Probably the most pathetic thing

[C&CDean]

happened about an hour or so in downtown Baltimore.

Some dude with one leg was sitting in a wheelchair at a corner downtown begging money. While I'm about 2 cars away in the left turn lane, some guy runs over, grabs the dude's ditty bag, and dumps it out on the sidewalk. Rifles through his stuff, and starts pocketing the money. Guy in wheelchair is like "c'mon man, don't do that."

I roll down the window and go "hey mother****er, leave his **** alone." Dude looks at me - all the while sticking stuff into his pockets. I throw the car in park, and start to get out. Dude takes off running like the little bitch he is.

Now let me tell you how much I hate panhandlers. I almost got tossed in jail on 4 different occasions when helping my mom with the soup kitchen in Arizona - all for jack-slapping guys who popped off to my mom while she was feeding them. I hate bums. But I must admit that somebody who robs a bum is even lower on the scrotum pole.

[Czar Soonerov]

heh, scrotum pole.

[SoonerBorn68]

Wow! :eek:

What a fockturd.

[olevetonahill]

That is sick :eek:
Why i love livin in S/ east Ok , The folks who need help are a known factor , the fags who prey on em are also known and are very shortly in prison or they become catfish shat :cool:

[yermom]

yeah, he still had one leg, what a slacker :D

[jk the sooner fan]

dude needed some crack money dean, leave em alone.....

[KABOOKIE]

You probably like Reagan too! :mad:

[Taxman71]

Now let me tell you how much I hate panhandlers. I almost got tossed in jail on 4 different occasions when helping my mom with the soup kitchen in Arizona - all for jack-slapping guys who popped off to my mom while she was feeding them. I hate bums. But I must admit that somebody who robs a bum is even lower on the scrotum pole.

Then you should avoid downtown OKC. The panhandlers have moved in bigtime in the last year and they start with "how you doing sir? I lost my job...." Then you see them everyday for a month with the same story.

[OU4LIFE]

That was one of my only complaints about DC, the homeless. They were everywhere....but they left me alone for the most part.

That, and the fact that there aren't any farking trashcans in that city....not in the parks, on the streets...anywhere.

[OUthunder]

If you were in dowtown Baltiimore i'm not surprised.

[Harry Beanbag]

A buddy and I were leaving Applebee's the other night and an older dude hit us up. His accent sounded like he may have been an Okie, and he said he just needed a dollar for a little gas. He was ****ed because nobody would help him. Apparently, everybody thought he was just a bum doing some panhandling. I figured he was serious since he was actually carrying a gas can in his hand so I gave him a buck.

[C&CDean]

A buddy and I were leaving Applebee's the other night and an older dude hit us up. His accent sounded like he may have been an Okie, and he said he just needed a dollar for a little gas. He was ****ed because nobody would help him. Apparently, everybody thought he was just a bum doing some panhandling. I figured he was serious since he was actually carrying a gas can in his hand so I gave him a buck.

Sucker.

[Harry Beanbag]

Maybe, but he put some effort into it so at least I got some entertainment for my dollar. :)

[Howzit]

A buddy and I were leaving Applebee's the other night and an older dude hit us up. His accent sounded like he may have been an Okie, and he said he just needed a dollar for a little gas. He was ****ed because nobody would help him. Apparently, everybody thought he was just a bum doing some panhandling. I figured he was serious since he was actually carrying a gas can in his hand so I gave him a buck.
Was this Phoenix? A few years back I was in downtown Phx walking back to my hotel around midnight. Some dude with a young girl in a stroller hits me up for some gas money. He's obviously playing the sympathy card, but I had a small girl at the time so I gave him a couple of bucks.

I also told him that I knew he jerking my chain, I thought he was a piece of **** for jerking my chain, and the worst part was that he was bringing up a kid to think that was normal.

[TexasLidig8r]

About two years ago, coming out of the courthouse, walking to my car.. a gorgeous spring day.. things had gone well... a panhandler walks up to me and asks me for some help. I told him, "You're gonna half to work for it pardner." He looks at me with a puzzled look on his face. So, I said.. "Sing me a song." He still had that puzzled look on his face. I said, "You know, like Camp Town Races.. sing it loud.. sing it proud."

