What do you think about Pan Handlers? ( street beggars ) ?

Question

I'm getting really tired of these people! I was in the parking lot with my boyfriend last night when this man walks up to us at 1:30 in the morning asking for change. Ok I'm just really tired of it, he ruined our moment, and pissed us off and I mean come on! It's becoming more frequent and it's retarded! I had a friends 12 year old daughter in my car while i was getting gas, and a man walked to the car while i was inside and asked her for money! I must admit, I made a scene and screamed at him cussed him out and chased him away with a metal stick of some sort, ( something i grabbed from inside the station ) and told him " you get the *** away from her she's a *** 12 year old girl and there's NOTHING YOU need to say to her AT ALL " and I mean it was automatic reflex because I didn't know from inside that he was asking her for money, i just saw him leaning into the car, I didn't know if he was exposing himself or what, and I knew he was nuts cuz he hollered at me on my way in, better safe than sorry, but I think my maternal instincts definately kicked in that day, he ran for his life because I was protecting my friends daughter from the unknown. I don't take chances when it comes to a childs safety, and even though this girl is a good 5 inches taller than me at her 12 years old, she's still a child to me. She told me i over reacted but i couldn't help it it was instict. Anyways what do you all think of these idiots? have you had any interesting pan handler encounters?

Answer 1

Begging is a time-honored career and tradition world-wide. In many cultures it is a well-paid way of life. (USA) It is more honest than socialism, less greedy than capitalism, and is a great training ground for politicos and prosperity preachers.

On the other hand, scruffy dirty old men should not be accosting young women and girls for any reason. Some well-meaning concealed-carry permit holder might misunderstand.....

Answer 2

I think we should bus them all to Denver to help with the Democrat convention.  At least then they will get new haircuts and get to see a movie

Answer 3

I think they need to get jobs, and there are ways to do this; go to a shelter, establish as an address for as long as they can, then go apply for a job, and then once they get paid a few times they might be able to afford rent. I can't stand homeless who use veteran status as a method of begging. If you really are a veteran you should be able to be productive,plus, using one's veterans' status to beg is dishonorable, and if not, using fake veterans' status to beg is dishonorable as well..

Answer 4

Well, it's not like you hit him with the metal stick. A panhandler understands that he/she always has a high chance of receiving a negative reaction from potential givers.

I always give money when I have the chance to these Americans who have been left behind. I know some of you think that too is horrible, but just remember that not everyone has had the same life experiences as you or had the same opportunities. Your worst day is always better than a panhandler's best day.

If the small change/dollars I give them makes their life a little better, even if they are buying alcohol or drugs, I'm glad I could have helped ease their suffering.

Just my 2 cents ~ Jeff

Answer 5

Yeah, panhandlers in Oregon are horrible too.  They stand on the freeway on ramps.  I think they need to organize themselves and start a revolution instead of looking for handouts.  The middle class should not have to be responsible for the homeless and for all the greed in the country.  The rich never have to deal with panhandlers because their houses are on the hill.  I also think that the homeless should have to go to Iraq and Afghanistan to support American Hegemony.

Answer 6

What do I think?

I think 1 in 4 homeless people are Veterans...fact, not opinion.

I think that a simple "no thank you" or 'sorry, I'm out of change' would have sufficed.

Answer 7

He isn't necessarily too young to be a vet - people can serve at 18.

Here are a few facts:  Most homeless people are not panhandlers.  Some are, yes, but service providers treat the issues very differently.  Where I live, many panhandlers have homes and cars.  Many of the homeless people I do outreach to have no interest in panhandling.

Find out where some of the local shelters are, so the next time you are approached, look him in the eye and let him know where he can find help.  Or carry some bus tickets with you and offer that.  It can be scary to be approached, but having a little bit of knowledge can make you feel a little more empowered to interact.  If you really feel unsafe, call the police and give a description of the person.

Answer 8

you might have overreacted yes, but he also doesn't need to be asking a child for money, that's wrong.I get tired of people begging for money when all they want is alcohol and other kinds of drugs- tobacco, etc..... and most poor people are poor for a reason and when they are they usually stay that way because of their own decisions. being a vet doesn't have anything to do with it. just because a person was in the army doesn't mean that person can mooch off working people and never have to be a responsible adult.