Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Sorry, but no

I don't know if it is just me or what, but have any of you noticed the amount of beggars going up? I know the economy has been bad and everyone can use any dime they can get, but honestly I have seen two or three people on one corner begging for money. At least spread out a bit, oh and don't wear brand new Nike's and a Ralph Lauren shirt while you hold your cardboard sign. But that isn't the worst of it, I can't even go into the gas station without someone asking me for money.

Now don't get me wrong I am not one of those greedy girls that won't help a fellow man in need, but I won't just hand out a ton of cash to complete strangers when I'm money-strapped myself. Instead, I'd much rather go pick up a double cheeseburger or two and hand a person in need that or some fruit instead of a bunch of money for them to pocket. I have reason behind this thought.

Today as I walked out of the gas station after getting my oh so delicious diet dr. pepper I was approached by a woman with a long sob story. She told me that she was from Ohio and was trying to get to her grandmother in Texas because she was admitted to the hospital. She said she ran out of gas and had no way to get there because someone stole her wallet and her bank wasn't in Oklahoma. Sounds depressing right?

Well I couldn't help but make a smart ass smirk and laugh a little. The woman acted as though she was offended by my laughter. It does make me look cold-hearted doesn't it? I then proceeded to tell her that just last week she told me the same exact story and asked me for money for her ailing grandma.

She began to argue with me saying that it was not her and I was confusing her with someone else. I told her I distinctly remember the smiley face shirt that she is wearing today and the same exact story. I told her that I gave her $5 dollars for gas and that since she is still sitting here scamming people that she should give me my money back. She took off running.

It's those people that make the world a terrible place and more so the reason why people refuse to help others. If you are a need then be honest, but don't expect someone to hand over money so that you can get your next drug fix.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know exactly how you feel… my city is being over run with the scammer variety…

The other day I saw a lady with a sad story on the corner as I was heading into the grocery store. As I was shopping I picked up a loaf of bread, some lunch meat and some cheese. As I rolled down my window to hand it too her, she answered her ringing cell phone… and not just any cell phone… but a $200 iPhone! In came the bag of food and up went the window!

I am sorry, but if you can afford a $200 phone and can pay the bill on said phone… I am not going to waste my hard earned money feeding you!

Pretty Zesty said...

I see this in NYC all the time. It's a shame. In fact, the other day I saw a guy arguing with a homeless man saying he was just going to take his money and buy booze if he gave it to him. The guy was totally wasted while he was begging. I mean, we are all struggling so if you really want to help give through a reputable charity or something because at then you know what your money is going towards. It's a sick work indeed!

Thomas said...

There are so many in Seattle that I think they should unionize or something.

Anonymous said...

I hear you. I have no problem donating clothes and food and other goods in hopes that they wind up with the people who really, honestly need them. The lying, though, is out of control.

Pepper said...

Yet another reason not to give beggars money. I really don't mind sparing a dollar or two or helping someone out. I really, really don't. But one time I was in Penn Station and this rough looking man who smelled like he hadn't bathed in a year asked me for $1.50 so he could get a train to Newark. He seemed legit and he already has some money in the ticket machine already, so I said "no problem" and passed him the cash. He is so grateful that he decides it's appropriate to hug me. I was glad he was appreciative, but it was like being hugged by a skunk. Gross.

Unknown said...

I know exactly what you mean. Rather than give a beggar money, Husby and I donate to charity where the funds can be used for something truly needed.

Lisa said...

hahah, that story is pretty funny! In all seriousness though, its such a sad situation w/ all of the homeless people out there. I, like you, would much rather buy them a meal or some warm clothes or something instead of handing them cash though.

LWLH said...

I hear ya...Orlando is like a bredding ground for them. I had the gas station scenario happen to myself as well..it only gets worse around Christmas!

Stacie said...

Sigh, that's frustrating. :( We have several people in Bloomington, too, and I swear one day the radio had the "3rd Street and Pete Ellis homeless person" on the radio for an interview, lol.

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