By this time a couple of other people had walked up to us and were looking on.. I pulled out a dollar and said.. "come on now.. a dollar for a song."

I didn't get a song.. he didn't get a dollar. :mad:

[Mjcpr]

About two years ago, coming out of the courthouse, walking to my car.. a gorgeous spring day.. things had gone well... a panhandler walks up to me and asks me for some help. I told him, "You're gonna half to work for it pardner." He looks at me with a puzzled look on his face. So, I said.. "Sing me a song." He still had that puzzled look on his face. I said, "You know, like Camp Town Races.. sing it loud.. sing it proud."

By this time a couple of other people had walked up to us and were looking on.. I pulled out a dollar and said.. "come on now.. a dollar for a song."

I didn't get a song.. he didn't get a dollar. :mad:

At least you let him keep his dignity.

[Harry Beanbag]

Was this Phoenix? A few years back I was in downtown Phx walking back to my hotel around midnight. Some dude with a young girl in a stroller hits me up for some gas money. He's obviously playing the sympathy card, but I had a small girl at the time so I gave him a couple of bucks.

I also told him that I knew he jerking my chain, I thought he was a piece of **** for jerking my chain, and the worst part was that he was bringing up a kid to think that was normal.


It was in Tempe. He seriously seemed flustered and ****ed off, and he wasn't just waiting outside the door, he was actually walking throught the parking lot, so I really don't think he was foolin'. But you never know.

[Harry Beanbag]

About two years ago, coming out of the courthouse, walking to my car.. a gorgeous spring day.. things had gone well... a panhandler walks up to me and asks me for some help. I told him, "You're gonna half to work for it pardner." He looks at me with a puzzled look on his face. So, I said.. "Sing me a song." He still had that puzzled look on his face. I said, "You know, like Camp Town Races.. sing it loud.. sing it proud."

By this time a couple of other people had walked up to us and were looking on.. I pulled out a dollar and said.. "come on now.. a dollar for a song."

I didn't get a song.. he didn't get a dollar. :mad:


Typical arrogant blowhard horn. :texan:

[Taxman71]

THIS THREAD IS A JINX. After my earlier post above this morning.....I get freaking panhandled coming out of my parking garage this morning. Dude was too stoned to see how ****ed I was.

Here's the irony, why do the bums approach men only rather than woman? This guy walked past 5 ladies and 2 short men just to get to me. This shows their insanity since I was the one most likely to pummel the guy. Then again, he may have been looking to take a punch in exchange for a lawsuit.

Good thing Oklahoma is about to pass the "Standy Your Ground" bill that extends the Make My Day law to virtually anywhere you get threatened.

[slickdawg]

There's a special place in hell for people like this.

[KABOOKIE]

This is why I go through great effort to counterfeit $1 bills. They're also good at the strip club.

[Stanley1]

Why do you hate the American-way Dean?

[Stanley1]

There's a special place in hell for people like this.

While this is pretty low, I can think of much, much worse things deserving of a life-time in hell.

[C&CDean]

It was in Tempe. He seriously seemed flustered and ****ed off, and he wasn't just waiting outside the door, he was actually walking throught the parking lot, so I really don't think he was foolin'. But you never know.

ATM card? Cell phone? If dude was legit, he'd have one - or both. Or at least ask to borrow a phone to call somebody.

Seriously, if you run outta gas, do you grab a can and go to a restaraunt and panhandle?

The last time I gave a bum some $$ was about 20 years ago in Tucson. Dude comes up to the fence where I'm working, has this huge gash in his hand - it's all swelled up and infected and nasty - and he goes "I just got into town, and all I need is a buck to go buy some hydrogen peroxide at the drug store for my hand. It's killing me. Where's the closest hospital?"

There was a drugstore up on the hill about 200 yards away. I go "there's the drugstore, and there's a hospital about 2 miles up the road." I hand him 2 bucks through the fence.

Not 5 minutes later, I see dude sitting under a palo verde tree with a bottle of Thunderbird. In Arizona, you can buy liquor in all the drugstores, convenience stores, etc. He smiles and waves and goes "thanks man." I go "you better carry your sorry *** outta my sight before I come around that fence and take my $2 back outta your hide."

