beggars?

[coco clown]

do you give to beggars on the street or do you walk past and pretend they are not there?

[DottyH]

No I imagine the weight of their wheelbarrow when they go to collect their state benefit and just sneer at the loathesome waste of resources

[saxy_jag]

Neither. I acknowledge their existance by actually speaking to them, saying good morning/afternoon or whatever, but explaining that I'm just not in a position to give them money. Most of them accept my explanation and wish me well.

They may be homeless and penniless, but they're still people, and certainly not worthless. I can think of nothing ruder and more contemptuous than ignoring someone on the streets, and I just couldn't do it.

[##Wardy##]

I would never give them money. It will only go on booze or drugs. When I am feeling philanthropic, i buy them some food and their dog (if they have one).

However, the eastern european begger that have at times infiltrated my village, I would happily shoot. They are the scum of the earth.

[curiosity]

It depends, some "beggars" I have seen around looking a lot better when not sitting in town begging! Some consistently look down and out, and I usually buy a cheese pasty from Greggs or something and offer them it, if I have no time or money, I will always acknowledge them with a smile. Sometimes I am with my 6 six year old daughter and I couldn't just walk past, what lesson is that teaching her. But I do explain to her why people arn't happy to give money i.e the scams, drugs, etc. Sometimes I give money. I always give money to buskers.

[curlylfim]

wardy, you first part is very true, though i could not possibly comment on the second part, except to say i used to pass those kind outside harrods, any it was funny as they were wearing, under their dirty, worn clothes, better shoes than i have.......get what i mean
i just usually smile and am courteous to them, and will give them a sandwiche or drink....
the only thing that gets me, is after living in south london, where there are real beggers, the ones round home on the south coast, just look like some work shy laybouts, collecting for their next pint..........

[curlylfim]

wardy your first part was very true,
i just could not comment on your second part...lol
but i used to encounter those kind outside harrods, i always thought it was strange that under their worn dirty clothes, they wore lots of gold, and had better trainers than me.............strange?

[Agent_Smith]

when i was on holiday in portugal last year a busker stopped his performance to tell a beggar "have you no proffesional conduct" to which the begger walked off???

[DottyH]

probably was due to sign on

[curiosity]

On the Paris metro an obvious old pro got on with his accordian playing some real parisian tunes, then went round with his hat, only to the obvious tourists. The regulars looked at us as if we were being done, but actually the kids loved it and it really made their day.

[noxlumos]

Yes I give to them. There but for the Grace of God go you or I.
People die on the streets everyday of cold, hunger, untreated terminal illness and I think the least anyone can do is to give them a quid. They are human beings and deserve to be treated as such.

[notfrom-fiji]

i always say hello then walk on....ive done it for so long now that they dont ask anymore they just say hi!!

[noxlumos]

You are right wardy yeah it probably does go on drugs and drink, and I have been known to buy em a big mac instead if I have the time, but I'd rather give than not, because they then have the choice.

[Noseyparker]

Not exactly beggars, but I do my bit by buying Big Issue whenever I see a vendor. It is a really interesting read. I tried it for the first time after listening to a very bizarre conversation between two very posh ladies in a toilet queue in Cheltenham,they were comparing BI with womens weekly and BI won.

[curlyfilm"]

your just a kind soul. nox,
wardy is right, but it makes you feel good

[curiosity]

Nox & Wardy, I have had this debate before and it is a moral dilemma. A lot of people use the opinion that the money is maintaining the persons drug or alcohol problem, and therefore life on the streets, a vicious circle so to speak, so they do the right thing and don't give at all. I feel some people use this excuse which seems altruistic in nature, but in fact is an excuse, and an uncaring one. If anyone feels so strongly about it as saxy-jag says you can talk, and as wardy give food or warmth. However, the debate was a lot about us making choices on behalf of these people by giving them food and not money. Some believing that if we really were being giving, then we would not judge them on the fact that they use drugs or alcohol, and would give, regardless of what they are using the money for, and no doubt bringing real cheer into their lives at that moment.

[noxlumos]

Yeah exactly curiosity. People have to be self determining at all time, even if they make the wrong choices imho.

[Coobeastie]

I'd rather give to a charity than direct to a beggar....hence my standing order with Shelter.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/home/index.cfm

[raysparx1]

Some are genuine some are crafty gits who claim benefit and then go begging, I never give money but I offer to buy them a sandwich and a cup of tea,you soon tell the genuine ones half of them tell me to fcuk off,others are so greatfull and what has it cost me ? 10 minutes of my time and about �3, I don't have a problem with that.