Beggars

[glatt]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

I think maybe we've got a little homeless-person Bradley effect going on here.

The Cellar is either unusually generous, or I think you are right. The overwhelming majority of people (in this city anyway) just walk past homeless panhandlers as if they are part of the landscape, like a tree or fire hydrant or something. Like they are invisible. I at least make eye contact with them and answer them when they ask me for money. But somebody must be giving them money, or they probably wouldn't bother asking for it.

I think the frequency of contact with panhandlers might have something to do with it too.

There was a law passed in DC about ten years ago that said that panhandlers can't block your path when they are asking for money. It used to be they would step in front of you so you would have to walk around them. The begging was worse back then. Now at least they stay to the side.

I'm sympathetic to them and sometimes feel guilty as I walk past someone whose face clearly shows they are in a desperate situation, but that's why I give to charities that are designed to help the homeless. It eases the conscience knowing that there is food for them nearby because I've already helped pay for it. I also marched in a "help the homeless" fund raising thing a couple of weeks ago. Got a t-shirt and everything.

But there is no way I'm going to give them money so they can shoot up again.