There's A Reason Americans Pass By Homeless People In The Street Without A Second Glance

[Bluerthanblue]

78. it isn't easy-

Your attempt to justify thinking that you can tell who is really deserving and who isn't is just a way trying to feel ok about seeing people whose reality makes you uncomfortable.

Is it really 'easy' to stand out in public humiliating yourself -for the prospect of what? A handful of change, a few dollars? The scorn and revulsion that people toss out at you? Being told to 'move on' by the police, the pleasure of people suddenly looking at ANYTHING rather than having to make eye-contact with you?

A few months ago a "homeless person" and I were discussing the fact that one of the local common places for people to stand and ask for money was being continually harassed by the police- The owners of the shopping plaza were issuing restraining orders against people standing near the parking lot area.

He asked what 'good choices' did he have? He COULD make money selling drugs- he COULD resort to stealing and burglary- both of which he pointed our are against the law. something he wasn't going to do if he had any other options-... having to resort to standing with a cardboard sign asking people to give him money/food/help isn't something what he wanted to do- but was instead his 'best' option. Believe it or not, like it or not, the fact is There is no work for many people-

Ask yourself this- if you honestly had a good alternative, would panhandling and living on the streets be something you would willingly CHOOSE as your life? I sincerely doubt it.