This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.
Corner Cons
I’m sick and tired of walking down Barrington and having a cup of change rattling under my nose at every corner. I have seen a few of these people at the NSLC or the lotto booth in Scotia Square at the end of the day spending the cash on liquor or lotto
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Soo AGREE. Saw the woman today at the corner of Quinpool and Robie with her dog. She was eating but no sign of a dog dish or water dish for her pet. She looked pretty healthy to me. The dog should be taken away and enough of the scamming, lazy ass panhandlers. I think we spend enough money on “social” programs for these so called low income people. Hard to get an education or a job when you’re sitting in the middle of the street begging for change.
It is true….there are some legit panhandlers out there (whatever ‘legit’ means) but still, I can’t help but think what people buy with the change I would give them? Most likely candidates:1) cigarettes2) coffee3) boozeThese are exactly the things that I would spend my loose change on! How is supporting someones luxury habits (and that is exactly what smoking, drinking and coffee drinking are!) helping them get off the street? Not at all, of course. Lets see more funding for shelters, education and mental health programs (to help those truly in need), and an end to this nickle-and-diming way of soothing our collective middle-class conscience.
I’ve got enough people that I know looking for my money, let alone strangers.
If someone asks me for change, I ask them what they want to spend it on. If they tell me food, I’ll ask them from where. What will end up happening is I’ll buy them the food myself, that way I know that my money isn’t going toward drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. I do agree that it is a problem. Even when I do offer to buy food, many will actually turn down the offer. That’s when I know something is up. There should be something done about people on the streets. I once heard, and correct me if I’m wrong, that you cannot get a job unless you have an addess. I’m not sure if this is true or not, but if the street people believe this, that may be something that keeps them from getting a job.The other thing to consider is how many employers would want to hire someone like this.
AP brings up a good point-that buying food for a homeless person is a good way to ensure your change is being used properly. It just chaps my ass to see beggars spending their donated change at places like Tim Horton’s….is there any less efficient use of your food-buying dollar? How about heading to the grocery store and buying some apples or bread and cheese? Again, I have no sympathy for those who beg for money only to turn around and spend it on luxury goods (this includes fast/prepared food).
If they can pick up a shovel, and work, they’re not getting a dime from me.
That’s why prostitution should be legal…If the prudes didn’t cockblock Sensations so we wouldn’t have a homeless problem. See, Citidel is doing it right by providing after hours entertainment, why not have a nice round robin with the smokes chick and her dog, she could even charge extra to film!It sickens me to see people not cashing in on a golden oppertunity.And for you wackos who think I am a pig think of it this way;She doesn’t have any moral high ground because she is resorting to begging. At least she would be working for her money. Or are you jealous that she could make more than you an hour if she posesses any skill?When I see people shake their can I grab for it! If they run and manage to keep up then they earn a quarter a block.I figure they exerted some effort for their change to do whatever then.
I’ve noticed that with some panhandlers (SOME, not ALL), even if you politely say “Sorry, I can’t”, they get nasty with you. Doesn’t exactly make you want to help others in the future, does it?
I’ve noticed that with some panhandlers (SOME, not ALL), even if you politely say “Sorry, I can’t”, they get nasty with you. Doesn’t exactly make you want to help others in the future, does it?
it is easy to judge, understanding takes effort
Well most of the older “bums” are only looking for so called luxery items but the younger once are usually in it for school or they need to travel and half the time there rich ass snobs that do not wanna live under their family rules. sorry princess but thats life deal with it the rest of us are.
Some of these homeless people are homeless because they won’t give up their booze, smokes or drugs for shelter. So fuck ’em. I’ll give my money to the squeegee kids – at least they’re doing something in return.
What is wrong with drivers who have a pet dog anchored on their lap while driving? Is Fido’s insurance rate lower than yours or what? A dog has no place behind the wheel of a car. Exposing your animal to such unnecessary danger doesn’t show love – it shows sheer fucking stupidity on the part of the owner and endangers lives.
No one gets nothing . Ive had lean times too( baked potatoes all week anyone?) so they can all go to hell. And shaking your cup gets you less than nuthin.No more Mr. Nice Guy.My moms friend bought the gal outside Tims on SGRd with the shaved head and glasses, a coffee once , only to have it slapped out of her hand!! She wanted the money , not the coffee!Clean up SGRd.
No one gets nothing . Ive had lean times too( baked potatoes all week anyone?) so they can all go to hell. And shaking your cup gets you less than nuthin.No more Mr. Nice Guy.My moms friend bought the gal outside Tims on SGRd with the shaved head and glasses, a coffee once , only to have it slapped out of her hand!! She wanted the money , not the coffee!Clean up SGRd.
Someone oughta squeegee the freak who panhandles at Rainne and North Park – fuck, he’s wearing a Led Zep hoodie – those suckers ain’t cheap. I doubt if he found that digging around at the Sally Ann.
Rotdog, I know which chick you’re talking about. Pretty sure she’s not homeless, I’ve seen her around, mostly either on the bus or shopping and she gets off at the same stop walking towards a house where she most likely lives. That really pisses me off. Seriously, most of us barely make ends meet as it is, I have enough to cover bills and food without much to spare, why should the little extra I have left over go to someone who might be better off than myself!?
How ’bout the guy who bums outside the library while his car’s parked across the street? He must think we’re goddamn rubes.
My rule is if they don’t look totally desperate, they don’t get any many. You can always tell who the professional bums are.
OK DOGLOVER GET YOUR OWN LITTLE DUMB ASS THING AND STAY OUT OF THE BUM SECTION LOSER CANT EVEN MAKE A THING FOR YOURSELF
As a general rule, I never give change. However, I always offer my lunch. 9 times out of 10 I get to keep it, they don’t want it. My feeling is, they must not be that hungry therefore not in desperate need of my change either.
what if someone needs money for medicine?, (herbal medicine that has been used by humans for thousands of years) which presently costs $10+ a gram on the street since it is illegal and medical access is difficult to obtain…. and they face prison time if they plant and water it?would you help someone with a full belly who had physical or mental problems get relief?
The main problem with the panhandlers is that people keep giving them money. So they keep panhandling and more come. I remember a time when Halifax had no panhandlers and you could walk downtown without being asked for change every block.
In New York City, it’s common practice for restaurant-goers to get their leftovers in a doggie bag, and carry it with them until they see a homeless person. Or, they simply leave it on the street in a paper bag. The homeless then come along, pick it up, and eat it.Let’s all start doing this. I do it all the time, because I never finish my meals. It’s money well spent, in my eyes.