He gets up and staggers away, and right then and there I said to self "self, you will never give another bum a dime as long as you live." And I've stuck to it.

[jk the sooner fan]

a few years ago, i was escorting my extended family for a tour of the Alamo and riverwalk.....a few of the relatives were still inside the alamo looking at artifacts and stuff, while the rest of us sat outside under one of the big tree's

one of the local drunk/panhandlers decided to sit next to me, and proceeded to strike up a conversation, asking me where i lived, what i did, etc etc

now i had a handful of neices and nephews sitting next to me, so i told the gentleman that i'd appreciate it if he took his "act" somewhere else, that he reeked of booze and i really didnt appreciate him approaching me when i had the kids like that......told him i didnt have any cash for him

he responds "ok man, i dont wanna fight or nothing"


FIGHT? paranoid much ya lil drunkard?

[Beano's Fourth Chin]

Even worse are those bums that come to your front door selling cookies or magazines.

Better take that fake girl scout uniform back to good will while you can still walk little missy.

[jk the sooner fan]

ALERT ALERT

BEANO SIGHTING

ALERT ALERT

[slickdawg]

While this is pretty low, I can think of much, much worse things deserving of a life-time in hell.

Oh, there's plenty. But stealing from amputee is pretty freakin' low.

[BeetDigger]

There's a special place in hell for people like this.


I don't know if Dante specifically covered it, but using the general framework, I suspect it is right around level four or five, just beyond the river Styx.



Wow, never thought I could use Dante in a post on the SO. Huh. Today maybe a special day. wOOt.

[TexasLidig8r]

Typical arrogant blowhard horn. :texan:

Hell, at least I didn't have him try to sing "Boomer Sooner." :)

[FaninAma]

Sucker.

Giving a guy who has lost his diginty $5 or $10 dollars to help him find a meal or a warm bed or even a bottle of MD 20/20 doesn't bother me at all. I know my pathetic little bit of charity isn't going to make a damned bit of difference in the person's life but it's sort of like not helping a hurt animal. I just feel sorry for somebody who has arrived at a point in life that they have no dignity left. I give money to every corner panhandler I encounter as well as those hanging around restaurants and gas stations.

Now the guys who don't ask for your money but expect it are the ones who **** me off. This includes poiticians and certain other professions who feed off created crisises. You know who I'm talking about. :texan:

[slickdawg]

I don't know if Dante specifically covered it, but using the general framework, I suspect it is right around level four or five, just beyond the river Styx.



Wow, never thought I could use Dante in a post on the SO. Huh. Today maybe a special day. wOOt.


Exactly - I was thinking it's a 4th/5th layer thing.

[C&CDean]

Giving a guy who has lost his diginty $5 or $10 dollars to help him find a meal or a warm bed or even a bottle of MD 20/20 doesn't bother me at all. I know my pathetic little bit of charity isn't going to make a damned bit of difference in the person's life but it's sort of like not helping a hurt animal. I just feel sorry for somebody who has arrived at a point in life that they have no dignity left.

Now the guys who don't ask for your money but expect it are the ones who **** me off. This includes poiticians and certain other professions who feed off created crisises. You know who I'm talking about. :texan:

So, since I typically euthanize injured animals, what you're saying is I should have shot his ***?

[TopDaugIn2000]

I am a big softie and way too trusting in people. If I see a bum, ESPECIALLY if they have a dog with them, I almost always do something. I decided several years ago to not give them cash, instead I go to the nearest convience store or food place and get them a burger & a coke or something. I'd rather them get food than dope or booze. Some are appreciative, some are ****ed. Either way, at least they get the chance to eat.
I haven't been to DC or Baltimore, but downtown Chicago was pretty bad. Get hit up at every corner.

[Harry Beanbag]

So, since I typically euthanize injured animals, what you're saying is I should have shot his ***?


At least you would be doing something to help him out. ;)

[Harry Beanbag]

Hell, at least I didn't have him try to sing "Boomer Sooner." :)


I'm surprised you didn't have him sing "I've Been Working on the Railroad." :)

[FaninAma]

So, since I typically euthanize injured animals, what you're saying is I should have shot his ***?

