Will Work For Food

a reply to: TNMockingbird
Some do seem a little inexperienced.
As for the song, it gets me how some christians treat people wrong. If what they believe is true, any one of those people they treat bad could be their Jesus and they just screwed themselves by being mean. I've run into a few like that. They act so holier than thou and treat others like they're worse than dirt. It leaves me shaking my head.

a reply to: Skid Mark

Me too!!!

(SMH)

Sad, what we've all come too, really...

So consumed in our own needs and wants and feel like we have to turn a "blind eye" to our fellow human in need...

Some say, well they are a different religion, or color, or they have addictions, or they aren't doing for themselves or whatever...

Sad...

I think I should have been a "flower child" LOL!

NOT that I would have followed Ginsberg (LOL) BUT...

here's a flower...

*

a reply to: TNMockingbird
Love thy neighbor, but only as long as they're like yourself. I don't think it was supposed to be that way.

We aren't going to fix them. Its okay though, make their difficult day that little bit easier.

Whats that set you back?

a reply to: Skid Mark

I don't think it was supposed to be that way.

I don't too...
^^^ means "I agree" in TN talk LOL

Maybe if folks like you and I are doing right, it will all work out...

Maybe it will be infectious...

One can hope...

I live in a really small town and don't really go to the "city" very often, so I don't run in to people who are begging for money, work,, food, etc...
I do though stop and help people by the side of the road. I carry a full set of tools in my truck and if it's something I can fix...I fix. If I can't, I give them a ride or if it's woman with kids or by herself, I wait with them till their husband or a tow truck gets there. I've stood out in 100+ heat, so the woman and kids could sit in my truck with the A/C on and not feel nervous sitting with a stranger.

a reply to: DAVID64

THAT is awesome!

I have told the old man let me talk so she (the woman who may be broke down or in obvious distress) will feel more comfortable...

In THIS day and age, there are just as many women wanting to "get over on people" at least here...

Anywhoooo...it is a good thing what you do...

I remember when I WAS homeless-ish...people bringing us food and such and I WISH I could remember who they were so I could thank them properly. I wish that I could make things right and even it up.

a reply to: TNMockingbird
Just pay it forward.
I was visited by "angels" in my time of need. Many times. Wasn't always money they brought, sometimes it was just some time for myself they gave me by picking up the kids for an afternoon. Sometimes it was just some garden produce but no matter what it was, it was appreciated.
I distinctly remember one time when a friend asked if he could borrow my car for a few minutes. He had a perfectly good car so I didn't understand why he wanted to borrow mine but said, "Sure." When he left it was really low on gas. When he returned it, the tank was full. When I saw that I realized what he had done. He had heard me mention that I was hoping to have enough money to fill the tank and still feed us for the rest of the week.
I try to pay it forward as often as possible.

a reply to: Skywatcher2011

Who trades fish for drugs? Liquor stores certainly wouldn't accept payment in fish.

Anyone comes to my door and is hungry will get fed. They don't have to prove they are hungry, and not just a little peckish. Where I live, there are not people on corners carrying signs, but there are people who beg for money. I have hired people to do yard work that I would have done myself. Somebody helped me up quite a bit a long time ago. I can't do any less. It's not up to me to assess their veracity. One of the benefits of living in a small country.

People can amass quite a bit of money doing this.

I saw a doc on some guy in Manhattan doing this who owns a million dollar brownstone. He's an old retired guy who does it to collect money for a charity in Brazil. I forgot how much he collected over the years but it was a lot.

I guess you can say its for a good cause but it is deceptive toward those who are giving.

I actually saw him once and he asked me for money. I said - "get out a here.. you live in a nicer place than I do.. I saw you on TV." and then he walked away.

