For many years, my policy was, give alms when asked. I didn't question motive, or worry about being BSed. I would just give something to anyone who asked me for it, if I could conveniently pull a dollar out of my pocket. Never got a wallet out or showed a roll of cash. If they asked for more, I just said no; if a second guy came up, I told him to get his buddy to share with him.
It wasn't for them, it was for me. It allowed me not to be angry or suspicious. I didn't worry too much about a physical threat. I figured I could break the elbow of just about anybody who approached. Delusional, perhaps, but I suppose it allowed me to project an air of confidence, and I never had any trouble. I assumed the money was being spent on drugs or booze, and didn't worry about.
It worked pretty well. For a couple of bucks a week, a major irritant was removed from my life. These days, I'm naturally more angry and suspicious anyway, and a buck is harder to spare, so it costs me almost nothing just to say [bleep] you when a panhandler comes up.
It wasn't for them, it was for me. It allowed me not to be angry or suspicious. I didn't worry too much about a physical threat. I figured I could break the elbow of just about anybody who approached. Delusional, perhaps, but I suppose it allowed me to project an air of confidence, and I never had any trouble. I assumed the money was being spent on drugs or booze, and didn't worry about.
It worked pretty well. For a couple of bucks a week, a major irritant was removed from my life. These days, I'm naturally more angry and suspicious anyway, and a buck is harder to spare, so it costs me almost nothing just to say [bleep] you when a panhandler comes up.