That is a solution but currently against the law. Personally, if I ever found myself in the same situation I would consider it a favor.

Wasn't the movie They Shoot Horses, Don't They about this very subject?

[jk the sooner fan]

I was at a carwash one day, and a bum approached the guy in the stall next to me......he said "sure i'll give you some money, but lets pray first"

he held hands with the guy while they bowed their heads and prayed

i'm thinkng the bum, while he had his eyes closed and head bowed was probably saying to himself "lord forgive me for the booze i'm about to spend this money on"

[OUDoc]

The last time I gave a bum some $$ was about 20 years ago in Tucson. Dude comes up to the fence where I'm working, has this huge gash in his hand - it's all swelled up and infected and nasty - and he goes "I just got into town, and all I need is a buck to go buy some hydrogen peroxide at the drug store for my hand. It's killing me. Where's the closest hospital?"

There was a drugstore up on the hill about 200 yards away. I go "there's the drugstore, and there's a hospital about 2 miles up the road." I hand him 2 bucks through the fence.

Not 5 minutes later, I see dude sitting under a palo verde tree with a bottle of Thunderbird. In Arizona, you can buy liquor in all the drugstores, convenience stores, etc. He smiles and waves and goes "thanks man." I go "you better carry your sorry *** outta my sight before I come around that fence and take my $2 back outta your hide."

He gets up and staggers away, and right then and there I said to self "self, you will never give another bum a dime as long as you live." And I've stuck to it.
If it makes you feel any better, he probably became septic and died from his infected wound a few days later.

[BlondeSoonerGirl]

I had a homeless dude come up on me once outside the grocery store. I was walking back to the car with a few bags so my hands were full. Dude was really, really crocked and after I told him I couldn't help him buy more booze he started grabbing at me and stuff. He was out of his freakin' head.

Scared me. Bad.

[C&CDean]

If it makes you feel any better, he probably became septic and died from his infected wound a few days later.

Cool. I'm down with that.

[Pieces Hit]

About two years ago, coming out of the courthouse, walking to my car.. a gorgeous spring day.. things had gone well... a panhandler walks up to me and asks me for some help. I told him, "You're gonna half to work for it pardner." He looks at me with a puzzled look on his face. So, I said.. "Sing me a song." He still had that puzzled look on his face. I said, "You know, like Camp Town Races.. sing it loud.. sing it proud."

By this time a couple of other people had walked up to us and were looking on.. I pulled out a dollar and said.. "come on now.. a dollar for a song."

I didn't get a song.. he didn't get a dollar. :mad:"I'm a little piggie,
here's my snout,
oink oink oink,
oink oink oink."

http://www.be.wednet.edu/OurSchools/Hs/student_projects/web_fall_03/personal/images/southpark_cartman.jpg

[slickdawg]

I had a homeless dude come up on me once outside the grocery store. I was alking back to the car with a few bags so my hands were full. Dude was really, really crocked and after I told him I couldn't help him buy more booze he started grabbing at me and stuff. He was out of his freakin' head.

Scared me. Bad.

That's where you pull out your Colt 1911 and ask him if he believes in
Jesus, cause he's about to meet him.

[Stanley1]

Last year I was leaving work in downtown Dallas, and had a few blocks to walk to my car. It'd been a pretty long day, and I wasn't in a particularly good mood. I saw this bum up ahead of me, and knew he was going to ask for something. So I get near him and he says, "Hey man, you got any change. I'll be honest, I want a beer". Not sure why, but it made me laugh. I gave him probably $0.50 in change, just b/c he made me laugh.

[VeeJay]

The way I see this is, it comes down to risk vs. reward.

Here we have, two desperate, scorned elements of society - a wheelchair bound homeless person, and more than likely a street criminal who may or may not have self-worth issues. Clearly, two individuals who were left shoved under the bus by the Reagan Administration.