----

If it were really food they wanted and I had some, I wouldn't think twice but it is prob never the case. I don't ever give to jerks who are pushy and assume you are going to give them something.

originally posted by: Skywatcher2011
smirkley

Everyday I work for food...but my goals are higher than that so I work more to support everything else I want in life. Those that pan handle with signs saying they will "work" for "food" is a total lie...and some of these actually have good coin in their pockets but don't really want to do real work.

Real work is the lie.

What IS real work?

Digging a ditch? Some homeless do this to bury stash or their excretement for free, but its still working.

Designing coloring books for kids or drawing? This is a past time in mental hospitals for free, but its still working.

Being a sexy escort? Most women give it up that night after a few drinks for free, but its still working.

Being a body guard? Most gangs or clans protect each other for free, but its still working.

Being a sidewalk sign spinner? Most beggers spin their own signs for free, but its still working.

Being an author? Most people on the internet using forums tell super stories, for free, but its still working.

Being a counslor? Most people on internet forums offer very awesome sound advice to people who feel hopeless or feel afraid, for free. But its still working.

Some people build their own moyorcycles for free, but its still working.

Some people cook, do laundry and clean for other people for free, but its still working.

There are more. It goes on and on.

Working is all in presentation. That's it. If work is only based on how it's presented then WORKING IS AN ILLUSION that has backfired and actually disempowers people, keeping them enslaved to things that are a God given right for them to have for free, such as housing, land, food, water, in addition to trapping each other in circular arguments about those who work for real and those who don't work for real that offers no solution except to keep on the circular feral debate.

On and on and on.

Maybe we can do it this way...

All the people who love their jobs and enjoy going to work, so much they stay late there or bring it home, will not be allowed to call it work. Maybe we can call it stealing because they are getting paid to do something they enjoy. My, my can't have that now in this society can we?

On the other hand...

Those who hate their jobs. Dread going in. Always look at the clock because they can't stand another minute of the little hell they are cornered in, forced in, minimal options in, and who beg for time to speed up so they can get the heck out of there, will have to call it work. That's working. One is really working if they hate their job. Damn. They earned their check didnt they. Whaaa ha how wow I say. It's even harder work to work in a job that doesn't pay jack shat, now that's reallly hard...that involves more brain power than solving algebra or geometry problems...the out put of the brain is working so much harder than any calm mathmetician sitting comfy at their desk...the real work is the brain that is about to morph into God Almighty Himself over the sheer stupidity of paying people laughable wages that are despicable and a mockery to the human species as a whole, who already hate their jobs and won't stick around...pure blasphemy to human existence, who's ego as a whole is so very fragile, those who think they work, and believe they are being noble and good when handing a homeless person a few dollars. Are. You. Out. Of. Your. Mind? For the love of God turn what you love into work for all people so there is no need for ANYONE to work anymore.

There is no difference between real work and work because its the SAME illusion.

Work is not when the buyer or giver feels as if they gained something. That doesn't mean work or hard work. That means a "sell" That is a feeling generated in the person. The object sold did not do that. People misplace the power. The person did that feeling themselves. They felt it. If we all changed our feelings and realize we all gain something valuable when see the value that all people have, then that in itself is powerful enough to change an economy based on not going to work but creatively living.

If human beings built rocket ships, this can be aced. This can be done.

Patrolling in the city I lived in, I knew pretty much every transient, as well as their criminal histories.

I would cringe when I would see people give certain people money.

If they only knew what they did with that money, along with the other felonies they committed on a regular basis. Burglaries, vandalism, indecent exposure, thefts, arson, molestation, etc.

Of course, not all transients are like that.

That said, I would say with confidence, that 99% of the panhandlers in my city have a serious arrest record.

I feed the squirrels on the deck. I think they are homeless. My wife feeds the birds, they are homeless too.

a reply to: smirkley

If someone claims that, and looks like they need it, I'd be most likely to give them food, assuming I could at that point. Done that before for a couple of people that weren't asking, just because it seemed needed. The ones not really needy give off a different feel.

originally posted by: intrptr
We aren't going to fix them. Its okay though, make their difficult day that little bit easier.

