[2011CrazE89]

Anyone notice an increase in panhandlers lately? Here in South Florida there’s one in just about every corner. Some have kids, some pets. Last night one of them was blatantly honest and held up a sign that read. I'm not hungry I just need beer money! It’s hard to feel bad for some of these people when they’re wearing new Nikes, fully clothed, listening to music, and sitting down begging. A couple days ago one of them came out of nowhere and reached into the passenger side of my Z4 (with the top down) touched my wife and said; Can you help me out? Let’s just say “I reached under my seat” Luckily for him the light turned green.

Just heard on the radio this morning. One of them was pretending to be paralyzed in a wheelchair. Turns out this guy was making $100K a year panhandling and has a full time job as a speech therapist. Reporters eventually caught up with him and called him out on it.

[Lups]

^^

Great shit to read, I know there are fakes in the mix, but what drives me insane is that you guys just shut your eyes. This country has no system to help it's citizens and people are in deep shit. I spend my days now running around errands of few of them and the lives of those who have absolutely nothing are not happy.

I'm aware of my status as a spoiled bitch, and I know nothing I say can make any of you to look back and choose someone to spend an hour or two helping out, but I recommend it anyway. Great hobby.

[Billup]

Panhandlers are everywhere around here in NC. Shit, I encountered LESS panhandlers when I worked in Detroit. I feel like every intersection in the RDU area is riddled with them.


I don't give them any money. Get a job at Mcdonalds, no credentials required.

[Litos]

I stopped giving money to pandhandlers long ago....

BUT, I did give $5 to one guy who let me take a picture of his sign.....

[Joekerr]

Originally Posted by Lups

^^

Great shit to read, I know there are fakes in the mix, but what drives me insane is that you guys just shut your eyes. This country has no system to help it's citizens and people are in deep shit. I spend my days now running around errands of few of them and the lives of those who have absolutely nothing are not happy.

I'm aware of my status as a spoiled bitch, and I know nothing I say can make any of you to look back and choose someone to spend an hour or two helping out, but I recommend it anyway. Great hobby.

What do you mean? I'm not American, but last time I checked, the States had a program called "welfare", and probably 1/5 of its citizens were on it (statistic is entirely made up).

And that money is coming out of the pockets of those who actually work for a living. While they just sit at home and milk the system and more dollars from people who work. Why is that fair - why do they need more? There's no incentive for them to work either because they make more on welfare than at a minimum wage job after taxes.

Trust me, they'll take more if you give it to them, but I believe the strong majority will not do anything to better themselves with it and just waste it away. And all that will do is take resources you earned away from you and your family. Nobody wins.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by Lups

^^

Great shit to read, I know there are fakes in the mix, but what drives me insane is that you guys just shut your eyes. This country has no system to help it's citizens and people are in deep shit. I spend my days now running around errands of few of them and the lives of those who have absolutely nothing are not happy.

I'm aware of my status as a spoiled bitch, and I know nothing I say can make any of you to look back and choose someone to spend an hour or two helping out, but I recommend it anyway. Great hobby.

You're discounting the fact that some don't want to be helped. Many of those in NYC have their own little ecosystem and generally mind their own business. That being said, every major city in the US has shelters for the homeless.

The panhandlers I've encountered near my home (incredibly rare) are usually drugged out couples in their late 20s. They often only want money so that they can buy more drugs which is how they made it to the streets in the first place. I've only run into this a couple of times in the last decade.

I was shocked when I visited San Francisco that they just let them stack up on every corner. Coming from NYC I was really surprised by their numbers.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

What do you mean? I'm not American, but last time I checked, the States had a program called "welfare", and probably 1/5 of its citizens were on it (statistic is entirely made up).

And that money is coming out of the pockets of those who actually work for a living. While they just sit at home and milk the system and more dollars from people who work. Why is that fair - why do they need more? There's no incentive for them to work either because they make more on welfare than at a minimum wage job after taxes.

Trust me, they'll take more if you give it to them, but I believe the strong majority will not do anything to better themselves with it and just waste it away. And all that will do is take resources you earned away from you and your family. Nobody wins.

I'm from Europe, so this feels like shit most days here. I know about the program, I just don't see it working. One of my projects is a person who had a big melt down six years, she's in no shape to take care of herself, and to get her to a doctor and get her some help took me two weeks. I know how to count, I do understand the taxes, and I know how work is valued here, but the people who have no one, don't even get into the benefits system.

I can't justify to myself my cars, house, life and the fact that when I go to the store no price tag is registered by me, if I don't even try to help those, who will never know the luxury of money.

[Billup]

I've also noticed that they have their own little communities.


Seriously, like little tent communities along the side of the expressway. The only thoughts that I can possibly muster up that is going on, is a bunch of alcohol and drug fueled homeless people orgies....

[Billup]

Originally Posted by Lups

I'm from Europe, so this feels like shit most days here. I know about the program, I just don't see it working. One of my projects is a person who had a big melt down six years, she's in no shape to take care of herself, and to get her to a doctor and get her some help took me two weeks. I know how to count, I do understand the taxes, and I know how work is valued here, but the people who have no one, don't even get into the benefits system.

I can't justify to myself my cars, house, life and the fact that when I go to the store no price tag is registered by me, if I don't even try to help those, who will never know the luxury of money.

The program isn't working, because the people that need it, are not receptive to it, and its benefits. There is a small percentage of people that do take on the programs benefits to better themselves, but the majority doesn't want to be helped. They are typically addicts and have never had structure to begin with, so why start now, when you're already feeling stuck at the bottom?