The street criminal - anxious to survive and prosper in a brutal, cold and calculating world, takes his own survival needs into consideration without considering his pesonal action's impact upon those slightly less fortunate than himself, and his action's impact on greater society as a whole. The street criminal more than likely surmised that, even if he were apprehended by the law enforcement, his penalty would be no more harsh than what he previously has experienced, had he been locked up in the past. And I make no assumptions on that. On the other hand, the rewards of his violating the wheelchair bound gentleman's personal effects could have netted him as much as a bus pass, maybe a half pint of Night Train, a needle syringe or two, some shoplifted Advil, some loose change, and a month old worthless lottey ticket. Was there a bar of gold bouillion, a cache of precious emeralds, or a roll of $100 bills to be had? More than likely not. But you never know.

Kudos to the street criminal.

Despite some taxpayer at the red light screaming an insulting "mother******" at him.

[IronSooner]

I had a guy track me down in the parking lot last week. He shows me some address and says he's low on gas and just needs some cash for gas and food. I tell him I'm out of cash (yeah right, but I am a college student on a campus) but that there's a gas station a few blocks down the street. I tell him I'll follow him down there and put it on my credit card. All of a sudden the gas becomes less important and now he just needs some cash for food. Right. I just shrugged and walked off.

A couple years ago I heard the same story, the guy did go with me, I bought him gas and he drove off. No problem with that. I don't mind helping people out if it really will help. Mostly I think they just go buy drugs/alcohol/paint with cash...I worked in social services places long enough to find that out. So if they only want cash, they only get air.

[Pieces Hit]

I don't mind helping people out if it really will help.Can I have 17 thousand dollars? It would really help.

[TexasLidig8r]

"I'm a little piggie,
here's my snout,
oink oink oink,
oink oink oink."

http://www.be.wednet.edu/OurSchools/Hs/student_projects/web_fall_03/personal/images/southpark_cartman.jpg

Here ya go Hombre. ;)

http://www.theplug.net/2004.10/boildollar1.jpg

[IronSooner]

Can I have 17 thousand dollars? It would really help.

Blood from a turnip dude...grad student here.

[FaninAma]

I realize that I'm probably taking the easy way out but I also look at it that maybe if I give this guy a handout he won't feel the need to steal from somebody....at least for a little while or the need to acost another person the way SBSB was. And yes, giving panhandlers money does reinforce the behavior but denying the handout really doesn't change the fact that the panhandler has already made the most important decison dictating his behavior which is to toss aside all dignity and beg other people for money.

In my way of thinking, panhandlers actually are more honest than able-bodied people who live off of government handouts for long periods of time. At least the panhandler goes through the formality of asking you for the money.

[C&CDean]

I realize that I'm probably taking the easy way out but I also look at it that maybe if I give this guy a handout he won't feel the need to steal from somebody....at least for a little while or the need to acost another person the way SBSB was. And yes, giving panhandlers money does reinforce the behavior but denying the handout really doesn't change the fact that the panhandler has already made the most important decison dictating his behavior which is to toss aside all dignity and beg other people for money.

In my way of thinking, panhandlers actually are more honest than able-bodied people who live off of government handouts for long periods of time. At least the panhandler goes through the formality of asking you for the money.

What I think you may be failing to realize is that most bums are on the government payroll. When I worked in Tucson, they'd line up on the 1st for their government checks mailed to the "general delivery" address. I'm already paying for them to be worthless once with my taxes. I'll be damned if I'm gonna pay for them again with my cash.

They've got access to free health care, and most actually choose their life on the street. I had a guy tell me one time at the soup kitchen that "I just couldn't live like you - working for the man. You've got no freedom, you're a slave. Me? I can come and go as I please, don't have to slave to any man, hell man, I'm free. You're a prisoner."

[picasso]

the out of gas bit is an old scam. I gave in once out at 81st and Lewis in Tulsa. it was a couple and said they needed gas money to get to Tahlequah. I felt generous and gave them a few bucks.
now the ones near downtown Tulsa have it made. Along with the fine shelters Tulsa has (seriously). I'm also told most of them get a check. my gf's brother (Tulsa cop) says don't give them anything.
I once saw 2 dudes at the QT on 15th & Denver circling a woman gassing up her Lexus. they were like vultures. could tell she was nervous.

also had a guy approach me at the same QT, he came out of nowhere, my age, dressed nicely and said "hey homey, you got a few bucks to spare?" I says no I don't.:rolleyes:

[FaninAma]

What I think you may be failing to realize is that most bums are on the government payroll. When I worked in Tucson, they'd line up on the 1st for their government checks mailed to the "general delivery" address. I'm already paying for them to be worthless once with my taxes. I'll be damned if I'm gonna pay for them again with my cash.

