Interstate Panhandlers Grate!

$500 a day?  I need a new job, cleaning houses and feeding chickens doesn't pay nearly enough.  I've only encountered one homeless man in my life and that was with friends in Baltimore on a class trip.  My one friend gave him a ton of change too.  I just slowly walked away.  I have and do when I get the chance volunteer at homeless shelters or other places to help people out.   But those are the ones who want help, some people are fine getting through life as they are...

All you have to do is offer to take them to buy a meal - if they look at you disdainfully and turn it down, then you know you have someone scammin'........

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Sickening isn't it? We were in the subway in NYC and one of them accosted my daughter, she was about 10. He preyed on her sympathies and sold her a poem for $2...only thing, it was professionally printed up and laminated! I let it happen and then pointed it out to her....lesson learned! I was tempted to try your #1...maneuver him off the platform onto the 3rd rail (the electric one)

Darlin', they bank on people's good natures to line their pockets. The article I read about them just made me nod as I knew they were telling the truth. Besides, the rate of taxation I pay on my income is so because some of that money goes to all these various government programs designed to help people. In the end, I think I do my share, and I have no sympathy for chiselers or con artists.

Smoochies darlin',

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I agree completely ~ and its people like that who ruin it for the ones who are truly in need...those aren't usually the ones you see begging in the street. I try to help anyone that I can who is in need, but I don't like being taken advantage of...the government does a good enough job of that.

Smoochies to you too, darlin'.

Bethie

 

As a New Yorker, I've seen plenty of these peddling pro's all over.  You're absolutely right Ed, offer 'em a meal or cup of coffee and you'll immediately see if they're the real deal.  I've even seen the ones who recruit their kids (talk about looking for sympathy) and it's a disgrace.  Even heard one of the kids say once, "Just used that guy!"  Nope, I'll volunteer my time or donate my dime to a worthy cause.

Stacey, imagine teaching your kid to chisel like that, someone ought to have whupped that guy's ass just on that principle alone.....

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I agree - 10

Tim, thanks!

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One time, my husband actually went and brought a combo meal at McDonalds to give to a man who was on the street with a sign that said "Will work for food".  He just looked at my husband like he was crazy and said he needed money more.  That was the last time he ever stopped to help someone begging.  He has a good heart, but now just donates to the shelters.

Cheryl, they all do that, most just want money for booze, drugs, or both, and if you give it to them you're enabling their habit.

Great comments!

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I don't think that they make $500 dollars a day but I have heard that a good panhander can make $25,000 a year, tax free. I lived in San Francisco in the late 70's and a panhandler used to be in the same location and would ask, "Do you have a quarter for a cup of coffee?" I'm good at remembering faces and when I moved back to San Francisco in 1991 he was still out panhandling, but a few blocks away from where he was in the 70's. His new line was, "Money for food." Yes, it's a racket, but sometimes I will give a little bit if they have a nice demeanor.

Vincent, the article here said they did an average of $300 - $500 a day, the ones they interviewed. Even $25k a year is amazing if you think about it. If you give 'em money, you're a better man than I am!

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$25K is more than I make ~ I work for a not-for-profit historical association, totally dependant on donations, no government stimulus or subsidy of any kind. Maybe we should get out in the street and beg for membership $.

Elizabeth, The Salvation Army has been doing that for a long time and they are a very wealthy charity. The bell ringers at Christmas make tons of money.

The bellringers get paid to ring those bells too!

I'm such a sucker that has been known to give these panhandlers at traffic lights throughout our fair city the last dollar in my purse.  One too many times I did that until I thought to myself "If I give him my last dollar perhaps I'll be the one who will be standing there the next time?"

I can't say that I still don't pull out a buck or two when I see one of these folks but now we have a law against it in Dallas so I'm not as prone to giving out my "spare change" as I might have been in the past.

But Esther, you're pretty as hell and my friend, so any mistakes you make or have made in the past don't count anyway....

Smoochies,

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You're a sweetheart to say so, but if you saw me this morning you'd run out of sheer fright....hahahah!

Of that, I am highly doubtful, and I shant say anymore in order not to embarrass either of us!

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There may be some that actually needed the food, I was once down and out and walked the alley until I found a dollar, those Raman Noodles sure were good that night.I Was on disabillity hurt myself working crazy hard,  in a factory at 5'9" and 135 lbs I wecked my body so bad, neck, arms, knees, wrists, could not pick up a jug of milk.  The insurance decide to send me checks went they wanted, sometimes my checks were three weeks late ......when I called, "You know they said, we have computer gliches, and your check was lost in the system you should get it in another week.  Sorry. < this was all ment for me to settle my claim with them, so I had to, for much less than the Judge recommed after revewing my medical reports. He told me i could collect for the rest of my life, but being down and out had no choice but to settle. No lawyer no money, what was a girl to do.