Everyone is given similar opportunities in life to make something of yourself. You create your own future, these people have CHOSEN the life, and most of us choose to not support them by giving them any money. Hell, the ones that receive food stamps will sell them on Craigslist for money so they can buy drugs. Sounds like a good program to me. Where is my free money every month? I work my ass off and don't get shit, other than being taxed.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by Lups

I'm from Europe, so this feels like shit most days here. I know about the program, I just don't see it working. One of my projects is a person who had a big melt down six years, she's in no shape to take care of herself, and to get her to a doctor and get her some help took me two weeks. I know how to count, I do understand the taxes, and I know how work is valued here, but the people who have no one, don't even get into the benefits system.

I can't justify to myself my cars, house, life and the fact that when I go to the store no price tag is registered by me, if I don't even try to help those, who will never know the luxury of money.

you're assuming they deserved to be helped

what if they just use whatever money or help you give them on drugs and never changing

[Lups]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

You're discounting the fact that some don't want to be helped. Many of those in NYC have their own little ecosystem and generally mind their own business. That being said, every major city in the US has shelters for the homeless.

The panhandlers I've encountered near my home (incredibly rare) are usually drugged out couples in their late 20s. They often only want money so that they can buy more drugs which is how they made it to the streets in the first place. I've only run into this a couple of times in the last decade.

I was shocked when I visited San Francisco that they just let them stack up on every corner. Coming from NYC I was really surprised by their numbers.

Drugs I consider a choice in many ways, but the once I try to help, are cases of break downs or other shit, where they have no hope of kicking them selves to gear without a push. This gets dangerous sometimes, but it feels good to know that a few hours of paperwork may help someone to actually get a grip.

I know my view is not popular, and as an atheist I don't need the glory, but I wanted to give my input so you have someone to hate here.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by grimlock

you're assuming they deserved to be helped

what if they just use whatever money or help you give them on drugs and never changing

I'll rather take that chance than give up. It's not in me to walk away.

[grimlock]

you have seen too much privilege and not enough suffering
don't quit Bimmerpost to increase the latter

[Joekerr]

Originally Posted by Lups

I'm from Europe, so this feels like shit most days here. I know about the program, I just don't see it working. One of my projects is a person who had a big melt down six years, she's in no shape to take care of herself, and to get her to a doctor and get her some help took me two weeks. I know how to count, I do understand the taxes, and I know how work is valued here, but the people who have no one, don't even get into the benefits system.

I can't justify to myself my cars, house, life and the fact that when I go to the store no price tag is registered by me, if I don't even try to help those, who will never know the luxury of money.

Don't get me wrong, I support helping others who are going to do something with themselves, who are not perpetuating their lifestyle through the choices they make.

What I don't support is the majority of the people who are out there who have no desire to change their lifestyle choices and become a contributing part of society. I don't have any desire to give them money to piss away on beer, cigarettes and junk food.

Problem is, it isn't always so obvious who is willing to do something about themselves and who isn't - because they all sing the same tune and assure you they will do something about it and this is just the type of help they need.

[Nkc]

Originally Posted by Billup

I've also noticed that they have their own little communities.


Seriously, like little tent communities along the side of the expressway. The only thoughts that I can possibly muster up that is going on, is a bunch of alcohol and drug fueled homeless people orgies....

They usually steal a red prius and turn it into a soup kitchen.

My advice, dont go chasing waterfalls.

[954Stealth]

I'll refrain from stating my opinion on this subject but instead write two anecdotes

1: A couple of years ago I was waiting outside while a friend ran in to Publix (grocery store) for something. This middle aged lady came out, looking rather disheveled and I took pity on her and felt bad. I immediately thought, she must be homeless or need some help. Then she got in a brand new Arnage and drove away.

2: Last year I had a homeless person go off on a long tirade about the economic state of the US. He had asked me for change while I was pumping gas and I said "Sorry, I only have my credit card." and he started in with " I really hate credit card companies, nobody carries cash any more and now I can't make any money! American Express and Visa are ruining my business." and on and on it went. Sorry, buddy.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

Don't get me wrong, I support helping others who are going to do something with themselves, who are not perpetuating their lifestyle through the choices they make.

What I don't support is the majority of the people who are out there who have no desire to change their lifestyle choices and become a contributing part of society. I don't have any desire to give them money to piss away on beer, cigarettes and junk food.

Problem is, it isn't always so obvious who is willing to do something about themselves and who isn't - because they all sing the same tune and assure you they will do something about it and this is just the type of help they need.

Good of you to say this.

Yes, I know people are people, and someone always want's to take advantage of a system meant to help the weak. Still what really pisses me off is that because I'm a golden retriever, I get these people to doctors ( tight shirt, works like magic), get them food, and handle the simple things and I spend almost no money usually. No one here want's to help directly, but they are more than happy to get the glory when I need their help... Oh well, I'll brush some egos just for the hell of it, I still have a starbucks guy who loves me for me enough to give me coffee when I crawl there looking like shit.

[2011CrazE89]

Here’s my favorite. Hey buddy. You’re driving a BMW and I’m wondering what my next meal will be.

I simply said. I’m driving a BMW because I busted my ass for it. I didn’t beg for it, and now one handed it to me. And if I want to keep it. I have to continue to bust my ass for it.

[Billup]

This is actually instilling me to serve some justice on these people.

I'm going to stand on the same corner with a sign that says;

"Not Actually Homeless, Great Life, Business looked promising on this corner"

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by Nkc

My advice, dont go chasing waterfalls.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by Wittstock

I am from NYC where there are more panhandlers than trees.

When were you last there? 1987?? I see one or two on a typical day here which is not many for a major city. Compared to SF, NYC is devoid of panhandlers.

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

When were you last there? 1987?? I see one or two on a typical day here which is not many for a major city. Compared to SF, NYC is devoid of panhandlers.

I thought Giuliani put them all on a bus and sent them to Trenton