I was on the train and a Panhandler came
around asking for a handout.
http://www.randometric.com/blog/20080320panhandler.mp3
From what I can make out, he was saying this...
"... ex-offender, I need some advice on where to
go for help. I'm in desperate need of a 7-day
pass. Would somebody please spare change or help
me while I continue my search for a job for an
ex-offender. I'm asking for help I can't do it
by myself. Would someone please spare some change
or something..."
I DIDN'T BITE... Why?
- I recall reading somewhere that this person has
been doing this for 10 years or so.
- His shoes were better than mine (Looked like
Nikes). He must have money then. I can't afford
Nikes!
- His resume was in computer fonts and laminated
(Means he was expecting this situation to last a
long time. And apparently, he can read AND
write.) I know of people who can't read or write
but can keep jobs.
- A 7-day pass is $20. I don't have that money to
spare.
- He looks healthy to me. If he's healthy, he can
work...
- He had money to get into the train! (Or he
jumped the turnstyles, which is illegal...)
- If I give money, I'll just encourage him to
continue his behavior.
Another passenger talked to the Panhandler and
prayed for/with him. The Panhandler had a chat
then got off at the next station. (I'm assuming
there's no money in prayers... So the Panhandler
had to move on to the next 'gig'.)
Was he really on hard times and I'm just being
cynical?
Also, it makes me wonder at the economics of
begging. Was the Panhandler making better money
asking for handouts rather than working a minimum
wage job? Or was the pay the same but (in his
mind) begging had better job conditions?
What do you think?