Gimme,Gimme,Gimmee!

[Absalom]

The poor and needy are a population group like any other. And since we're a large country, it's a large group of people. Contrary to what some theoreticians on the left seem to think, poverty isn't somehow ennobling, and you get the bad with the good.

So no matter what your preferred prejudices are, you'll have no trouble finding plenty of real-life examples to confirm them and go "See, I knew it!" all day long.

However sceptical your outlook, don't use it as an excuse to do nothing. As Erich says in the post above, it can be complicated. But try to keep things in perspective. Maybe check the good book occasionally; the guy from Galilee had some things to say about the topic, and it doesn't seem beer, cigarettes, or tattoos would have worried him overmuch.

 

[Sistema1927]

+1000 on Erich's recommendation of "When Helping Hurts". It is a real eye opener.

God has called me to be a good steward of His blessings. I will answer to Him for what He has given me, and how I have used it.

 

[Golddollar]

I won't give anybody on the street money, but there has been a couple times in Baltimore where I was approached by somebody who was very glad that I bought them something to eat. That way I knew I was really helping somebody and not enabling a problem.

 

[Rustyt1953]

+1000 on Erich's recommendation of "When Helping Hurts". It is a real eye opener.

God has called me to be a good steward of His blessings. I will answer to Him for what He has given me, and how I have used it.

Having failed many times, I still try to give with a glad heart and live by this:

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."


Merry Christmas, all.

 

[coltle6920]

Too many great posts to quote them all.

docknurgw explained it best for me. When you place your "wants" in front of your "needs" you are heading for trouble. It might not be this year but it will happen. How deep you dig that hole determines whether or not you ever get out again. That credit card also works at markets and clothing stores...not just at BestBuy and T-Mobile. Times might have changed but basic necessities have not.

Getting back to the charity issue....My well being comes before anyone else. After that comes my parents and siblings. Neighbors that are in need of help follow family. There are plenty of charities or organizations both local and national to help those that want or need help.

I liked glenwolde's post. I have eight brothers and sisters. When my parents died they already had plots but that wasn't the end of burial expenses. After much haggling over who could afford what or how much I said I would pay for everything myself. It cost me some future retirement income but it shut down the bickering. I didn't want to compare my family to the sons with the cooler of beer but sometimes you have to put it aside and do what's necessary.

 

[Warren Sear]

It's grifter season, soon they'll leave for warmer climes.

That's something great about living in Minnesota; 20 below (usually) keeps out the riff raff.

 

[pharmer]

It's grifter season, soon they'll leave for warmer climes.

They're here already. Personally, I don't give/buy anything from anyone in my path to my objective. There is a single exception, The Salvation Army. They don't get in front of the stores until next week. I'll try to have dollars in my pocket so I can put some in. Everybody else, "Have a nice day." Joe

 

[BigBoy99]

My nephew is the manager of an auto parts store. He says he has guys coming in all the time wanting him to sign the "Looking for Work Sheet" from the unemployment office. He said he will give them a job but they just want the sheet signed so they can go back and present the sheet to continue their unemployment benefits!

 

[fiasconva]

I've become really cynical. There are people out there that actually need a hand but so many have come to expect a handout it has ruined me. My wife was a guidance counselor and one of the teachers came to the faculty and asked if they would help a needy student's family with Thanksgiving dinner. They took up a collection and bought a turkey and other food and took it to the mother. When she opened the door they looked at her kitchen and the counter was full of food. She frowned at them and snapped, " I got all the food I need now. Come back on Christmas." and slammed the door in their face. No thank you or appreciation showed whatsoever.

 

[Warren Sear]

Look around; America has the fattest "poor" people in the world.

 

[bulletslap]

The thing that galls me the most is those that make a very good living "Administering" Charities and Entitlements. The poor undeserving or deserving get a little but the Administrators rake in a lot.

 

[Huski92]

I use to do Christmas deliveries of food to needy in my area. One delivery summed up my efforts. Now mind you, I was working two jobs and volunteering with fire department. Made a delivery to a lady with two kids. Both kids were playing Nintendo on a HUGE new TV. Her place had more stuff in it that my humble home. She was sipping Brandy. Nope. I was done.

Now don't get me wrong. I still occasionally give and I do help people. I am just more choosing on who and when.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Squarebutt]

This week it was heartwarming to read in the paper how our MA tax money was being spent by our welfare clients at five-star hotels in Hawaii and Las Vegas. They each have a debit card which is refilled every month and can be used at an ATM for cash as well as at stores.

 

[ladder13]

In 1983, this still undeserving being, realized the gift of eternal forgiveness. Only one was born to judge.

 

[llowry61]

I spent a lot of years in the same place many forum members are describing and have no malice toward them, since I can understand where they are coming from. I have decided that I am giving without expectations of appreciation or outcomes. I am not saying that I just give without common sense, but I have let go of the anger I felt about the situations described. I finally realized the act of giving unconditionally is the reward. Those that take without need or fail to pay it forward will reap what they sow as will those that give. Just my 02 FWIW.

 

[Rustyt1953]

In 1983, this still undeserving being, realized the gift of eternal forgiveness. Only one was born to judge.

1985 for me thanks to Ruthie.

 

[Rustyt1953]

@llowry61: beautiful post.

 

[Jinglebob]

The ones down on their luck through no fault of their own deserve what help we can offer so they can get back on their feet. The rest are just bums.

 

[ladder13]

1985 for me thanks to Ruthie.

My younger brother

 

[vytoland]

to support my family i went to night school, after putting in a full day at work, earned an advanced degree.....put value in myself and was rewarded with value in my pay check.....

if you like quotes and sayings....."charity begins at home...."God helps those that help themselves"

way too many "social" programs exist, that enable the shiftless to continue their lifestyle.....