Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Question About Homeless People at Walmart (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/question-about-homeless-people-walmart-324522/)

PugMom 09-26-2021 10:57 PM

in my experience, the people who are truly homeless do not tend to beg. they're the ones you see sitting quietly in a parking lot somewhere, with a cart or bicycle, minding their own business. those hit me the hardest. there's this one 'kid', probably in his 20's, in Leesburg who sits outside a building near DQ. he reads, (no phone) and looks pretty downtrodden. i will openly give to him, buy a meal, or whatever because i know what it's like to be down on your luck & just trying to get by. someone like him will never turn down goods, some food or even a friendly smile, & ive never seen him ask for $$.

clwahlstrom 09-27-2021 07:36 AM

Yes I donate. I am from California and this is nothing. Every street corner is covered with people holding cardboard signs. I pretty much assume they wouldn’t be there unless they really needed it. But that’s just me.

VApeople 09-27-2021 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagdl (Post 2009656)
I choose to channel my giving to extra tips for the workers.

Yeah, I have become the same way.

Early in the pandemic, Trump gave us $2400 (I think) for sitting on our butts, so I decided to give more to the people who are actually working, and I have kept doing that.

rmd2 09-27-2021 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2009132)
I gave one guy my old pocket-umbrella because it was raining and he (obviously) didn't have one (or he'd have been using it). New condition, I never used umbrellas because I never stood out in the rain more than a minute or two.

A woman who I hadn't seen before had a nice message on her sign, said something like "Please smile and have a blessed day" or some other similar sentiment. I was first in line at the red light so I gave her a chit-chat, asked her if she had a cat for a pet - I would've given her one of the cans I'd just bought. She said she had a dog. After another minute of chatting while waiting for the light, I grabbed a handful of change from my car's change compartment and handed it to her. She had horrible teeth. I'd never hire someone like that as a "public face" for my company, because her front teeth were black and pitted, one was missing. Her skin was clear, her hands were clean (because even homeless people know how to use a rest room).

Homeless people have trouble getting a job because most jobs require that they have a permanent address. When you fill out an INS form, you need proof of residence. Without that, you can't get a legal job in this country.

No permanent residence = no proof of residence = no legal job - even if you had good teeth.

I don't normally ever give money. That one woman though was very personable, obviously intelligent, polite and articulate? My guess is that she was bulimic at some point in her life (long-term bulimia causes the enamel to strip off your teeth and then they turn grey, and then they start to rot). I really hope some dentist sees her some day and volunteers to give her a new smile.

Teeth - not bulimic. It's METH.

rmd2 09-27-2021 08:05 AM

panhandlers
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by clwahlstrom (Post 2009733)
Yes I donate. I am from California and this is nothing. Every street corner is covered with people holding cardboard signs. I pretty much assume they wouldn’t be there unless they really needed it. But that’s just me.

Yep, let's turn Florida into California. Way to go!

OhioBuckeye 09-27-2021 08:08 AM

Ohiobuckeye
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jdulej (Post 2009382)
The problem with this approach, as I see it, is that you have just pushed the problem from you and your area to someone/somewhere else. Nothing changed, nothing solved. I know that in California, when RR killed off the state's mental health support system, the homeless problem exploded. And, of course, no money was saved, which was the original goal. It just moved to increased law enforcement. We see well that has worked.

You’re exactly right that’s why California has been in the RED for as long as I can remember. To many stuffing their pockets!

Opengineer150 09-27-2021 08:29 AM

They tell you not to fed the animals because they will become dependent on hand outs the same goes for the homeless ..

1couple 09-27-2021 08:33 AM

No way
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009052)
When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

never it keeps them coming back and most isn’t homeless at the end of the day you can follow most of them home

Bilyclub 09-27-2021 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2009132)

I don't normally ever give money. That one woman though was very personable, obviously intelligent, polite and articulate? My guess is that she was bulimic at some point in her life (long-term bulimia causes the enamel to strip off your teeth and then they turn grey, and then they start to rot). I really hope some dentist sees her some day and volunteers to give her a new smile.


Meth is a great destroyer of teeth too and there is a connection between meth addiction and bulimia.

miharris 09-27-2021 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009052)
When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

I never do, instead I donate to well run charities that make sure the money is used to actually help people in need, and not for booze and drugs.