They've got access to free health care, and most actually choose their life on the street. I had a guy tell me one time at the soup kitchen that "I just couldn't live like you - working for the man. You've got no freedom, you're a slave. Me? I can come and go as I please, don't have to slave to any man, hell man, I'm free. You're a prisoner."

No, I realize that most probably do get some government assistance but it's usually far less than the institutionalized welfare families who don't live on the street. And in a way, the guy is right. You and I work so the government can take a substantial part of our income and not only give it to welfare recepients but even worse, use tax revenues to subsidize big businesses who aren't efficient enough to make it without government assistance.

It's a losing battle and, as you know, I am in the process of crossing over to the other side....ie. getting out of the small business private sector and getting into the government subsidized side. And don't think I haven't thought of that while making my decision.

If you want to think about it, agriculture in the US is one of the most heavily subsidized sectors in the country. So in a way, most of us have our hands out to get our share....the important part of the equation and the part that is important in terms of what kind of country are we leaving our kids is how much does each individual put back into the system.....are you a net contributor or a net withdrawer?

[skycat]

I'm sure that this will come as a shock to all of you, but there are some really wacky homeless people in Austin.

My two "favorites":

The guy that did an un-solicited soliloquy from some play that he claims to have written. He didn't get anything.

The guy that rattled off all 50 state capitols. He did get a dollar. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a homeless geography buff.

[1stTimeCaller]

I'll bet it was JohnnyMack that stole the guy's money. Being as you won't buy him dinner he had to find a way to eat somehow.

[C&CDean]

I'll bet it was JohnnyMack that stole the guy's money. Being as you won't buy him dinner he had to find a way to eat somehow.

JM is black?

[mdklatt]

I met one panhandler in Atlanta who really did earn the money I gave him. He took me on a little walking tour of downtown and gave me restaurant recommendations and stuff. For a few minutes I thought he worked for the Chamber of Commerce or something.

[VeeJay]

He took me on a little walking tour of downtown and gave me restaurant recommendations and stuff. For a few minutes I thought he worked for the Chamber of Commerce or something.

I would have asked him if he rated the restaurants by the quality of food fished out of the dumpsters.

[Taxman71]

I don't give cash to bums for 2 reasons. First, you are encouraging them to panhandle your area which will eventually affect your wife, mother, etc. Thus, you become an enabler that negatively affects your city. Second, I usually inform them of Traveler's Aid and various local charities designed to give them exactly what they are asking for (travel money, food, etc.). Not once has any of them followed this advice. Instead, they say they would rather have the money and that those "people won't help". That is when I leave since they have already taken their benefits or simply want more gold paint to huff.

Also, I don't carry pocket change or bills and I will be damn if I am going to whip out my wallet in front of one of those guys.

[mdklatt]

I would have asked him if he rated the restaurants by the quality of food fished out of the dumpsters.

I actually went to one of the places he showed me, and it was pretty good. He wasn't a "bum"; he was friendly, knowledgable, and reasonably dressed. He probably could have gotten a job with the Chamber of Commerce.

[TopDaugIn2000]

I actually went to one of the places he showed me, and it was pretty good. He wasn't a "bum"; he was friendly, knowledgable, and reasonably dressed. He probably could have gotten a job with the Chamber of Commerce.

probably wouldn't pay as well as his current gig.

[12]

I would give money to them, but I'm as broke as a one-legged bum.

[Jimminy Crimson]

I'm in downtown OKC frequently and the bum problem isn't as bad as it used to be due to panhandling laws, but I bought a book of coupons that were good for a free ride to the homeless shelter/soup kitchen to give to said bums. The lowlifes want nothing to do with it. :mad:

Next time I encounter one, I'll pull the Lid treatment on them and see how they butcher the Star Spangled banner. :texan:

[Mjcpr]

I think it would be ironic to make them sing 'Greatest Love of All'.

[VeeJay]

Do they take requests? I'd like to be serenaded with a "Fly Me To The Moon" at a red light beneath an interstate overpass.

