Do you give money to beggers? (evolve, bible, bless, POV)

[PureX]

Not always, but often. Sometimes, if the person begging is younger and stronger and more healthy then I am, I just can't see why I should give them my money.

Other times, unfortunately, I feel it's just too inconvenient and so I don't give.

[michel]

I have only ever given cash to beggars on two occasions, and that was years ago. On both occasions, I saw then dive into an off-licence (what you call liquor stores). I vowed I wouldn't give cash again.

If I see someone begging, I will always offer them food. If it is in a public place, I'll take them into a cafe, and buy them a meal (I have done that twice); nearer home, I'll nip back home and make them sandwiches.
A couple of years ago, there was a guy sleeping in a sleeping bag in the local woods (and this was in the winter). One morning, I took him a beaker of cofee (in a sealable plastic beaker); the strange thing was, I never saw him again! (maybe he didn't like the coffee ); it occurred to me that I may have 'invaded his privacy'

[niceguy]

We luckily have a social security system good enough the reduce the amount of beggers here. Actually I cannot really remember any beggers at all here, not counting the savation army's people at the local shopping mall. I do give give money to them to.

[arthra]

I think most people feel they should help the helpless (those less fotunate or in trouble) in some way....

Unfortunately many of the social service safety nets have been removed or cut back so there are more people than ever who are in need I believe on the streets and so the homeless have even less dignity and are more dependent on charity and so forth.

What I believe is that given we have a wealthy, powerful society there are basic human rights that should be attended and that includes providing shelter, food, basic medical care and education.

What we need to work toward is reducing the extremes of wealth and poverty for the good of society...for the safety and well being of everyone.

- Art