OrangeBlossomBaby 09-27-2021 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmd2 (Post 2009743)
Teeth - not bulimic. It's METH.

Meth also causes some kind of weird itch on the face, resulting in people scratching til they bleed. It's been described as the sensation of spiders crawling all over your skin. That's why meth addicts have pockmarks and sores and zits all over their faces.

As I specified - this girl's face was clear. Only her teeth were bad. Bulimia can cause that.

spd2918 09-27-2021 09:55 AM

Giving money directly to "homeless" people keeps them poor and dependant and handouts. Instead give to charities that work to end the reasons they are destitute.

Of course most beggars are not homeless.

BlackhawksFan 09-27-2021 11:12 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009052)
When we cross 441/27 to go to Walmart, many days there are homeless people looking
for money or a handout.

Do you donate to their cause?

What's you opinion on them being there?

At least this one I photographed was honest.

Copyright 2011. Depth of Field Photo

Velvet 09-27-2021 12:48 PM

And I need a billion bucks, should I start a gofundme campaign? I’m honest too.

Bogie Shooter 09-27-2021 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clwahlstrom (Post 2009733)
Yes I donate. I am from California and this is nothing. Every street corner is covered with people holding cardboard signs. I pretty much assume they wouldn’t be there unless they really needed it. But that’s just me.

Would you be interested in buying a bridge? I may be able to find one for you……..

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedalton (Post 2009588)
because human beings will go buy alcohol and or cigarettes with it.

I would imagine that those people that are using people's charitable impulses to con the money to buy cigarettes - started smoking long ago. And I wonder how many residents of TV Land or anywhere that PAY other people to cut THEIR grass - would be willing to tell the owner of the grass cutting service that NO smokers MAY ever cut THEIR grass. And say THAT to all workers that they have come to do anything on their property. So, basically, if you are NOT part of the solution, then you are PART of the problem!
.......Or they could (?) move to a home where there is no grass like maybe an apartment or an island of all rock surrounded by water - or a houseboat. Put your $ where your pie-hole is!

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2009589)
Probably because it's not a thing.

There's one guy who rides his bicycle to the spot, and chains it up a few aisles down in the parking lot. There's a woman in a wheelchair, she has another person with a van, but I think they actually live in that van.

There are a few people who live in vans and pickup trucks and one guy with a small camper-van in the Walmart parking lot, they move around a bit. One time I got some sanitizer wipes from the Freeosk machine inside and gave the package to one of the women who lives in her pickup truck.

As long as they are respectful and don't try knocking on my window or stopping traffic when the light turns green, I have no problem with them being there. Mostly I'm grateful they're not like the "window washers" off the highway in NYC. They're nasty.

Window washers ARE really nasty - I have seen them in every large or medium-sized city that I have been to.
......I am very glad that you have had GOOD experiences with homeless people. Some are wonderful and if I were homeless, and could afford an RV, I would stay at Walmarts or other mall areas. In point of fact, I do stay in my compact car when I treat myself to motorized vacations to explore the US 1st hand and up close and personal. I also take naps on blankets in a public park during daylight hours - I only have to watch out for those male dogs that lift their legs.
.......As I wrote on Pg 7 # 99 - I have had a mixed bag of early adult experiences with homeless people. But, strangely enough, I have had MUCH worse luck dealing with people that attend church regularly, which may be a compensation thing, as the psychologists believe. Compared to them - the homeless are angels.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009595)
What does the state of Florida say about panhandling on public streets?
Probably like going to restaurants and grocery stores with dogs, nothing.

Welcome to Florida - like Alaska, it is a frontier state - only more red necks.

John_W 09-27-2021 02:01 PM

Someone posted that the Walmart beggers are picked up by a white van at the end of the day. That reminds of the young kids who arrive in a white van and go door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions. In the 70's and 80's I've had them at my door. Probably the same people, magazine sales are down, so they just got a new angle.

jdulej 09-27-2021 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioBuckeye (Post 2009750)
You’re exactly right that’s why California has been in the RED for as long as I can remember. To many stuffing their pockets!

