Urban Dwellers Petty Theft Rant

[mtelliott]

Rant.

I occasionally go to a local fast food restaurant for lunch. Every time I'm there, I see these urban dwellers that come in, buy a burrito and ask for a water glass (free). They then walk over to the soda machine and fill up with the soda of their choice. Lately, I see them bring in their own cup, skip the food, and fill up directly with soda. I look at them and know that I’m paying for their petty theft. I never say anything but it ticks-me-off to no end. The place knows it happens and does nothing about it. I know we’re only talking pennies but the principle ticks me off.

I just want to confront them but know that no one really cares so what good will it do. The same can be said for the pan handlers that litter our city. People give these people money on a regular basis. I think, get a freaking job. And then I realize; that is their job. They take tax free money from folks.

Rant Over

[Clowd]

Are they homeless? or are they just prick kids who spend their parent's money on drugs instead of food?

If they are homeless.. it's quite possible that they CAN'T get a job.. and maybe you should think about having a little sympathy?

If they are just ******* kids, then I can understand why you are angry.

edit: Also, what resteraunt is it? If it's just a McDonalds or something, they make BILLIONS... they should be happy to give away a few cents to the less fortunate.

[concentric]

I don't think this behaviour pattern is limited to the urban poor. It's always me me me.

[911S Targa]

They arent losing money because he is filling up with soda. That why you can continue to get refills while your in the resturant. They make their money off of you cup sale. The free cups, they just eat the price, since they get those cheap.

[mtelliott]

CLOWD: These aren't homeless, they are people who choose to feed off society. I do have pity for those in need. These aren't them. And, it's Taco Bell. Yes, they make billions. But, do you think they take the hit? Customers always pay for theft with higher prices. Yeah, my taco only cost a penny more because of it.

Hey, I just needed to rant. I'm just sick of the kids around here who would rather spoon off society that be a responsible, productive member.

I recognize that bad stuff happens to people. That's no excuse to use it as an excuse for the rest of your life. I'm grew up with "suck it up and deal with it". My dad worked two plus jobs to make sure I could get ahead. He was a poor farm boy that just wanted to make a better life. He comes from a long line that did the same. I do the same for my kids.

Rant over (again). Can you tell it's been a bad week at work.

[mtelliott]

And one other thing, how do you tell the truly needy from the sponges?

[cegerer]

This is a moral problem not related to one's income. I know people who think nothing of, say, 'buying' a portable DVD player for a weekend trip then returning it for a full refund the following week. I've even seen people buy a dress for a special event, wear it, then return it. It's an attitude of 'I can get away with it, so why not'.

[rcecale]

I say we should get those murderous, blood-thirsty military guys in there and have them shoot anyone who doesn't want to pay!l!

Randy

[Clowd]

Originally posted by mtelliott
CLOWD: These aren't homeless, they are people who choose to feed off society. I do have pity for those in need. These aren't them. And, it's Taco Bell. Yes, they make billions. But, do you think they take the hit? Customers always pay for theft with higher prices. Yeah, my taco only cost a penny more because of it.

Hey, I just needed to rant. I'm just sick of the kids around here who would rather spoon off society that be a responsible, productive member.

I recognize that bad stuff happens to people. That's no excuse to use it as an excuse for the rest of your life. I'm grew up with "suck it up and deal with it". My dad worked two plus jobs to make sure I could get ahead. He was a poor farm boy that just wanted to make a better life. He comes from a long line that did the same. I do the same for my kids.

Rant over (again). Can you tell it's been a bad week at work.

Hey man I'm not trying to take a stab at you I'm just asking if they seem like they NEED to steal or not.. I can understand your anger and I need to rant too sometimes..

[Burnin' oil]

Clowd,

If they "need" to steal is it justified theft?

[mtelliott]

CLOWD: No disrespect intended.

[Clowd]

Originally posted by Burnin' oil
Clowd,

If they "need" to steal is it justified theft?

Depends on who they are stealing from. I know I would steal from a taco bell if I had no other means of feeding myself.

[Burnin' oil]

There is no "need" for soda and no justifiable rationalization for stealing it.

[ErVikingo]

Locally if you give money to panhandlers you get fined.

The government's rationale is that the county provides shelters and food. The problem is that some less fortunate prefer to get in on the street as they get more and are not controlled to spending it in food, clothes or housing.

Its a shame. We donate to recognized charities locally and hope it makes it to the intended recipients.

As to petty theft, its ridiculous and we do pay for it. I'll give you another example, office supplies. My office supply bill is normally 3 times higher during back to school times...

I have resorted to giving the parents in the office a back to school gift bag with pens, pencils and a notepad.

[MikeCT]

Sounds like CrimthInc to me.

[mikester]

AT some point being homeless becomes a lifestyle choice.

These people I do not help. I help the shelters and the organizations that are helping the people who want help. IF you want help from me - go there - that is where my money goes to charity.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Did you ever stop to think how much money places make off soda? It's freaking insane the kickbacks restaurants get from Coke or Pepsi simply by signing an "exclusive rights" agreement. ANY restaurant pushes soda like mad because it's pure profit - it costs them NOTHING.

It's ridiculous; the WATER is more expensive than the soda (which is pure crap) at most restaurants now. Ridiculous. I say if they want to steal it, let 'em. Who cares. It's pretty much a victimless crime.

[turbo6bar]

Originally posted by Clowd
Are they homeless? or are they just prick kids who spend their parent's money on drugs instead of food?

If they are homeless.. it's quite possible that they CAN'T get a job.. and maybe you should think about having a little sympathy?

If they are really in need, why do they need to drink Coke? Can they not drink water?

[turbo6bar]

Originally posted by Porsche-O-Phile
It's ridiculous; the WATER is more expensive than the soda (which is pure crap) at most restaurants now. Ridiculous. I say if they want to steal it, let 'em. Who cares. It's pretty much a victimless crime.

Yeah, let's all go steal some gasoline. It's a victimless crime.

[304065]

Hmm, it doesn't seem to be hurting Yum! Brands, the parent of Taco Bell!

Maybe they should keep it up, perhaps give it away free!

Maybe have a soda "Fountainhead?"