Whats that set you back?

Exactly! not much, and the gain is amazing! Every little light we shine can make a difference.

originally posted by: Skid Mark
a reply to: TNMockingbird
Love thy neighbor, but only as long as they're like yourself. I don't think it was supposed to be that way.

....and to....(scroll down)

originally posted by: TNMockingbird
I don't too...
^^^ means "I agree" in TN talk LOL

Maybe if folks like you and I are doing right, it will all work out...

Maybe it will be infectious...

One can hope...

Both correct! It's unreal how people that call themselves Christian can act when there is a real need. No, it isn't supposed to be that way, and love the Tennessee talk, btw!! I have seen church people ignore a real problem. We had some serious house issues, and were without a place for a time, and the real help we saw was minimal. A couple of people helped, but most didn't even offer, and some acted as though they shouldn't have to, because if there were problems, they "must be" our fault. Actually left a church over that mess. Any church that won't stand by their own isn't one I need to attend. We have always done whatever we could to help someone in need, even though we are far fro well off. When people can do something, and don't, because they feel superior, well, they will have some explaining to do one day!

originally posted by: DAVID64
I live in a really small town and don't really go to the "city" very often, so I don't run in to people who are begging for money, work,, food, etc...
I do though stop and help people by the side of the road. I carry a full set of tools in my truck and if it's something I can fix...I fix. If I can't, I give them a ride or if it's woman with kids or by herself, I wait with them till their husband or a tow truck gets there. I've stood out in 100+ heat, so the woman and kids could sit in my truck with the A/C on and not feel nervous sitting with a stranger.

That's a good thing, too! Reminds me of the guys that wouldn't accept that I was walking for gas, because I failed to fill it, knowing the gauge stuck. Under a mile, but they really wanted to offer a ride. No threat, but I said I'd walk, because it was my mistake. Nope, didn't work! they pulled out a gas can, and put enough in the car to get me to the station! Then there were the Hispanic guys (this was Texas) who insisted on changing the flat tire, because they couldn't imagine a woman doing it. (more below on this angle....)

originally posted by: diggindirt
a reply to: TNMockingbird
Just pay it forward.
I was visited by "angels" in my time of need. Many times. Wasn't always money they brought, sometimes it was just some time for myself they gave me by picking up the kids for an afternoon. Sometimes it was just some garden produce but no matter what it was, it was appreciated.
I distinctly remember one time when a friend asked if he could borrow my car for a few minutes. He had a perfectly good car so I didn't understand why he wanted to borrow mine but said, "Sure." When he left it was really low on gas. When he returned it, the tank was full. When I saw that I realized what he had done. He had heard me mention that I was hoping to have enough money to fill the tank and still feed us for the rest of the week.
I try to pay it forward as often as possible.

Angels, indeed! That's a real friend, you had there! Paying it forward is what I have told people. More than one older lady, stuck, who got a ride, or a jump. "No, don't pay me, just do something nice for someone when you can", is what I told them. Once, I think it was actual angels that helped us. I was stuck in heavy traffic, going down Dale Mabry in Tampa, during rush hour, to pick up the hubby on MacDill. The car flat out died (alternator), and this was a bigger car, an older Cadi (used, cheap, cause we all fit in it!). Me, the teenage daughter, grade school son, and a baby, and we were IN the right lane of traffic. No way could we push this car, and getting out there, with the kids, was nowhere near safe. People were all sorts of impatient - blowing horns, shouting insults, and so forth, and no one stopping to offer help, and I was becoming pretty worried. No cell phone at the time, either. After some time of this, over half an hour, and out of nowhere, these two guys showed up. These were BIG guys; looked like body builders and then some - both very tall, one white, one black, and none of us saw them approach. They asked if we needed help, and pushed the car like it was a toy, into a convenience store lot that was somewhat close. I wanted to at least get them a cold drink as thanks, but before I could even ask, they were gone. AS in, GONE. We didn't see them walk away, and even looked up and down the street, and side street, to see if they'd walked off. Nope; they were just gone. Could well have saved our lives, in all that traffic, and so appreciated!

