[Porsche-O-Phile]

I cannot in good conscience help someone who won't help themselves. I just can't. It's not how I was raised and it's inconsistent with my values.

OTOH, if someone is REALLY trying to help themselves (i.e. they do something with their lives other than trying to bum money off of total strangers), I try to help. I always tip generously (except if service is lousy), I try to be kind and friendly to those people I encounter in the course of their work days, etc.

I'm generally opposed to "handouts", but support self-betterment programs for people that just need a little assistance improving their situation (the ones that are actively trying to do so by availing themselves of charity and assistance programs, etc.) I also can see it in myself to support victims of crimes (abuse, rape, etc.) to some extent. But hand money to the average bum on the street? Hell no. I can't respect someone that won't respect themselves and frankly to go up to a total stranger and ask them for money shows a bottomless lack of self-respect.

One "good" thing about southern CA - if you live here and don't work, you're not working because you don't WANT to. There are way more than enough jobs where everyone can find one. I truly believe that. As such, those who choose the path of the bum elicit little respect from me and I certainly don't fund their choices.

I imagine in a place like India it's a bit more difficult because of the caste system too - some people are simply destined to live in poverty from birth with no chance of ever elevating themselves. Very sad. Of course one can ask the question, "what the hell are people in such conditions/crushing poverty doing having babies". I know I sure as hell wouldn't want to bring someone into the world knowing they'd have no future. Doing so seems the height of selfishness.