Nothing ain’t worth nothing…if you take their word for it.
But who’s “they“?
When they’re lying on the sidewalk asking for spare change, what they’re offering is an option: the chance to give money that goes directly to the people who need it most.
What they don’t, and can’t, tell you is whether or not they spend it on healthy foodstuffs or brewed or distilled products.
This would be why, after 25 years in Vangroover, I still never give money but DO offer food. If a beggar declines my food offer once, he’s off the list, no matter how many permutations of his hardluck story he may come up with subsequently.
There’s an old fellow (if it were PC I’d say ancient, but I’m afraid his advocates would get it all up in their noses) of Native persuasian, who sits at probably the least profitable corner in the country. Main and Hastings has, according to StatsCan, an average life expectancy of 33 years. And yet, he makes a living.
So, when I got an email from a friend, saying hey, people, ten would help, I gave her a hundred, although I am still technically on Welfare. This woman took out a loan to help me; the least I can do is spread the good fortune once it starts rolling in!
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raincoaster 
reminds me of the “underpants go on the inside” tune.
offering food is the best option I agree.
but seriously, if I have spare cash after paying for the necessities, then I reserve the right to spend it on booze and chocolate. if someone is homeless and sleeping on the street I don’t begrudge them a little warming nip of brandy to momentarily brighten what must be a pretty dismal life
good post Rain. it’s thought provoking stuff
I have been known to drop a round of sandwiches in front of one of the homeless but never cash (I reserve that for buskers). It isn’t the nip of brandy that concerns me, it’s the heroin hit!
Money is the most convenient for me when it comes to tithes and offerings. I know that it should not be about that, but it is. I just don’t always believe that the person in need always knows what is best for them. So I tend to give to organizations that are helpful to people like those you speak of.
It makes it a bit easier to witness their perceived despair and know that you are doing something about it.
Plus, in most cases, I would rather part with the money than my chicken sandwich.
I give only to organizations that provide me a tax receipt.
Truckers are often vicitmised by beggars. Something about the loneliness of the road makes them good marks. I’ll tell you about it sometime.
Underpants go on the INSIDE??? Aw, hell. brb.
http://www.last.fm/music/Lazy+Boy/_/Underpants+Go+On+The+Inside
Thanks, I shall check it out.
I should post drunk more often. I make hella sense.