Help isn't hard, for those that are skeptical. The ex and I gave a guy a lift once. He was walking in the snow, in Ohio, and it was seriously COLD. We asked him if he needed a lift, and he said he was trying to get a couple of states west. he'd traveled for a job that fell through, and just wanted to get back to his family, so, with no money to spare, he was walking. In winter. He got a lift to a town with a busy truck stop, where he cold get a longer ride, and a bag of sandwiches and whatnot, along with a pair of work gloves from the glove box, because he didn't even have any. We were basically broke, but no way could we not have helped. My oldest and I bought a drunk a bag of food one night. He wasn't even begging, just sitting homeless in a doorway of a closed strip center, resting. He was surprised, and grateful. Just seemed like he really needed it. The hubby and I gave a drunk girl a ride across town, once. She'd been ditched by her "friends" downtown on the 4'th of July. Purse in their car, totally stuck, and just waiting to be a crime statistic. She got a lift. My dad gave a barefoot homeless guy a pair of shows, because his had been stolen as he slept. Five bucks to get new ones at a cheap store right in that area, and yes, he headed in after he got the cash. Whether he drank or not didn't matter. He needed the shoes. A dollar here and there, to some that needed it, though we don't see many here.

Just remember; that person in need could be you, if enough things went wrong at just he wrong times. I get not wanting to help the professional bums. I know one of those. Just take a closer look, and see what your heart tells you. Some of those asking are scammers. Saw a lady like that, using the "I just got stranded and need a room for the night" routine....every night, and yes, she asked us more than one night. She got nothing. Some, though, really need it. Don't let yourself get too jaded, so you miss a chance of offering a little help when it's truly needed.

a reply to: diggindirt
That's a good friend.
I remember a thread on here from a while ago. I forget who wrote it. He'd fallen on hard times in a strange city. There was an ATS member living in that city, one he didn't really get along with, and that member ended up helping him out. I thought that was the nicest thing.

a reply to: Skid Mark
Oh yeah, he was tops. One of his favorite tricks was to go into the coat room and stick hundred dollar bills into the coat pockets of his fellow employees.
He was a bachelor that had inherited more money that he could ever use. He had worked all his life and invested well. He had no family left so he made it his goal to give away all his money by the time he passed to the next life.
He did it in secret as much as possible. Of course, it wasn't all that difficult to figure out where those Benjamins came from when they showed up in our pockets.
It wasn't unusual for him to go through the accounts receivable and pay off entire accounts for some of our elderly or disabled patients. He always instructed the accountant to tell people that the Tooth Fairy had made a deposit to their account. These were people who never would have asked for or accepted charity.

Cancer took him from me thirty years ago last month. I still miss him terribly. He would have loved ATS!

originally posted by: smirkley
Everyone has seen it.
Some people give.

I always size the person up first.

If they are missing limbs, blind in one or both eyes, dont push lame sob stories, yes I offer a dollar or two. Maybe even a McMuffin and hot coffee if it is cold.

But I have become very good at finding the losers that are just bums or drunks. I avoid them.

I cant help everyone that stands on a corner. But if it is obvious the person is disabled, or truly a desperate vet, or someone obviously in dire need, then I willingly give a little.

Do you?

(This isnt a guilt thread. I just wonder your positions on this subject)

I share when the spirit moves me.
I do not discriminate.
Sometimes to the most unlikely characters!
You aught to appreciate that, considering that you never know when that 'unlikely character' might well be 'you'! *__-

I recently saw a non local man holding a sign asking for money in the rain. I rolled down my car window and offered him an umbrella. He refused saying he had one but couldn't use it because He was holding his sign. I told him to have a nice day and left. I sometimes offer monetary assistance to those who need help, definitely not to this guy.