I’m one of those mugs who give money occasionally to beggars or the homeless, especially if they’re selling the Big Issue. Well, when I’m in work I do so. I musr admit that part of this is a real fear that I could end up in the same situation (although I have an exit strategy planned if things get this bad). But I find it hard to give to buskers – it seems like a double reward to me. They are already blessed with the ability to play an instrument (and many can earn a living in a band or orchestra). So why are they seeking funds from people less fortunate than themselves? Still, at the moment this question is academic. Looks like I’m going to have a long spell without work. A chance to enjoy all this sunshine we’re getting? Plus keep plugging away at my computer ventures – more of this in a later post…
March 24, 2009
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I stopped giving to any of them years ago after an episode with a particularly underfed specimen seen in a Nottingham underpass, she had the obligatory ‘cute’ dog tucked into the duvet with her and somebody had obviously felt sorry for the dog because there were some of those large plastic packs of doggy dinners by its side…..
Pleading hunger and poverty she asked if we could spare some change, having nothing smaller than a twenty I told her I would be back with some food shortly….
A quick trip to Macdonalds and I returned with a huge burger, fries and large drink……
She looked a bit miffed but proceeded to calmly tip the burger and fries onto the floor for the dog!
On asking her why the hell she had done it she rudely pointed out she was a vegetarian, the burger was out then, the fries cooked in animal fat(doh!) and everything else tainted by contact with the aforementioned…..
Stupid is as stupid does……
And for the record, vegetarianism is physically totally impossible, which I pointed out to her while kicking over the large drink I had bought her….. the dog had that too with obvious delight!!
[Rant Over]
Comment by Chippy — March 24, 2009 @ 1:27 pm |
Know what you mean Pete, but for every shyster taking the p***, there’s someone who genuinely fell on hard times and needs help to escape the situation. It’s why I try to buy the BigIssue, as at least some of the money will go to a good cause. Plus they try to make sure the vendors behave responsibly.
Comment by cafecortado — March 24, 2009 @ 6:24 pm |
Couple weeks ago I gave a quarter to an old guy who needed fare to get downtown. He asked, told me his name, backed off in case I didn’t want to help, but I stopped and I wanted to. Sometimes there is the one that stands out from the others.
Comment by Liv — March 24, 2009 @ 8:44 pm |
Hiya Liv! I agree we often use our inner instinct to determine who’s genuine and who isn’t. Trouble is, it doesn’t always work, does it? Hope you are well, Mark
Comment by cafecortado — April 3, 2009 @ 2:01 pm |