Quote:
|
Hmmm...you make it sound as if I'm a sucker for slipping them a buck or two when they're standing on the median with a sign. Okay, well, I've had that same feeling (that I'm a sucker) more than once.
|
Even though you can weed out some of those who aren't really in need at first sight, chance are pretty good that you've been "suckered" a certain percentage of the time.
I know I sound like a hardass on this, but I'm not. Over the years I've actually helped a couple families get back on their feet; what amazed me is that the single biggest things they needed to get back on their feet was an address and phone to use so they could get a permanent job.
Quote:
|
But what do you mean by "it takes a little more effort..."? On whose part? The homeless or mine?
|
Well, on your's, but I didn't mean to suggest it was "lazy" to give a bum a buck. The way I see it, if you seek out a legit shelter (which I'm there are plenty in LA), and make a donation there, your dollars will get someone a blanket and a warm meal and not go to cigs, booze, drugs. Giving them cash can feed a bad habit, whereas a shelter will give them what they really need. The scammer won't go to the shelter because he doesn't really need it. Maybe I'm all wet on this, but I do give charitably when I can and try to look for the most real use per dollar; not just a reciept for my taxes.
Hard to believe that I'm a conservative who voted for "W", huh?