This is a public service announcement

[nycmermaid]

Those of you who know me know that there are many little things that really press my buttons and get me worked up into a lather. Today I'd like to discuss one of them. People who give money to beggars/charities on the subway.

If you give it, they will come. And they will keep coming and they will walk their smelly way up and down the subway with their annoying, loud bullshit stories. If your heart aches for someone in need, give them some food. Give them information about a soup kitchen or a shelter or an organization that can help them. Don't give them money to support their drug habit. Don't be THAT guy.

Today a woman came on the subway with some bullshit story about how her family's apartment was destroyed in a fire and they lost everything and she has 5 kids and SOB SOB SOB... and people around started opening their purses. This charlatan must make a killing! Every time something like this happens, I want to turn and yell at the people giving money to these jerks. Do they actually believe this crap? How about this woman get out and look for a real job rather than walk up and down the subways all day? Who's taking care of her alleged 5 children? Do these people stop and think, or do they think that by selflessly giving money and not asking questions they are making their God happy? I actually chanted "idiot, idiot idiot" under my breath, hoping the woman next to me and the woman across from me, who both gave money to beggars this morning, would hear. I never say anything loud enough to cause a real confrontation, but I guess part of me wants it.

There are already signs on the trains telling people not to give money on the subway. Obviously this isn't working. What they need to do is tell people WHY exactly they shouldn't give money on the subway. How about detailing the stories of some of the bullshit artists you see every day? I know there's no way to eradicate panhandlers completely, but if we educate the public, maybe we can stop encouraging them.

The masses are asses and there's a sucker born every minute!

Comments

sshhhiiiiiiittt

[gargoyl.livejournal.com]

Fo'REAL. "Your house burned down? Really, where was it? I can check on that, you know. And where are your 5 kids right now? Do you have any pictures of them? What are their names and birthdates? I'd like to meet them, THEN I'll give THEM some money."

I don't buy any of their stories, not one-little-BIT. Yes, I am a jaded cynical cold-hearted bitch about it. But you know, there are enough tourists in this city that don't know any better and will keep giving them money that they probably make BANK.

My "favorites" are the ones that just shuffle through the cars, without ANY pretense of a story. They just hold out their cups and expect. Hey, at least they aren't telling bullshit stories!

Re: sshhhiiiiiiittt

[webmd.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don't like those either, but the ones with the loud obnoxious stories are the worst. Or the ones who ask you to smile at them. NOBODY tells me to smile. :-)

[zalem.livejournal.com]

yeah, that's pretty much my policy. Never give money to beggers cause you're only helping to pay for drugs or beer. If you MUST give them something, give them food.

Though on a rare occasion I will give money to people who make good musical performances. At least they are giving me a amusement in return for the money.

[webmd.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I mean if they do something that actually makes your commute more pleasant, it's okay to give them some change. Sometimes though, I just want some quiet and wish they would leave. It all depends on the mood I'm in.

[gargoyl.livejournal.com]

OK, I have one weakness I'll 'fess up to. When I see a pregnant woman begging, I'll give HER money. Unless she looks like she's gonna go spend it on crack.

[webmd.livejournal.com]

Um, DUH. Or on an abortion so she can go get knocked up again. IF she's even really pregnant.

[roybatty.livejournal.com]

Well, from someone who will often give people money I say this:

A, just because someone is fuill of shit does not mean they aren't crazy and living in a box somehwere and

B, if all the homeless people in the city actually tried to get city services, the system would snap like a twig.

Now, you may only be talking about obvious rip-off artists who are not homeless, etc.

I guess the problem I have is that there ARE people down on their luck that have just fallen through the cracks and begging may be the way they keep their head ever-so-slightly above water.

I know what you are saying and yet I can't help but think its a cold, hard world and there but for the grace of God (whatever that is ;)) go I.

<--------Sucker

[webmd.livejournal.com]

You're a very kind soul, but... SIGH.

[cynima.livejournal.com]

Don't EVEN get me started on this whole subject! It makes me so mad I could spit nails.

I've very nearly had anxiety attacks several times on the subway because of these creeps.

But the new panhandlers that piss me off are the ones that stand in ATM vestibules in banks after the banks are closed, opening doors for people coming in to use the ATM and hoping to get some money in return. When this happened to me recently, I called the bank to complain and they said they send around a cop sometimes to keep these panhandlers away, but if I see a panhandler at their ATM in the future, I should call 911 and report it to the police. So, a couple of weeks ago, I reported a panhandler at an ATM near my office and the woman I spoke to when I dialed 911 was a total bitch! Jeez, if god forbid I had been assaulted or something, that bitch wouldn't have been able to calm me down at all! It made me sorry I tried to do the right thing for the safety and comfort of anyone who uses that ATM.

[webmd.livejournal.com]

Well, you are right to report these guys since it is WAY illegal. But I thought 911 was for emergencies only.

PS

[cynima.livejournal.com]

I am willing to give some change to the musicians on the subway--they're starving artists and I have to sympathize with that. And they're providing some kind of service/entertainment, so it's not like I'm not getting anything in return. If they're good musicians, that is.

The one time I gave money to one of the people who works for that organization that gives food to the hungry, immediately thereafter, the guy said something about Jesus loving us and I was REALLY sorry I parted with my money.

Re: PS

[webmd.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't give to any charities on the subway either. In fact, they're worse because they're posing as charitable organizations when they're probably stealing your money (not all of them are, of course, but some of them). If you're so worried about the homeless, go home, write a check and mail it to a legitimate charity.

Re: PS

[zalem.livejournal.com]

Actually...No legit charity asks for money on trains. It is ILLEGAL. They will not do it. They will not risk getting in trouble with the law and getting their asses fired. I know cause I knew someone who worked for one of those missing children funds. The minute they entered the subway they put away all their material. Not a peep from them despite the captive audience.

So chances are if they say they are a "charity" and are asking for money on the subway they are ripping you off.

[osito71.livejournal.com]

I give as my heart sees fit.

I believe that an act of charity is a mitzvah independent of whether the person is "suckering" me or not. I give freely with a loving heart and if I am helping even a small percentage of the people I give change to then god bless them. . .

As Eric said, people have to be in a pretty fucked up state to be out there begging in the first place - so god bless them. I hope this fuckin quarter than means nothing to me helps them, even if it is in the smallest way.

Now, I don't give all the time or to everyone - depends on the vibe I get and my mood and whether I have change or a single, but it is small inconvenience for me and for other people on the train - a real inconvenience would be to be hungry, on the street, addicted to drugs, mentally ill. . .

There but by the grace of god, and all that. . .

[webmd.livejournal.com]

I don't know, I guess I don't get why you can't just give them food, or donate to a proper charity. You see a person who looks dirty and hungry and you want to give them money, fine. But these conmen with their elaborate stories... it just really pisses me off.

[osito71.livejournal.com]

Well, if someone is obviosuly a conman, then I don't give.

I don't carry food around very often - but I have given my doggie bags and leftovers to homeless people when I have them - so some change is a lot more convenient.

I try not to get mad at other people's desperation. Doesn't always work, but I try.

[webmd.livejournal.com]

Trying not to get mad (in general) should be my number one New Year's resolution!

[jaycast.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I'm trying really hard to have an opinion, but I just can't get past the image of working you up "into a lather". Ooh, that's nice...just like Halloweens past;)