Yikes! now what? somehow I made it. without standing on a street corner.

And at least you appear to have had honest need, you weren't trying to chisel anyone.

Thanks Tricia!

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Martin, whatever the case, you were honest. I don't think I or anyone here has a problem with helping honest people, it's just that most of them don't appear to be.

You're a good man, we all know that, and I'm proud to call you my friend.

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This one's a toughie for me Eddie~although I get agrivated enough when my vehicle is bombarded by panhandlers and those offering to do this or that to my car for five dollars~I can usually read between the bullshit and the genuine article~tou know me and I'm no sucker~but I got a little bit o heart left~what's it gonna cost me to reach into the coin compartment and take out a fistful of change~nothing~and it might get them a cup of coffee and a biscuit~

I don't hink it's my responsibility though to financially support  every tom, dick and harriet out of work and on the streets~that goes back to social welfare~and my name is not Support~we put our time and effort into Battered Women's Shelters~

Toughie for me Eddie~

As for the tactics~I am blessed with eyes that glow and and spin like a tilt a whirl when pi**ed~a nice monote NO accompanying it usually gets them OFF the hood of my car with their squegee and bucket~I got a heart but it ain't THAt big to suffer con artistswho make more than I do in a day~

Perfect response, darlin', sounds to me like you have this issue well in control.

Double smoochies, I respect and like you even more after reading that.

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Thanks for posting to GutterGirls~

Purr, thank you for having me!

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A lot of them at my downtown seem to come from some group home.  They don't look right - but they ain't hungry.  The same ones just sit there together like from a gang from a Charles Dickens novel.

 

Once I saw a cop talking to a new one who showed up.  He might have been one of the real ones.  There really are a lot of war vets that are now broken down and out there on the streets.

Peter, I hear you, that's what makes this all such a shame. Because of the scam artists genuinely needy people sometimes go without, and that's the real tragedy of all this.

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Ed, like a few others have said, this is a bit of a tough one for me as well. Sure, there is dishonesty out on on the streets. There is dishonesty everywhere, from up high as well as from down low. But there are some folks that are just in absolute no-holds barred dire straits, plain and simple. Despite what some say, the economy ain't gettin' better, so chances are you are going to see more people beggin' for bucks, be they unsavory or not.

Eric, that's true, my friend. Unemployment is going to continue to climb, and that's going to produce more needy people. Let's just hope things get untracked soon.

Great observation,

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My mindset works a bit different from others. I see lots of panhandlers and I know some are scam artist but I refuse t be the judge of them. To me I have no right to judge who are what they are. Panhanling is no different than a retailer who tricks you into a store with a bait and switch advertising. We all fall for it at times or they have run an ad for something on sale yet when they open their doors they have conveniently sold out of the advertised product. Our lives are full of such stuff so I do not push any more angst on those begging. I have fed hungry folks, taken them to do some work to earn money and given them donations and will continue to do so.

We collectivey seem to have a poisoned pill for some begging yet ignore others who are worst. In the giving spirit I don't care what they do with the money I give them. If they buy booze, gamble it away or whatever it is theirs to do with as they please once I give it to them. I did my Christian part. Its up to them to do with as they please and they suffer the result. 

Spencer, helluva different slant on it. Obviously we don't agree, but your thoughts/concepts around this issue are very intriquing.

Nice post!

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When I was in Las Vegas, in the Freemont area (old Vegas), we saw a panhandler & he even asked 1 of the people in our group for some money...I rushed him along.

A little bit later I was at the casino fro dinner, standing outside the bathroom waiting for one of the guys to come out & lo & behold....there was the same bedraggled panhandler with a HUGE bankroll in his hand, counting out $20's to play blackjack.

Priscilla darlin', bad thing is, those people are the rule, not the exception.....

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You can also stop and tell them you do have some gardening work for them, " hop in " ,that is the end of the conversation !!

Phil, I did that one time to one of the "will work for food" types, he called me an expletive!

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Massachusetts, or at least the greater Boston area, has nearly diminished the panhandler form a ubiquitous entity to a sparse scattering of folk who sell a newspaper printed by one of our failing newspapers.  This special newspaper is sparse (4-6 pages) and conveys stories of homeless people on varying levels of suffering and status improvement.  they also carry articles about the teens dropped on the streets after aging out of DSS--Division of Social Services or, abandoned, abused, children's care center which carries an obligation to clothe, feed and educate a minor child until they reach eighteen.  The paper is also available by subscription and I had subscribed at one time.

