 00:45:17 GMT

wOw !!

Now I've heard everything.

Reply #30

mypiemaster — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 21:14:57 GMT

I have no problem helping someone who is down on their luck. However, I do have a problem being suckered by a professional panhandler .

Reply #29

lottolaughs — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 20:33:28 GMT

Huh??? Panhandlers have been around forever. There will always be people in need even 100 years from now. What's Obamacare have to with it? Makes absolutely no sense

Reply #28

Shelby Mustang — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 20:33:23 GMT

Do all those places also hire people with no permanent address as well, cause if they dont it doesnt matter that the sign says help wanted because they cant work there if they wanted to.

Reply #27

mikeintexas — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 20:26:11 GMT

As music says in a post above this, there are multiple avenues to get out of your predicament and dire straits...but most require at least a modicum of effort and a sincere desire to change your life. I worked at that liquor store while going to school and for a few yrs. afterwards and during that time saw literally hundreds and hundreds of people with alcohol problems, so I'm more than familiar with it. I watched a dozen people- who had every reason to live - literally kill themselves with booz... [ More ]

Reply #26

dr65 — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 19:31:14 GMT

He s too busy trying to go out with a bang to care. He or his wife are the last people

I d send anyone to with hunger issues. Have you seen examples of the healthy lunches

children of America are being served? They go home hungry. But, hey, someone thinks

they're healthy. Hungry doesn't matter to someone who isn't.

Reply #25

RJOh — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 18:33:54 GMT

There's no reason for a person to go without food in my town, all the quick foods places have help wanted signs posted. Most of their help have to work other jobs to make ends meet but they aren't going hungry.

Reply #24

Elizabeth03 — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:58:44 GMT

I would buy the person some food and a drink, rather then give them money!

And tell them to go to certain organization's for help.

Reply #23

RJOh — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:52:54 GMT

Is that canned food ready to eat straight out of the can or do they need a can opener, a stove or micro wave to prepare it

Reply #22

Think — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:45:03 GMT

I have given people money when I have had some and I have given people money when I was deeply in debt and could not afford to. I even gave money to someone who didn't ask for it and was eating the last bites of food from fast food wrappers in a dumpster.

That however is over. I will not help anyone anymore as long as the tyranny and slavery of Obamacare is around. From now on if anyone asks I will tell them to go ask Obama.

Reply #21

zinniagirl — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 11:21:12 GMT

Having worked with drs from NY city, they taught me not to give money to beggers. They said it was ok to give them some fruit or a jar of peanut butter, etc. so now, I carry small bags of toiletry ktems and canned food. They ask for money, they are offered the bag. Most reject it, thise in real need, graciously accept it. Money is given directly to those who run the shelters. Running a restuarant, have given out a few sandwiches to those who pass by.

Reply #20

LottoLucy — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 04:31:38 GMT

I always carry a few low denomination gift cards from our local grocery store in my purse. That way when someone asks me for money for food I can give them the gift card and know they use it for food, not booze, since our stores here don't carry liquor in grocery stores. I know they can always barter away the card for booze but I have also seen people I have given them to go right in and use them.

I come from a small town where we never saw panhandlers. I am sure there were destitute people a... [ More ]

Reply #19

dr65 — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 03:57:11 GMT

Winning big would enable more giving but rich or not rich does not change what a

person feels at heart. Some people hold the belief that those less fortunate are not

their problem and tend to have the attitude to match. The snide remarks like they

made their bed or remarks like go find a job are a brush off or coverup for what they

know deep inside: that helping when and if you can is right. It s not right so that you

can pat yourself on the back.. that kind of atention is for mil... [ More ]

Reply #18

lottolaughs — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 03:04:45 GMT

I'm picky about who I give money to also. It used to be I couldn't get out of my car in any parking lot without someone coming up with the gas can. Then it's the countless sign bearers. I no longer see Will Work For Food ,lol. Now it's Homeless , Veteran , Cancer or Low on Funds for Rent . Nobody wants to work anymore I guess.

The other day at Sam's Club some lady came over and started complimenting my hair. I said thank you but she kept on talking and before long it was, Do you think you... [ More ]

Reply #17

noise-gate — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 03:01:56 GMT

Twice? She walked the other way Huh?...l hate to break it to you bud, but you don't know Women...

Reply #16

Wheeler — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 02:28:57 GMT

I had a similar situation a few years ago. I was going walking when a lady came up to me and asked me for $20. She told me her car was out of gas at the gas station. I gave her $20 and she walked the other way of the gas station. That happened to me twice. 2 different women. 2 different times

Reply #15

CDanaT — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 00:00:29 GMT

Cause its hot here in Texas....after the big win it would the buck and a bottle of water ...something to cool your thirst while you walk to the store and buy your lucky ticket. Good exercise, have a nice day

Reply #14

music* — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 21:38:54 GMT

If your town or city has shelters, church supported homes, then that is how I help with the homeless . Food pantries, food stamps, . Alcohol Anonymous AA . Drug interdictions and solutions are available.

