So for the last few years there has been a homeless couple who have been dawning their please help me signs at the signal down by the freeway not too far from where we live. I'm guessing it has been at least to some degree a pretty lucrative location otherwise, why would they continue to stay there?
My issue is this. The woman seems to have a little trouble with controlled substances, or maybe I am the one who has the problem because I have never seen the person next to her with whom she seems to be having an in depth conversation with. Her husband or boyfriend or collegue or whoever that guy is across the street working the opposite corner is too far away to be able to hear her, so I know she isn't talking to him. I'm just saying, perhaps if she would pay a little more attention to her potential customers, she might make a lot more money and could possibly get herself out of this situation. Hey lady, I'll pay for some of your pity but you have to sell it to me instead of talking to "Mr. Perfectly Fabricated" over there.
WOW! Look at me over here swinging my gavel around pretending to know more about her industry than she does. I wouldn't presume to let her tell me about labor scheduling, logistics, profit margins or the like. So why the Hell would she listen to me trying to tell her that she needs to improve on her sitting around on the median and having people give her money while she talks to an invisible buddy like a bunch of old southern drunken men sitting in a barber shop reflecting on the war in Korea and that twister that missed town by a "kwarter mal layast nawt."
It's interesting how often times you see the same people day in and day out and yet, you really don't know anything about each other and probably never will. These two homeless cats might be the coolest people ever, and I will more than likely never give myself the opportunity to find out. I certainly wouldn't want to interupt her conversation, and he is over there on the other side of the road trying to make a living. I hope they make enough cash today to find a nice warm place to sleep.
Sadly, I'm sure they both go home to a nice warm house that costs more to maintain than I can afford. If they've been on those same corners for years, you're likely right that it's a lucrative career. And makes it difficult for ppl who DO need help and are willing to work for it.
ReplyDeleteSorry. Pet Peeve.
It Peeves me too. There is or used to be a guy at Venice Beach who would roll around on a little makeshift cart all day like Eddie Murphy in Trading Places and make money as a "Homeless guy" then at the end of his shift would walk to his Rolls Royce and drive home.
ReplyDeleteI feel hardhearted but I do not ever give to panhandlers. I just feel like they are scamming. I mean, I guess it's a job, but I do not want to be a customer. I do give to donations to Salvation Army and Goodwill and sometimes to the food bank, but I do not think we need to encourage people standing in the median begging us for money. Is that mean?
ReplyDeleteI've never given money to people like that but I have given them food before.
ReplyDeleteMe too bv. I saw a guy eating french fries out of the trash once. So after I faught of the tears I took him inside the restaurant and told him to order whatever he wanted. He was young and severely retarded and dirty. He ate like he had never eaten before. I thought it would feel good to help him but it didn't. It just felt like I did what had to be done that day.
ReplyDeleteThis post reminds me of "Might Know What It's Like" by Everlast--check it out. Especially if you look at them and feel disgust. Most homeless people are mentally ill--many have post traumatic stress disorder or more severe issues that cannot even be helped with medication. When I see them, I do what I think is right and if they are "scamming" (which is actually quite rare) then they are to be ashamed, but I will not feel ashamed that I have not helped a fellow human being in his or her time of need. Karma is a bitch and I choose not to mess with it!
ReplyDeleteI was in law enforcement for many years in Florida and came across a lot of homelessness. I do speak from experience. You're right John, they are or may have been at one time "the coolest people ever", now they are just in a sad sad situation.
I heard on the news that some town is trying to get a law passed about panhandling. They are trying to get.. people who give the money to panhandlers will be fined.
ReplyDeleteI think it is sad!
You've been tagged. Hope you'll play!
ReplyDeleteI just gave money to a woman on the side of the offramp the other day. I have no idea if she was scamming me or not, but I doubt it. All I can think is the humility she must feel..being so dirty and hungry.It was only 5 bucks. I can live without 5 bucks..maybe she can't. To me, it's worth being wrong to hope maybe she got something to eat or a blanket.
ReplyDeleteSometimes makes me wonder what I would do in their situation...assuming they are not scamming.
ReplyDelete