 

The Governor must take proactive steps to encourage social groups and churches to step in and provide shelter and other services, which point homeless people into day labor or other efforts, which will eventually bring about re-entry into mainstream working society.  There are some hard luck stories out there yet, the one-on-one kindness of strangers quickly becomes a social problem and it can be reversed.

Johnice darlin', great comment and perspective, thanks!

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I have been homeless, lived under a bridge for weeks after spending a few nights in a homeless shelter. Many there were what we think of as scam artists too, they talk of travelin' the country with the weather, compare shelters that are along the way, they would turn down work offered by the shelter work program to walk and work the streets all day instead. A scam? Maybe, but again, I can't help but wonder what in their life turned them into the downward spiral that would take them to this place in life where these would be the choices they would make. I still prefer to feel...There, but for the Grace of God, Go I.

I have been homeless, too. Not living on the streets homeless, but I did spend a night in my car and several in a chair at my office, afraid that someone would find out, lest I be fired for it. Were it not for good friends... who knows?

Thank Goodness for good friends - and strangers - indeed!

Excellent comments, it's hard not to feel something inside reading them - thanks ladies.

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You're welcome Ed, and thanks for posting a good topic for discussion.

well Ed, I have been homeless before, but i din't go asking for hand outs to every tom, dick and harry....

I really don't like how they stand there with the sign and beg for money or food. It is hard sometimes to know if they are actually homeless or not.

There are many shelters and places they can go besides standing on the side of a highway. they are asking to be hit by someone who is having a bad day.

I don't give out money or anything to any one, I myself, struggle and I need my extra change.

 

Kimberly, I think all of us have had times in our lives when things get pretty bleak for one reason or the other. You make perfect sense, and I greatly appreciate your perspective.

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When I lived on the street, a group of us panhandled. We actually use the money for food. We were never dirty, we used the bathroom at the gas station to clean up (the owner knew we were homeless and even bought us shampoo and soap) Our clothing was hidden under a bridge, and sometimes when we had enough quarters we go wash them at the laundromat. I and two others also went to school. Yep, I panhandled...and I was 16 yrs old living on my own in the streets...but it was the only way to survive for those three months.

Nellie, you did it to survive and you weren't chiseling anyone. You've also gotten back up and are leading a productive life now. I'm honored you stopped by.

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What is it that makes you the expert on this subject, Ed? The fact that you have an opinion? Let me tell you a story.

My son has been "homeless" for the better part of the last year. He now has a home. But in that year, he has spent the majority of his time "living" (if you can call it that) in a dump of a hotel. He survived, just fine... BUT every hotel he stayed at was chock full of families; whole families of five or six, crammed into a single hotel room which maybe had a microfridge and if they were really lucky, a microwave as well. They weren't living there because they wanted to; they had been evicted when they lost their jobs, and the unemployment check wasn't enough to get them into a HOME. Maybe, if they were lucky, as well as resourceful, they could get food stamps... but probably not, as that is pretty  much a lost cause around here.

So... they got money how ever they could, to feed themselves as well as their children, until such time as they could get a job again (have you tried doing that lately, in our economy??)

I know, it's easier to believe they are just losers and users, but more and more, these days, they are just trying to survive. Yes, there are some who are too lazy to get a job, but that is NOT the rule. It IS the exception.

With the average age of the homeless person in the USA being 7 or less, do you think maybe we would be better off without people going around assuming that just because someone isn't starving, they don't need help?

A little less hate would not hurt.

Ummmmm Julie, I don't think I proclaimed myself an expert, just offered up my opinion. Like lots of people do here on Gather every day.

You have a good day,

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And, had you not said, "this is the rule, not the exception" I would not have taken offense. I wouldn't have liked this post, but I wouldn't have been offended, either.

Yes, they can "drive" you crazy, but I have seen one that has lost his legs. I get mad at the ones that have newer clothes than I do and get into nicer cars, But I have to hand it to the guy with the sign that says, "I won't lie, I need a beer"

Karen, that's rich, thanks!

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Personally I think you are mean.

If you see the same person in the same spot day after day you can almost bet it's a scam.  Just drive on.

I choose whom I wish to donate to.  I use to work with street people, don't anymore, I'm getting too old.  There are actually children who live on the streets, they break my heart.  Most of them aren't very loveable because they have developed survival skills that make them unloveable unless it suits them.  But they are human beings.  They like soda pop and candy the same as any child.  Give them your change.  It won't make any difference to you but it might buy a movie ticket for the child or even a loaf of bread for his family. 