California is running a surplus. They are figuring out how to give people money back. But that is beside the point. If any state just pushes their homeless off to another state or ignores them they are shirking their responsibility - period. And shame on them for doing it

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2009617)
Why not give someone money for crack, cocaine, drugs, or booze?
Maybe your Jesus would??

AAHHHH do believe that he would like to have pot legalized by Federal Law. He / She is trying to nudge the TRUE believers, not the PRETENDERS, in that more WHOLESOME direction. Why golly me, that would even put the NARCO TRAFFICKERS out of business. I dddddoooo believe that would be what is called a win /win !!!!!!!!
.............I can hear the jingle in my head......Pot, its a win / win NOT a sin / sin... Hee, he ...hee, he.......That's all folks!

Sherry8bal 09-27-2021 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by La lamy (Post 2009111)
It can't be easy begging for money. I feel bad they haven't chosen, or figured out, how to earn a legit living. When I feel they are really hard up I'll give, but even then, I may be scammed.

If you are that naive, you should invite them into your home, give them a place to live and feed them and then watch them rob you blind.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tblue (Post 2009630)
I enjoy reading how some deal with the panhandling public. About 1993 I was in Alaska and the wife and I were leaving the grocery store parking lot. We were behind a pick up truck waiting to exit onto the main highway. Right under the stop sign there was 2 younger fellows, maybe mid 20s sitting holding a sign that said “FOOD WANTED”. For a second I thought how clever hitting people up as they leave the parking lot of the grocery store. The guy in the pick up ahead of us opens his door and hops out and climbs into the bed of his truck. He opens a very large cooler and pulled out 2 fresh salmon, maybe 10 to 15 pounds each. He yells at the two sitting beside the stop sign and threw them the fish. Got back in his truck and drove off. Surprised or confused is the look on the two guys faces as they are sitting there with a sign that says FOOD WANTED and each holding a large fresh fish.

It would have been even funnier If the truck guy threw a recently trapped live wolverine at those 2. Not nice but funny! And then they put the video on Facebook (I hate) or Instagram (also hate) or some other way supposedly cool media sites.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 2009632)
I've been seeing the same "homeless people" there for the past 7 years. Definitely a scam, just like others say, just watch them during and after their "shift".

The only way I would stay there long enough to note all of that would be if I were a Policeperson getting paid by the hour.

GypsyRN 09-27-2021 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clwahlstrom (Post 2009733)
Yes I donate. I am from California and this is nothing. Every street corner is covered with people holding cardboard signs. I pretty much assume they wouldn’t be there unless they really needed it. But that’s just me.

Thank you for importing that "skewed illogical mentality" to FL!!! :ohdear:

MDLNB 09-27-2021 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com (Post 2009261)
We quit shopping at the WalMart on 441, now shop at the WalMart on 466 (Wedgewood Lane) no panhandlers there, also much cleaner store, larger selection, actually friendly people and more cashiers, the one on 441 is a pigsty in comparison, by the way I travel an additional 5 miles to shop at the one on 466, love it


You are quite right about the condition of the Walmart on Rt441. As a matter of fact, there are scammers and crooks working inside the store also. Not the employees, but the supposed customers that will work you in a heartbeat. I've been there once in the past 8 years and even then, I ended up leaving without purchasing anything.
I know what it is like to be broke, but I have never begged or taken welfare, even though I qualified for it. Once you become addicted to handouts, you will start to expect them. You can work three part-time jobs to pay you way until you get a decent full-time job. If you are single, it's easy but if you have a family it is desperate. You do not have time to beg. You HAVE to find some work and you will take whatever is offered. Even cleaning toilets, raking leaves, or performing anything for a few bucks.

No, as guilty as it makes me feel, I do not give money out to anyone hanging out by the stores where I have to shop. If someone says they are hungry, I will buy them a meal. But, I do not give them money.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janet1946 (Post 2009642)
This thread has been so sad. . Once you are evicted it is almost impossible to rent another apartment. You can’t get a job unless you have a phone and an address. In many states you can’t even qualify for food stamps or Medicaid without an address. If you have been convicted of a felony, you are entitled to no benefits, even long after you have served your sentence (and just try to find a decent job with a felony on their record). If you live in the Los Angeles area, two adults earning minimum wage jobs do not qualify for ANY apartment in the area. Many of the tents around Union Station (in LA) are occupied by 2 adults who each have full time jobs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same is true in Florida. TBH, it seems like begging might get you a better lifestyle.

