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Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

On Saturday I went to the grocery store. While I'm shopping, some vagrant (who was obviously not even shopping) walks up to me where no one can see and I assume was going to make a pitch of some sort to ask for money. Unfortunately, this guy was so inept that all he could get out was "Ok..." and then he just stood there trying to think of whichever BS line he was going to try to use on me. Before he could get anything else out, I threw my hand up and was like "Nah." and turned away. I didn't want to be insulted further by having to listen to some worthless vagrant's failed attempt at bumming money.

Some bums I've found don't like to be ignored or treated like dirt, so they'll stick up for themselves. This guy was one of them apparently. He then began saying "I'm a person man." and tried to get confrontational with me. This infuriated me, and while I'm usually very calm and collected, I chose to make this one of the times where I stand my ground.

I basically threw my shopping basket down, cursed loudly, and puffed up like I was ready to fight. He was surprised I could tell, but he tried to act tough and kind of stood there and was like "Hit me man, hit me!" Had he not been in his 50's, I probably would've laid him out right there in the canned food aisle, but I knew I just had to make a point and show him that I'm not just some easy mark because I'm a skinny white boy. He soon walked away.

Amazingly, he continued to walk around the store, I assume badgering other customers. It's a brazen move, walking into establishments to pan handle and hussle customers, but we have so many bums here that you'll never be surprised by what they'll do.

fritz · Silver Status Member

Chances are he's a disabled veteran.

Buster Bodine · Veteran Member

Eh, chances are equally good he's an idiot who's never done a decent thing in his life too. Its likely the guy just wanted to score some cash to get drunk or high and its a cointoss whether he's gotten what he deserved or just got the shiddy end of the stick and been screwed by Life in spite of his best efforts.

I understand Roger's reaction and I've had it a more than a few times myself.

But with our economy looking the way it does, I always hear a little voice in the back of my head when I see one of these guys and you know what that voice says?

"There but for the grace of God, go I."

You never know, man. You just never know. A little courtesy and compassion can go a long way for the right person and if you "waste" it on the wrong person, you still haven't hurt anybody.

I didn't always feel this way but I'm changing.

Maybe I'm finally growing up, I dunno.

kanyon · Silver Status Member

billandbeaufort · Senior Member

Roger, What were you doing in the canned food isle? Don't you know that stuff is loaded with sodium? Don't even try the old "need more targets" crap! Kidding asside, I understand your reaction but when confronted by one of these unfortunates I try to at the very least be civil. It costs nothing to be friendly and you just might meet an interesting person with a story to tell. Man Roger, I hope that guy wasn't Jesus in disguise, just testing you!

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

You did right Roger 99% of these people have got themselves in to their predicament so why should you bail them out, if you did more than likely he would buy booze or something similar. And as for being a veteran too many people use that term these days as an excuse to beg and never ever been near a conflict, if he wants a coffee or some food offer to buy it for them rather than giving the money, and see what they say.

Just another though if you helped everyone who needed help in the world, then the western world would be dragged down to a third world existence, and no one would benefit, you have to accept the fact that for the west to keep it’s standard of living the rest of the world has to live in poverty, because there are not enough resources available. And global warming is the first indication of this.

Just a few thoughts

Al

Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

If the guy wanted money, he should've just asked for money. I don't need some fake story that we both know isn't true. And it's not just that particular guy, it's every guy (and gal) just like him that continually harrass hardworking everyday people like myself. Yeah, he is a person. But so am I. Most people wouldn't want some shady looking person confronting them in an isolated area with unknown intentions. Maybe he is an unemployed vet looking for some help to get dinner. Or maybe he is a paroled rapist looking for some crack money. I have no idea!
And more importantly, I really don't care.

Buster Bodine · Veteran Member

It's smart to realize what you don't know about the guy and that you don't owe the guy.

It's smart to be wary and on guard, and its only practical to realize many of them are dangerous.

It's smart to understand you can't help them all without destroying yourself or at least depriving your family.

I do the same. If anyone, well fed or starving, threatens myself or my wife, I'll cut them from pecker to pump or blow their brains out without a second's hesitation or a moment's regret.

But this?

sniper · Silver Status Member

i buy food during the holidays for homeless people on my way to the jobsite. those who are clearly mentally disabled.

i ocassionaly give loose change (did last week) to people who clearly can't help themselves (this was a one legged 60+ in a wheelchair).

this week there is a panhandler on the freeway on ramp. my age- 30's. healthy, clothed, begging and smoking. i want to run him over.

i consider myself an objective person. Mr. Green

fritz · Silver Status Member

Still sickens me that a large percentage of America's homeless are disables veterans. Neglecting the men who fought for our freedoms is just as bad as fighting against them.

Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

It was never my personal responsibility to make sure those men fought for our country, nor is it my responsibility to take care of them afterwards.

Him being a veteran, and him just being old, would be good reasons not to assault him. Not going to jail would be another.

billandbeaufort · Senior Member

Buster Bodine · Veteran Member

sniper · Silver Status Member

AirGunEric · Site Admin