I was at a local 7 Eleven store on a very cold winter day and the temperature was going to drop down to 5 degrees that night.  When I went in, there was a man digging through the trash out front and when he saw me he asked for a handout.  I ignored him but when I came out of the store I handed him a $20 bill.  He grabbed it an ran, actually ran away.  The lady inside came out and told me that I should not give my money to these people that there were places they could go for help and he was probably going to spend it on booze anyway.  I told her that it was my choice not hers and that I was not an idiot and I could give my money to whom I wished if I so wished.  It was going to be cold that night and if the man was going to die then he would die doing what made him happy.  Was I an enabler?  Probably.  Was he a lost cause?  Probably.  Did it make me feel good to give him some money?  You bet!  In some cities there are what I call "street preachers".  They walk up and down the city streets preaching God's word.  We have a tendency to take a wide berth around them because we know that they are not quite right in the head.  These are the magic people.  If you really want a surprise blessing then give some of your hard earned money to them.  It's true, you'll soon get a very unexpected blessing. 

Now quit being mean to people and behave yourself.  You're too old to act like a teenager.  Some people actually need help.

 

Lee, I recently came across a young man standing in the median with a cardboard sign which said, "Desperate Father. Please help. This could be you."

And, as much as I didn't want to admit it, it could be. I gave him $5, which was what I had, and he nearly cried. Was I a sucker? It doesn't matter to me. I told him, "I hope it helps" and he said, "God bless you."

I've seen him since, and I can't swear he's "the real thing." But how desperate does one have to be, at some point, to decide that's the best way to make a living?

I've decided to nickname you "Bubba".

Ummmmm Lee, where did I say I was against giving legitimately needy people help? We mean people need compassion too, you know.

Bubba

This is strictly MY opinion and no one else's. I am not speaking for the author, I wouldn't presume to do so, but speaking for myself. Here's what I got out of this article.

I agree with what he said about people 'scamming' for money. I have seen it for myself, here where I live and places I have traveled. I find it disgusting and heinous. (Example-in our local paper a woman was arrested for falsely claiming she had cancer. People held benefits for her, raising lots of money and she kept it. After a lengthy investigation, she was found to be a fraud, arrested on lots of charges and faces 42 years in jail. Good, I hope she serves the full sentence) Its people like that who make the rest of us think twice about helping people truly in need. It was my interpretation of the article, that was the type of person the author was talking about.

Not once, did I read a word where he was putting down those truly in need or refusing to help them.

Again, strictly my opinion, but since I agree with him, I guess you can nickname me "Bubbette" or anything else you deem fitting.

Bubbette?  LOL

I'm glad to hear that each of you has a charitable heart.  Don't don't push people into ant beds that's not nice and certainly won't correct the problem.  Gaining pleasure from such an action would put someone in a Bubba catagory in my difinition of Bubba.

Lee, you're a sweetie and I appreciate you. On the fire ant thing, however, I have to proudly proclaim myself a Bubba! 

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I remember your article about people calling you a "bad boy".... LOL.

You are a bad boy!

Lee, I still am quite fond of you, bad boys need friends, too!

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Lee, I love you.  Will you marry me?  We'll have Bubba be the best "bad boy"....  LOL

I agree.  There are a few that sit at the end of our street, just before getting to Hwy 441/27 that runs through Leesburg.  It burns me up that they get money from people when just down the street at McDonald's is a help wanted sign.  I say get a job but since they don't appear to have a home they won't be hired without an address.  They know exactly what they are doing and they don't get a penny from me.  If they are hungry...I will make them a sandwich, but odds are they don't want that.  I have actually had them approach the car if the window is down and when I roll up the window, I am called a few choice words and flipped the bird.   I never even look at them any more.  They are just the same as the garage sale signs on the side of the road as far as I'm concern.  Actually, I pay more attention to the signs.

Karen, I've been cursed more than once by the offer to buy these types food, it's not what they want. I have no sympathy for chiselers at all.

Smoochies darlin',

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I am with you on that one too darlin'.  I don't need someone to call me an f#$%#&* bitch.  I wear the sign proudly.  I guess I can be called Bubbett...I have enough trouble keeping my bills paid and my food bought without having someone else to think they need my money.  That is what we pay taxes for...get Medicaid, but then that would take effort on their part to also get a job.  I sound harsh I know but I work hard for what I have and I don't intend to give it to some panhandler on the side of the road.  GET A FREAKING JOB!!!!!!!   Sorry the Southern is coming out of me...lol

When one cannot shower, one will not get a job. There are too many people out there who CAN shower, for an employer to choose the one who doesn't smell very good. Also... try getting a call back from a potential employer, when one doesn't have a phone. It won't happen.

I don't disagree with giving someone a sandwich instead of money, but that doesn't help with buying diapers or formula or putting a roof over the kids' head.