When I win then I would not feel guilty by walking past and giving to proven organizations such as those I mentioned. Of course I would have so much time on my hands that I could do more to help create a safety net.

Reply #13

Coin Toss — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 21:20:48 GMT

noise-gate,

It would depend on the situation.

When I worked in Vegas (Vegas has a lot of bums because it's an easy town to be a bum in) we had to park in one certain area which was a few blocks from the casino. There were plenty of panhandlers and if you gave one of them a dollar or two they would be waiting for you everyday from then on.

And just as many donations went to the slots as to buy food, or a bottle of Ripple.

On the other hand one cold night (it does get cold... [ More ]

Reply #12

hearsetrax — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 21:14:19 GMT

only cure for panhandlers and other trouble makers

Reply #11

HoLeeKau — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 20:49:05 GMT

Nope too many scammers make 50 or 100K a year doing this and drive their new model year SUV's back to their middle class home every evening.

I'd happily donate a large sum to the local homeless shelter and the local battered women's shelter. But not to individuals.

Reply #10

Redd55 — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 20:31:15 GMT

Alcoholics who go cold turkey risk the DTs and seizures. So, it's more than just an emotional problem.

You're a kind and thoughtful man, Max

Reply #9

maximumfun — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 20:06:11 GMT

mikeintexas -

I hear what you are saying. Yes it is sad to have those less fortunate buy booze with the money we gift them. On the other hand, having a life that low, sometimes the booze might just take the edge off and allow the person to get by and make it another day.

Times are tough and its probable that many a panhandler/begger/person-down-and-out has had to swallow what little pride they had left and beg. That's tough and would probably cause me to get a small bottle of liquid coura... [ More ]

Reply #8

mikeintexas — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 19:32:28 GMT

I'm very particular about those I give money to these days, esp. after being burned more than once. I do try to help those I think really need it, but it's usually not in a monetary way. I was going to get my lottery tickets a few days ago and saw a guy limping along going the other way. I did a U-turn and pulled up alongside him and asked if he needed a ride. The look of relief on his face was worth a hundred dollars to me - he had dropped something on his instep at work and had walked to the s... [ More ]

Reply #7

Waterwalker — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 19:00:11 GMT

You're welxome. You know in the end I do believe we are blessed to be a blessing... But we are to still have common sense

Reply #6

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:55:49 GMT

I can see why you two get along so well together: Your hubby you. Opposites attract. You say No, he says Yes/ why not. May you live long prosper.

Reply #5

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:52:06 GMT

Thank You. .

Reply #4

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:49:34 GMT

No RJ- that is not what l am asking. I explained my reason why l was speaking from an experience.l think you looking at this scenario as one with a feeding pigeons mentality. In other words observing people going out each day w/ pigeon food those pesky birds knowing full well that someone is going to show up give them their daily bread.

Reply #3

TnTicketlosers — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:48:30 GMT

Last Friday my husband ans I went to check this new eatery out,I stepped in to get a menu,I came out and this man came up to the truck,he said my car ran out of gas down the road,my husband no knowing started to reach for his wallet,I said no very loudly to my husband,he said why not hun,,I said this man runs out of gas daily in this area,he uses the same old story day after day...I said to him,why dont you change your story.He rants on too the next person...if there is panhandlers I will give m... [ More ]

Reply #2

Waterwalker — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:10:28 GMT

I've given food and money, my own food, prayer, before when I had very little to give and would continue to do so, however being careful with who when what and how...have to be careful now because my little kids offered a man to stay with us and he could have my bed, ??. I've been a lurker on here for years and just joined... But giving to me, could mean sooo much more than just money, we don't give to be seen, we give to instill hope in others and maybe a little more hope in ourselves and human... [ More ]

Reply #1

RJOh — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 16:53:48 GMT

What you're really asking is Are the odds of you ever giving a panhandler a few $$ the same as your odds of winning a lottery jackpot?

When put that way my answer would be yes , a panhandler is as likely to get money from me as I'm likely to win a lottery jackpot.

Would you be inclined to give a Panhandler a few $$ should you hit it Big?

noise-gate — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 16:36:32 GMT

Or is it against your very nature to do so at present?

Or Perhaps you could look on your good fortune as giving back to the community in a small way? After all- Panhandlers are here to stay.

I ran into one a few month's back and the funny thing is that he did not ask for money, he told me he was hungry and asked me to buy him an item off the menu board.Total cost $5.00 plus- he thanked me left. I seriously doubt l would pass him by not assist in some small way the next time I bump into hi... [ More ]