One story I have not told about my trip to Toronto that really made me angry. Ok I've pointed out previously that there was a lot of beggars on the streets but I see this in a lot of big cities so nothing really new (Toronto has a lot though).
I actually feel sorry for a lot of these people and the initial reaction is to give money to them, but logic tells me if I give them all one dollar of my money I'll be on the streets with them. Also there is always a doubt that I would be feeding a habit although I do accept a lot are there because they don't have the mental capacity to look after themselves or life as dealt them a bad hand. I think Governments should take the lead in this, I will say the problem although it is present in the UK is no way as bad as in North America.
On to my Story it was my 2nd last night in Toronto and I went looking for somewhere to eat at about 7pm, I spotted a Small Bar/Grill that looked ok so went in. I sat at the Bar as the chap next to me was just getting up, I noticed him because he didn't look right. He was wearing a oldish out of fasion jacket that was too small and his trousers were at half mast (too short).
Anyway he paid his Bill with a credit card and actually turned to me and said goodnight, I didn't think anymore about it apart from "he was a bit scruffy".
Later that evening I was walking down Queen street near the main square and youv'e probably guessed it this man was sat on the pavement begging everyone that passed for money. I was totally disgusted he was obviously a con man, I just wanted to punch his lights out.
This reminds me of a night out I had in York last year a few of us passed a young girl begging for money in a doorway outside a trendy wine bar. She was sat on a blanket and had a little puppy with her.
I remember while in the bar thinking and feeling sorry for this girl, I thought to myself I'll give her a couple of quid on my way out. However when we left the girl wasn't there a young man was in her place and surprising he was on the same blanket with the same puppy.
Some people will lower themselves to any level to con us out of our money, this really irritates me.
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6 comments:
Okay this is a cynical remark, but
. . . I think some of these folks make a good deal of money in their chosen profession. I often see people giving dollar bills (and more than a dollar) to people standing at freeway off ramps. I wish there was a way to identify the really needy. When I saw a beggar with no legs in Spain, I didn't hesitate to give him some money.
Mick you are right, there are quite a few "career beggers" in America. It is sad because it takes from the people that need it the most! I rarely give money to any beggars, but I have been known to buy extra sandwiches and pass them out. I figure if they take the food then they probably really are hungry. It is a real problem here and around the world...hunger.
We have two guys here who stand ad differen't intersections of the city who have a sign that says "Unemployed, I would rather beg for money then go on welfare." UMM GO GET A JOB!!! Especially when we live in a city that will help them get a job..They look just fine, they could go get a factory job or casual labour no problem!!
They make a living doing this...It bugs me.
It is amazing how many people do exactly that and con people who think they are helping but really they are just being scammed. I have been known to offer a street person some of my lunch, but I never give them a dime. The aid is out there--churches, shelters, govt sponsored programs. However, we will not round them up and force them to go. So, they would actually rather make their money on the street to buy their booze, than try to straighten out their lives with some help.
It's all tax free on top of everything else. My cop buddies say do NOT feel sorry for the freeway rampers - they tell me when they shake those guys down for drugs, they find so much cash on 'em it's not even funny.
That being said, thanks for the kind words on my blog. The mortgage company is giving me another week. Now, on to the car folks!
You all make good points I think some of these people are the lowest of the low. I think Tex makes a good point in giving food instead of money if you must, the genuine will appreciate that, the spongers not so.
Rach,
I hope you can sort out your money soon and the job situation sorts itself out, I'll always offer words of encouragement to people I consider friends. I think all of us need that from time to time.
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