If they make money by begging and get enough, there are hotels in the area that they can get a room to get a shower.  They choose to live in the woods behind the ABC and not shower.  I know because it is just down the road from the house.  There is also the Baptist church that provides shelter that has showers and clean clothes.  There is a convienent store across the street from where they stand that has a clothing bend with clothes that they can get from there as well.  They have the means of someone helping them but they choose to beg for money and I am certain that some of them have the money to at least get a room for one night and shower.  Some of them are wearing new clothes and smoking and so that means them must have something.

Julie, sorry, but people like me pay out over half our earnings to subsidize a whole lot of people's various needs out there. I refuse to be made to feel guilty for not helping even more of them. And if you go to job interviews without bathing or without having a means to be contacted, what do you expect will happen - is the employer supposed to will the person to work?

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Some of them do that, Karen. I agree. It's just the generalizations that I'm having a problem with.

I don't want you to feel guilty for not helping. I don't care whether you help or not. I honestly don't. But don't assume that they are all losers and users. Please... there is enough hate without that.

Julie, I know there are legitimately needy people. I just don't think the interstate ramp types are amongst them, at least not many of them are.

Just my opinion,

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I was at choir practice at a local church last fall. Our performance was to be a fundraiser for Operation Santa Claus, to buy Christmas presents for children in need. This man walked in (it was 9 pm, church out in the middle of nowhere) crying, said he was in between jobs, had a special needs child who needed diapers and special baby formula. We immediately passed a hat around. I had the sum total of $5 in my wallet and put it in. (This was Monday, didn't get paid until Thursday, $ was my daughter's lunch money, but I felt he needed it more than she did). We gave him over $100. When we went to practice the next week, we found out that it was a total scam, that he had hit up every other church in the area in the past few weeks, with a different story each time, sometimes a sick wife, sometimes he's sick, has no home, has no job, whatever. And people wonder why we are jaded...

For anyone who wants to find out what the real face of homelessness in America looks like:

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/who.html

Julie, I don't hate them...I hate what they do and I am not saying all of them are doing it but when someone uses their children or animals to beg for money, I have a problem.  I do help people, when I know they are helping themselves.  I work with a lady that is raising 3 boys...teens and I am sure she doesn't always have enough to eat so I will pick up fresh fruits and veggies for her and the boys.  She has medical problems and can't get help from the system because she makes too much money...just not enough to pay for everything and food.  But when I see children being used to beg money or they have pets that they use to get money then there is something wrong.  The ones that take advantage of good people give the ones that really need help a bad wrap.  If they truly have a problem, then they will take the avenues that it takes to get the help they need and not just beg for money.  There is a system out there that will help...churches, Medicaid and such.  Believe me, I don't feel guilty for not giving them money when they make more than I do by begging and people give it to them.  No not all of them, like I said but they are there.

I have no issue with what you have said, Karen. Honestly, it's none of our "responsibility" to feed them or whatever and by no means do I feel that someone who chooses not to, should feel guilty. Not at all. I just don't like it when people say that the honest ones are the "rule" rather than the exception. That is simply false, and inciting more hate is not the answer.

Ed, I think you opened a can of worms...LOL.  I guess I have strong feelings about this subject and didn't mean to sound heartless.  Everyone forgive me if I did.  I just don't like to be taken advantage of and that is what SOME of those people do.

Karen, I think most everyone realizes no one is advocating not helping legitimately needy people here. All my article said was, in my experience, the "interstate ramp" types are not typically legitimately needy. And it's just my opinion.

One thing about it, darlin' - I damn sure know now people are reading my stuff!

Smoochies,

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Ed, I always enjoy your articles.  I love it when it hits a nerve with others and you get feed back.  I know mine is probably adding to some of the negative but I am with you on this...It is everywhere and something needs to be done about it.    You are a hero of sorts to me because you will state your opinion no matter what.  A man with a mind and not afraid to share what is on it.   Good for you.

Karen, I'd give you some smoochies if I wasn't blushin' so much, you're too good to me!

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Darlin', I just calls 'em as I sees 'em.  You're a Gather hero.  Smoochies to you too.

One thing people don't realize is that a homeless are also mentally ill. They have been tossed into the streets and are left to fend for themselves. Recently I read somewhere that an elderly lady was in the hospital, and they needed the bed...she had no home, so they put her in a cab to a homeless shelter with a note saying she needed meds and her stitches out in a week. The shelter turned her aside because they had no room. The woman was found two days later dead in an alley way.

When people stop caring and assume, someone usually dies as a result, and it isn't the one who is assuming, but the one people stop caring about.