Instead of ignoring the problem (actually 2 - homelessness and drug usage) and having people themselves find solutions or CON men / women arising and taking advantage of a situation - maybe we need to petition our State and Federal Governments to DO the RIGHT thing and the thing, for which, we pay taxes - and ACTUALLY SOLVE the problem.

Even little me has a suggestion, or 2 or more.........start a JOBS program like back in the real old days of Democracy giving all the willing a place to work and make money - even if you have to bend the minimum wage laws.
......Stop the STUPID**** ZONING LAWS that favor the wealth disparity, racism, and homelessness. I don't say,"let them eat cake" BUT I DO say:" let them live in tents".
.......Put the Drug Cartel KILLERS of their addicted customers and coyotes that are caught into Japanese-style prisons for long terms. Attempt to rehab the addicted customers.
........Make POT legal and ALL others (except maybe for Native American ceremonies) and study peyote to see if it has bad side effects.
.....Control the legal pharmacy DRUG overuse and "pill mills" and greedy and lazy Doctors that overprescribe.
.......I think that would be a good START! And also worry about 2024. The future needs to be so bright that I will need shades!

jdulej 09-27-2021 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2009932)
Instead of ignoring the problem (actually 2 - homelessness and drug usage) and having people themselves find solutions or CON men / women arising and taking advantage of a situation - maybe we need to petition our State and Federal Governments to DO the RIGHT thing and the thing, for which, we pay taxes - and ACTUALLY SOLVE the problem.

Even little me has a suggestion, or 2 or more.........start a JOBS program like back in the real old days of Democracy giving all the willing a place to work and make money - even if you have to bend the minimum wage laws.
......Stop the STUPID**** ZONING LAWS that favor the wealth disparity, racism, and homelessness. I don't say,"let them eat cake" BUT I DO say:" let them live in tents".
.......Put the Drug Cartel KILLERS of their addicted customers and coyotes that are caught into Japanese-style prisons for long terms. Attempt to rehab the addicted customers.
........Make POT legal and ALL others (except maybe for Native American ceremonies) and study peyote to see if it has bad side effects.
.....Control the legal pharmacy DRUG overuse and "pill mills" and greedy and lazy Doctors that overprescribe.
.......I think that would be a good START! And also worry about 2024. The future needs to be so bright that I will need shades!

Wow, a sensible post. What a shock on this forum. I would add to those jailed the American drug families (Oxycontin anyone!) who are currently getting a slap on the wrist

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2009647)
Corn is almost as bad. Geese eat mostly seeds, plant roots, berries, whole raw fresh grains (grasses) and stems, and insects.

No need to give homeless people money, but sometimes it's a good thing to offer a kindness - simply because you're a human being connecting with another human being. If you bought a case of water, give them a bottle of it. If you bought a box of protein bars, give them a bar. If you bought a 12-pack of Ivory soap, give them a bar. If you bought a box of tampons, offer the young woman a few. When you get free sanitizing wipes from the Freeosk booth, give it to the person out there. Maybe if there's a BOGO on cheap toothbrushes, get them - and give one to one of those people out there.

Up north we had deposits on cans and plastic bottles - some folks - when they're parking downtown for whatever reason, would gather whatever empties they tossed in the back seat, into a plastic bag, and just give the whole bag to a random homeless person sitting in the park. We get rid of our empties, and they have to actually work for their dollar. Win-win for everyone.

There was also a program downtown that many restaurants participated in. Customers could buy credits, that would be given to homeless people in exchange for a bite to eat (a cup of hearty soup and bread, or a small salad) or a cold/hot drink.

Kernels of corn are seeds designed to be eaten by deer and some birds like Geese. Geese hunters in Nebraska often hide in a blind in a cornfield or milo and wait for both Geese and pheasants, if the seasons overlap.

OrangeBlossomBaby 09-27-2021 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherry8bal (Post 2009924)
If you are that naive, you should invite them into your home, give them a place to live and feed them and then watch them rob you blind.

