Panhandling - with a twist

Van Johnston said:
When I get approached like that I reply that I won't give them money but I will buy whatever they need. Have bought several people meals at fast food restaurants for people who were genuinely needy, and genuinely appreciative. Have had several people say no thanks and walk away.

The best one was in an LAX parking garage some 25 yrs ago. Young man gave me a sob story about how he lost his wallet and plane ticket (this back in the day before tickets were ticketless) and needed $250 or whatever to go see his dying mother and OBTW his brother-in-law was some famous athlete (don't remember who) who would re-pay me $350. I said "I won't give you any money but I will buy your ticket. Let's go inside the terminal." He said "aw, forget it man," turned around and walked away visibly upset that his scam did not work.
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I do the same. Every time I've offered to actually pay for a couple gallons of gas they get aggravated and walk off. Some get pretty creative and will stand on a corner near a gas station with an empty red gas can in their hand.
 
Sac Arrow said:
I generally agree with that, although there are probably times when someone needs food like real soon or else and they might be dozens of miles from the nearest shelter.
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Maybe it used to be this way, (though I have my doubts), but today? You could say "no" 50 times and the odds the person actually needed it are zero.
 
I should try that at my airport. I need cash to finish my cfi and my wife cut my flyin funds off. Only need a few hundred.
 
Captain said:
And that's why I dislike the right.
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I think you confuse me with the right, I don't like either extreme. But to the extreme liberal democrat, every one else is the right.

both of our political parties are left of center liberal parties, and one being better than the other is simply a matter of opinion.

Me I think they are both bad, and the condition of our country is the proof.
 
Sac Arrow said:
Yeah as a general rule I don't give money to panhandlers, although it isn't an absolute rule. I might depending on the circumstances. I'll tolerate homeless people or those down on their luck, but I hate scammers. Usually scammers are easy to spot but I didn't see this one coming.
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I have never given money (or advice) to a panhandler. While it's possible that one you encounter is legitimate, the odds are very low. I don't mean to say that some folks need/deserve help but for the most part anyone able to stand around collecting handouts is capable of actually earning enough to get by on.
 
Captain said:
And that's why I dislike the right. Do bad stuff and blame blame blame the other side. Hypocrites.
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While I consider myself an independent with conservative leanings I have to agree that the GOP (and especially the ultra right) have perfected the art of blame as a political weapon. Of course the donkeys try just as hard at this, they just aren't as good at it.
 
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