I don't totally disagree with what you are saying but not all are mentally ill and need help.  There are people that are on fixed incomes that need meds and can't afford them but because they make too much money on their alloted checks, they can't get their meds.  This article covers so much but in reality, the scam of the interstate beggars, puts so many that truly need help in the group with them.  It isn't just nor is it right but how do you tell the difference when they are all doing the same thing.  Most people that are really homeless, are usually too proud to beg and will try to help themselves in some manner...either by working odd jobs and finding shelter if at all possible and not using the money for beer, wine and drugs.  I know there is a problem and if I knew who really needed help, I would be one of the first out there to help.  I see the same men at the same corner everyday, changing who mans the corner at certain times.  It is the same dozen or so people that live in the woods by the ABC Liquior Store.  I have seen them get money and head for the ABC and get their booze when they are handed money. 

If they truly wanted the money for food then that is what they would get, not the booze. 

I grew up with a mom that worked 3 jobs, didn't know when we would have money for food because the rent and other bills took all she had trying to raise 3 kids.  I have lived on beans and bread and been there but didn't know we were poor.  I know what it is like to do without all the nice things and my mom didn't know there was a thing such as assistance from the government.  She was taught to work hard for what you have and God will help those that helps themselves...and He didn't mean to others things and money.  I have worked hard for everything that I have and have never asked anyone for help...even when I didn't have enough for food.  I prayed and God would provide. I know that takes faith and most of those "homeless" don't have that but when I have nothing else...I have God.

My fiance's older brother passed away four years ago after being homeless since his teens. He had various mental issues and his eyesight was failing. He was trying to make it to California because their medical program would have gotten him help with his eyesight. He never made it. My fiance wired him money to wherever he was in the country he was whenever he placed a phone call. My fiance also tried to have him committed to a psychiatric hospital but the law would not help because he wasn't proven to be a harm to himself or others. My fiance was homeless during his teens too because of an abusive stepfather. He was a lot luckier than his brother. He was able to couch surf, finish high school, and get a job that has led to a very successful career. If he had the same mental problems as his brother this might not have been the case. There are a lot of scam artists out there but there are also some real cases who don't go to shelters or try to find a place to clean up and get a job because they are mentally ill. I'm offended by scamming panhandlers but I'm even more offended by the people who have opportunities, such as Bernie Madoff, and still scam people. Giving a dollar to a panhandler won't ruin your life, but handing over your pension plan to a white-collar scam artist will.

Actually Holly, Madoff scammed people who should have known better, and most were in no danger of starving. Your overall point is great, thanks for your insight.

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Yes some of the people who were scammed by Madoff had money invested in other places and had something to fall back on. However, retired janitors and school teachers also invested their entire life savings with Madoff and had nothing to fall back on.We live in an area that was widely affected by Madoff. My fiance is in the grocery business and has met men and women in their 80's and 90's who have had to go back to work at WalMart and Publix because they lost everything.

And the fact that people should have "known better" is not an excuse for Madoff's crimes. Many of the people who should have "known better" were close family friends of the Madoffs for decades. I can understand being scammed by a stranger on the street but you should be able to trust a life long "friend."

Damn, Ed. I wrote about this subject a few months back and I got beat up pretty good in the comments. There's a guy who regularly works a shopping center near us. He's got a begger's uniform- beat up coat, ragged clothes, long beard and shaggy hair.

I saw him again last week and he's changed into his summer uniform of a beat up tee shirt and jeans plus an iPod. He's not even hiding it! He was reclining under a tree, smoking a cig, and searching out music on his iPod.

EM JAY, it's been no picnic here either, but the truth is the truth. Stuff like what you just mentioned happens all the time.

Smoochies darlin', always good to see you here,

E3

Christina, my point exactly, some of the chiselers of the world know that appearing truly needy is the best disguise of all.....

Le smoochies,

E3

So many of the "homeless" and panhandlers you see anymore are rarely that bad off, as Christina said, most of them just want cash so they can get their next fix (of whatever they want.)

This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!

Thanks Chelle, it's a pleasure to be "thrown off" Comment Speedway!

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It is because of people focusing on the ones who are false that many prefer to assume all are. There are too many people out there who fall through the cracks of the system and are hungry, or doing without. As a single parent, I went without food so my kids would have what they needed to grow. People never believed I had problems because I am obese. Many have been surprised at how little I eat sometimes. It is the times that I have extra that I binged that kept me large. Your body begins to store everything you eat first. You have no energy and it only makes things worse, but what choice did I have, my kids were growing, and had to go to school. I never panhandled, though I know some who did. Don't let those who scam cause you to ASSUME about anyone. It isn't always evident who is and isn't homeless and hungry. If you are worried, offer them a meal, not money. Offer them groceries, anything but cash. If they don't want it, you know they are  scamming and can choose not to support them. Keep in mind it would be just as frightening to go someplace with a stranger. I guess I agree with Spencer. I would rather give a few dollars to a scam artist, then to miss somebody truly in need because of assumptions.