It's time to repeat the story of my college days. I was living in Boston, in a studio at the foot of Beacon Hill (the uber-wealthy section of the city, where the governor's mansion is located). School (Emerson College) was down the street a few blocks, and I walked or took the T everywhere. I had two part-time jobs, plus I was a busker. A street musician. Subway performer - not a beggar, not poor - but accepted by the "underground culture" of Harvard Square, Cambridge MA. Most of them were homeless, but there were a few folks who shared apartments, one guy lived with his parents, and a few had their own places because they had good jobs or their parents paid for it.

At the end of one particular day, some of the homeless people invited me to THEIR home - the cemetery two blocks away. I went, and they shared the food they had bought with what they'd acquired through panhandling, and we passed around a couple quarts of Miller (blech but it's the thought that counts), and I slept in a beat up sleeping bag next to a wino who had his own blanket and pillow. We were up past midnight talking about life, experiences. A couple of the folks were drug addicts and one was having an unpleasant experience with drugs that night, but they gave him his space and he zoned out without incident.

I can't say I'd ever want to be homeless, and I'm not sure I'd want to make a vacation out of sleeping in graveyards. But it opened my eyes to the experience, and gave me some empathy I hadn't had prior to that.

Perhaps because I actually DID "walk in their shoes" for a day, I'm able to be a little less judgmental about the concept of homelessness. For those "christians" who choose to judge - remember your catechism or bible lessons or whatever you folks get when you're kids.

Does this make me naive? Nope. In fact, it makes me a little more experienced and "enlightened" than you. It gives me the "street cred" that you apparently lack. I know when I see an addict, and I can tell when someone actually needs money to survive and is down on his luck, and when someone is doing just fine and is trying to scam me out of my money.

As for the guy eating the McDonald's burger - I actually watched an Sonic Employee hand out bags of food to each of the three people with signs - one at the Walmart driveway corner, one near the Dollar store, and one at the driveway across the street where McDonald's is. Seems minimum wage employees are more generous than wealthy old people. Not surprised. A little disgusted, but not surprised.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2009647)
Corn is almost as bad. Geese eat mostly seeds, plant roots, berries, whole raw fresh grains (grasses) and stems, and insects.

No need to give homeless people money, but sometimes it's a good thing to offer a kindness - simply because you're a human being connecting with another human being. If you bought a case of water, give them a bottle of it. If you bought a box of protein bars, give them a bar. If you bought a 12-pack of Ivory soap, give them a bar. If you bought a box of tampons, offer the young woman a few. When you get free sanitizing wipes from the Freeosk booth, give it to the person out there. Maybe if there's a BOGO on cheap toothbrushes, get them - and give one to one of those people out there.

Up north we had deposits on cans and plastic bottles - some folks - when they're parking downtown for whatever reason, would gather whatever empties they tossed in the back seat, into a plastic bag, and just give the whole bag to a random homeless person sitting in the park. We get rid of our empties, and they have to actually work for their dollar. Win-win for everyone.

There was also a program downtown that many restaurants participated in. Customers could buy credits, that would be given to homeless people in exchange for a bite to eat (a cup of hearty soup and bread, or a small salad) or a cold/hot drink.

IMO I concur with the last 2 paragraphs. No one (at least not me) is questioning the "goodness" of being properly (?) charitable. The question REALLY debated here IS what is the "PROPER" way to be charitable. For example, I feel GREAT and charitable when I give an item to a THRIFT store. I see that the good of that OUTWEIGHS any possible downside at about a 95% to 5% rate. The 5% is JUST a POSSIBILITY that a particular thrift store is connected to some church character like in the Elmer Gantry movie that is sucking money out of people just for personal greed.
....the point of that IS that each person makes a RISK calculation when they give money (not food or water) to a homeless person - or even money to a national charity. How much is the money you give do you (the giver) think goes to good, or waste, or even greed and bad (that is the RISK CALCULATION)?
.....Many a TRULY good person IS so GOOD or NAIVE that they don't bother to look for any unintended consequences of their action (the giving). I am NOT TRULY good and I tend to be suspicious snd look for the unintended results of mine and other people's actions - even US leaders!

