@WesLee as someone who buys Monster energy drinks myself, after taxes I can tell you that's typically how much they cost. And when I see some poor guy with a blanket sleeping in the library during the evening, carrying a full bag of what looks like camping supplies, I've gotta say I highly doubt they're in there just because they stayed up for too long. Either they're a voluntary wandering traveller or they're homeless. And to actually stop and speak to them reveals that it's not just a couple of random people having this problem. I give spare change when I can regardless, but if you can afford cigarettes, energy drinks, pricey attire and accessories and the latest digital tech, I think the need to panhandle may be self-imposed. As for panhandlers who are mentally ill/disabled, it disgusts me that they aren't receiving community support in a society that prides itself on "ending the stigma".
It's taboo because it goes against the societal norm of pumping out a bunch of brats before we die, to leave a legacy or carry on some part of yourself (as if anybody would seriously remember us through our children). It always amazes me that the world latches onto silly crap like banning plastic drinking straws and bags, yet having a billion kids is fine, as if they won't grow up driving cars, demanding food production and contributing to a massive carbon footprint. Another problem is that access to contraceptives, legal abortions, voluntary sterilization and adoption are all very complicated or non-existent depending on your country of residence. It's easier to get pregnant and have a kid than it is to have responsible and safe sex when you're not ready for kids or have no desire for kids.
I have bad vision and can't see the ground very well. Nothing pisses me off more than entitled idiots who refuse to be decent and cleaning up after their animal. If you choose to own a dog, it's your responsibility to clean up after it, and it's pure selfishness and laziness to refuse. To everybody in Halifax who makes the effort to clean up after their pets, thank you. The world needs more responsible citizens like you.
What I always find amusing (and pretty damned sad) is when I see panhandlers in the city smoking cigarettes, wearing expensive designer headphones, drinking energy drinks that cost $4.99 a can or texting on the latest phone model - while begging for more money. Meanwhile some poor guy with a mental illness or disability living on the street is ignored or harassed most days and literally has to sleep in the public library to keep warm.
I'm a Dal student who will never be using unconventional pronouns just to appease somebody - will I be kicked out of school now? Is free speech in adult post-secondary education no longer a thing?
I don't know what type of people you're hanging around with, but I think you're embellishing a bit. Are you sure that those "weird cartoon noises" aren't just a person having trouble articulating what they want to say and having a very rough time? And death is fuckin' hard, man. Going to a doctor is no quick fix, and oftentimes doctors see prolonged grief as an illness to be medicated, not understood. As a friend, the best thing to do is just be there for them, and if they won't tell you why they're upset, just let them get to it on their own terms. I'm not saying you should be there purely as a shoulder to cry on, but the loss of a loved one's impact NEVER just goes away, not ten years from now, not fifty years from now. Instead of judging, just try to do what you can or search for friends who are less emotional.
Welcome to the world of shoppers, buddy. Get used to it or get out. Of course people are going to ask questions but not necessarily buy; expressing interest in buying but later deciding not to is just as common on any online platform, shopping mall or thrift store as it is on Kijiji.
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