I agree Lisa, you can't judge a book by it's cover in most cases. I'm super skinny and I look underfed in the summer, because of genetics. However I've never been in a situation where I had to go without. You are right about it being frightening to go off with a stranger. There have been cases of serial killers luring homeless people with the promise of a free meal in the same fashion that child molestors have lured kids by asking them to help find their puppies.

With all due respect, I think it's in how you look at it. My experience has been that these interstate ramp guys are scams, so I don't donate anything anymore. Y'alls has been to give because your consciences tell you to. I think, in the end, it all comes down to your experiences and what your instincts tell you to do.

Excellent comments, ladies.

E3

Ed,

I do respect your comments and views. I understand them as well, but I have seen the other side of the coin too often I guess. I just wish my expenses allowed me to do more for others.

Hugs and Blessings my friend, experience is all any of us really go on!

Lisa, you're a sweet lady, a class act, and I love ya to death. It's good we can all discuss something like this, disagree on some points, yet all be civil to each other.

Double smoochies to a very special lady,

E3

Discussion leads to understanding, and that is better for all of us!

Thank you for your kind words, and smoochies always accepted! LOL

Hi Ed!,

You actually hit a tough note for me. While the majority of these people are employed [with your tax dollars] as employees "awareness groups there are still many who are hungry and homeless. Those who are really hungry and homeless are usually arrested and or incarcerated but those who you see day after day on the same place are often times working. That is their job. The money they get from Joe Public are "tips" and some areas you will actually find that they have a permit to be there that is why they are not hauled off. One of the most disgusting human beings are those who profit off the misfortunes of others without so much as lending a hand. Much like many "women's rights" groups I have had to deal with.

Great observations, BLL, a pleasure having you with us today!

E3

Unfortunately it is more than just an observation. I do work for a number of different "industries" and dealt with this issue in the early 90's. In one area I drove up and down highways getting off at every exit for 45 days and going to places where these people were known to be. Out of about 200 encounters only about 10 were really homeless and too often they would end up losing whatever anyone gave them when arrested. That was certain to happen especially if an organized group "claimed" the intersection as their own and often times they were the ones filing the complaint to the police. Government fraud is big business.

Offer one a job and see what happens. If they accept they are most likely legit. Chances of that are slim though. It is funny how when an organization does it it is fine but when an individual does it is a crime. I'm not even a fan of the "fill the boot" campaigns and have no problems letting them know. I got stuck on a road for almost two hours one day because of one of these. It takes about 10 minutes to get from one end to the other but it is one way and there are not roads off to the side. I got a spot inspection at the end. I wonder why.

Gosh golly whiz, I can't figure it out, BLL!

Great comments by the way, very good, insightful stuff.

E3

Excellent points!

And you're an excellent lady!

E3

When I first became sober ten years ago part of the counseling focused on not being enablers to others who wish to use alcohol and drugs.  I know not all panhandlers fall under this category but many do.  I will offer food or clothing but giving money is something I prefer not to do.  I can not stop and help every pan handler I meet but by donating to charities that provide homeless shelters and soup kitchens I know that some people are going to be helped.  In my area we do not see many pan handlers who are on the roadsides.  We do have people who stalk parking lots and will approach you with a sob story about running out of gas or needing a to take a cab to get to their ill mother.  Sorry but I don't buy into these scams.  It is also dangerous to approach people in parking lots.  No way am I rolling down my window for any stranger.

Linda, astute comments, always good to have you in the house!

Smoochies,

E3

Hi,

I'm in small-town, middle of nowhere, in Connecticut and there aren't any shelters close-by us. While we've never been homeless, we've been close to it and we also know where the homeless set up camp around here. We don't usually see anyone panhandling, but what we do see is those going through garbage, looking for bottles to cash in and we've also seen them buying food that they didn't have to cook, with the cash-ins. We've done fill-in volunteer work at our local food pantry, which, due to the economy, is only open two days a week, for 2 1/2 hours, and had someone drive the homeless to it, they did smell and nobody would've offered them jobs--but we went through whatever we had, that didn't actually have to be cooked and added as many personal care items as we could - we run out of a lot, and I make soap, lotions, chapsticks, etc's, as food stamps, even if people can get them, which many cannot, as  where you would appy for them around here isn't very close to us, a few towns away and we have no bus service..., so many don't ever get the chance to apply for food stamps of medical aid.

Where the homeless camps are and we know of two, are near the Connecticut river, one in our town, one the next town over and people and families do live there. Bathe in that dirty river too.

Also, if one is on disability, which my husband is, for a couple - you have to make less then $1,500.00 per month to qualify for any amount of food stamps or medical for me, so we have nothing, as I'm not able to work. We both look at it this way--would on earth wouldn't rather work than go without? With the recent layoffs of over 500+, on top of so many things going out of business here, it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better.