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagdl (Post 2009656)
I would often give money during the Pandemic. I have since quit. Sam St. John's cannot find dishwashers (low skills needed) Every fast food and restaurants have help wanted signs. If a person can stand in the sun and hold a sign they can wash dishes, help in the kitchen, get a job they can work up to better positions. When there were no jobs we gave. Now there are jobs and people don't wan them. I have decided with the Walmart and Mcdonald's sign holders I am part of the problem so I no longer hand out money. It is sad because that is not who I am but I choose to channel my giving to extra tips for the workers. When you want to give, give a $5.00 tip on a $4.00 breakfast. The smiles are worth it!!!!

I agree with the contents of this post.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmd2 (Post 2009743)
Teeth - not bulimic. It's METH.

I agree with the contents of this post.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmd2 (Post 2009748)
Yep, let's turn Florida into California. Way to go!

That would be less humidity....Yeah!
But it would be more traffic and smoke.........double Boo!

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackhawksFan (Post 2009832)
At least this one I photographed was honest.

Copyright 2011. Depth of Field Photo

Need beer AND better tattoos!

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdulej (Post 2009921)
California is running a surplus. They are figuring out how to give people money back. But that is beside the point. If any state just pushes their homeless off to another state or ignores them they are shirking their responsibility - period. And shame on them for doing it

I agree with the contents of this post.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherry8bal (Post 2009924)
If you are that naive, you should invite them into your home, give them a place to live and feed them and then watch them rob you blind.

She doth come from the land of all TRUE goodness and light and a little coldness.....I am talking about o....Canada.

jimjamuser 09-27-2021 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2009938)
It's time to repeat the story of my college days. I was living in Boston, in a studio at the foot of Beacon Hill (the uber-wealthy section of the city, where the governor's mansion is located). School (Emerson College) was down the street a few blocks, and I walked or took the T everywhere. I had two part-time jobs, plus I was a busker. A street musician. Subway performer - not a beggar, not poor - but accepted by the "underground culture" of Harvard Square, Cambridge MA. Most of them were homeless, but there were a few folks who shared apartments, one guy lived with his parents, and a few had their own places because they had good jobs or their parents paid for it.

At the end of one particular day, some of the homeless people invited me to THEIR home - the cemetery two blocks away. I went, and they shared the food they had bought with what they'd acquired through panhandling, and we passed around a couple quarts of Miller (blech but it's the thought that counts), and I slept in a beat up sleeping bag next to a wino who had his own blanket and pillow. We were up past midnight talking about life, experiences. A couple of the folks were drug addicts and one was having an unpleasant experience with drugs that night, but they gave him his space and he zoned out without incident.

I can't say I'd ever want to be homeless, and I'm not sure I'd want to make a vacation out of sleeping in graveyards. But it opened my eyes to the experience, and gave me some empathy I hadn't had prior to that.

Perhaps because I actually DID "walk in their shoes" for a day, I'm able to be a little less judgmental about the concept of homelessness. For those "christians" who choose to judge - remember your catechism or bible lessons or whatever you folks get when you're kids.

Does this make me naive? Nope. In fact, it makes me a little more experienced and "enlightened" than you. It gives me the "street cred" that you apparently lack. I know when I see an addict, and I can tell when someone actually needs money to survive and is down on his luck, and when someone is doing just fine and is trying to scam me out of my money.

As for the guy eating the McDonald's burger - I actually watched an Sonic Employee hand out bags of food to each of the three people with signs - one at the Walmart driveway corner, one near the Dollar store, and one at the driveway across the street where McDonald's is. Seems minimum wage employees are more generous than wealthy old people. Not surprised. A little disgusted, but not surprised.

Statistically speaking, the poor and middle class of America give more to charity than the upper class. Go figure????

jdulej 09-27-2021 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2009956)
Statistically speaking, the poor and middle class of America give more to charity than the upper class. Go figure????

Not sure what you mean by "statistically speaking" but in terms of a percentage of income or of net worth, the 1%ers give about as close to nothing as you can get and still say you are doing something. I remember Walmart bragging about giving 200-ish million dollars to charity. Then someone pointed out that that was like 1/10th of 1% of their income for that year. Sure, 200 mil is nice, it's not buying their way into the promised land.

Opengineer150 09-27-2021 05:17 PM

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