I'll help with whatever I can, but I don't even "have" change to give. We're lucky, we have two rooms that we can live in here, many don't have that. We know of one couple that has permission to live behind Dunkin' Donuts as long as they keep their old car behind the building. I guess you just never know...

Good article,

Marilyn

Marilyn, thank you, excellent comment as well!

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A sizzling article, Ed, good for you.  I have to say that I've seen both sides of the coin, and have a number of stories I could relate.  But what they all come down to is you have to develop that 'third eye' of discernment when it comes to whether or not to give money to panhandlers.  It is a tough choice no matter how you look at it.  Take care!

Joyce, in the end, its up to all of us to decide just how much we want to do. Con artists in this racket live for the "soft touch" amongst us, and I guess to me it comes down to this - I want to do my part, but I get sick of being railed at about how I ought to do something. That gets really, really old.

Excellent comment, darlin'!

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I have been homeless before. It is not fun not knowing when you would eat or can find a decent place to sleep. It also depends on what city and what part of the country you are in for help.

I see a panhandler and if I have a few bucks I will give it. I don't want to ever take the chance of "the what if's". I'd rather help than not.

BTW......where I live it is illegal to panhandler unless you have a license to do so. Many do it with out. Some are scam artist, some are down right lazy. But some are actually in need of help and appreacite every little bit they get. The worse part is you are seeing more middle class people become homeless because of the economy. Me,  I can't tell which are scams and which aren't. I choose to help when I can to whom I see.

Minipin, a license to panhandle? How would the person afford it in the first place?

Thanks for your comments, they were both thoughtful and touching.

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Yes, they must have a license to panhandle. Isn't that just crazy?
Not sure how someone could afford it, I personally think it was a stupid rule  because someone didn't think the panhandlers were a good look for a tourist state....in other words greed had a play in it.

You brougt up a great discussion.

Darlin', it's always good when you hang out with us, come back whenever you can.

Smoochies,

E3

D, I think lots of municipalities have panhandling ordinances in effect, USA Today recently did a feature about some of them. And what are panhandlers doing but accosting law abiding citizens for money?

I do appreciate your comment, we just disagree a bit on this one,

E3

Yeah, you can always sniff out the imposters by offering them ANYTHING but money. lol We have ALOT of them where I live, and I've become familiar with a few of them, meaning I pass by a certain on-ramp a few times a day everyday, and it's always the same guy. I have a question.... how do they determine who gets what ramp? What if you want someone else's ramp? Do they all get together at the beginning of the day and decide? Are there perks for seniority?
I think there is a place to help homeless people, and an interstate ramp isn't(in my opinion) the place to do it. They play on the guilt of people, cuz even if anyone suspects they're crooks, are they going to take the time to investigate before donating? Hell no! They're in the friggin turn lane waiting for an arrow to get on the interstate!!!!!

One time I actually passed a guy on a bike, he was headed towards the interstate, it's not uncommon to see people on their bikes.... an hour later when I came back by to get off the interstate, I saw the same bike hidden behind the retaining wall, and the man was across the intersection wearing much more ragged clothes than he'd been wearing when I passed him before.... so this is where he was headed?!?!?! I thought, "A**hole!" and I rolled my window down and yelled, "GET A JOB!!!" He flipped me off, and I returned the favor... he knew I was onto him....

Mandy, I should've let you write this article, your post is great, my darlin'!

Smoochies,

E3

Ed, we live in a small surburban area, not any of those vagrants here, although many people do dress the part. I have seen them along the entrance ramp to bridges out in New Orleans. The best part, they have a femal and small children in a tent trying to work on everyone's sympathies, and this method does work. They can't live on public grounds, so at night they go where ever they come from but this is allowed.
Here in Louisiana, the homeless can get foodstamps as long as they have an adress to send the benefits too, they can also draw welfare, ssi, and social security with the same stipulation. So say this family got foodstamps for the four of them, plus a welfare check that would run about 300 bucks per months, that's at least 650 per month. Now this is no way enough to live off of, but with the money they are bringing in, heck they should be able to afford a mansion.
The best one was an old man standing at the road begging to work for food, yet he had a beer in his hand, I had to laugh, I wonder if that method worked for him at all.
Momma says that when she was little these vagrants would go from house to house seeing if the homeowner needed any work done. They would return everyday til the job was finished. My grandma would make sure they had a hot plate of food for lunch and supper, now we don't even want these people in our city, much less working at our houses, but they do have the life of reilly!

Stephanie, damn good post, makes you wonder what in the world people are thinking, doesn't it?

Double smoochies,

E3