[silverwheels]

New Year's Eve, I was in Bricktown with some buddies, and as soon as we got there, some homeless guy in a Seattle Sonics jacket from 1990 came up and asked us for some change. One of my friends was a little drunk, so he gave him a beer and a few dollars. I didn't have any cash on me, or I wouldn't have given him any.

[colleyvillesooner]

My favorite Panhandler sign:

Need Money for Fuel for my Spaceship

[silverwheels]

My favorite Panhandler sign:

Need Money for Fuel for my Spaceship

My favorite one is

"Ninjas killed my family. Need money for kung-fu lessons."

[Petro-Sooner]

Last summer I got hit up in downtown OKC. Its hot and he has an empty water bottle. Asks if I could help him get some water. Said nope, but was wanting to say yeah I can. There is most likely going to be a bathroom on the first floor of most any building downtown. In that bathroom there will be a sink. Get your water from the sink. Or, yes, there is a reflecting pool in front of the city government building. Dip the bottle in the pool.

[Sooner Born Sooner Bred]

In Chicago two years ago, my coworkers and I had lunch at the Weber Grille place. My coworker had them put what was left of her lunch in the to go box. She had cut her sandwich in half and only eaten one half.

When we got outside, she asks the first homeless guy we see if he is hungry and he says "I don't like hamburgers" or whatever. The next guy said he was hungry then he said "bless you."

At my old job, my boss was a minister. We helped down and out people with job skills. He would stop and give them a flyer for our organization and tell them to come by for the job skills class. He said only about 3 people in his lifetime of ministry had ever taken him up on the offer.

[handcrafted]

I'm in downtown OKC frequently and the bum problem isn't as bad as it used to be due to panhandling laws, but I bought a book of coupons that were good for a free ride to the homeless shelter/soup kitchen to give to said bums. The lowlifes want nothing to do with it. :mad:


See now this is a really good idea. If I was asked by a woman with a small child, I would try to give them a ride myself. Other than that, it's "here's the address of the Jesus House (or City Rescue Mission)" and point them in the right direction. Dude, I'm happy to point you to where you can get something to eat and a place to sleep. But you gotta work for your beer money just like the rest of us.

I think the Jesus House requires people who stay there to work around the place if they're going to be there long. Not sure.

I been hit with the "out of gas" scam in Norman a couple of times. However, when I was in San Diego about 20 years ago, I had a bum/junkie come up to me, and rather than just asking for money, he asked me to follow him to a diner down the street and buy him a burger. Which I did. He'd been in and out of rehab for speed and was trying to get himself together. We sat and talked for a few minutes, I bought him a pack of smokes too, and I left. Hope it went okay for him.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

there was a homeless guy in downtown tulsa that used to hang out where i parked. guy spent the entire day doing curls and crap with a 25 lb dumbbell. dude was so ripped, if you painted him green he'd look like jennifer capriati. one day he asked me for some money because the dumb bell broke, i told him i didn't have any cash on me, but i'd bring him a new dumbbell tomorrow if he was still there. i brought him a 25, a 30, and a 45 i'd picked up at a garage sale a couple of years before. never had another bum in downtown ever come up and ask me for money.

[Howzit]

I forgot my Fresno story.

Several years back I was in Fresno.

The end.

[Howzit]

Oh, and while I was in Fresno, a guy hits me up for some gas money at some gas money, and I give him a buck or something, knowing full well the deal.

A night or two later the same guy hits me up for gas money in a completely different part of town outside a restaurant. I say "You don't remember me, do you?" He says no, and I tell him he hit me up for gas money a couple of days before in front of wherever it was. He says, "Hey man, a brothuhs gotta make a livin'," and walks off.

[Jimminy Crimson]

Didn't Salt Lake City ship out all the bums to some BFE town before the Olympics started?

Maybe OKC will do that before the Big XII tourney next year. :cool:

[Jimminy Crimson]

Oh, and while I was in Fresno, a guy hits me up for some gas money at some gas money, and I give him a buck or something, knowing full well the deal.

A night or two later the same guy hits me up for gas money in a completely different part of town outside a restaurant. I say "You don't remember me, do you?" He says no, and I tell him he hit me up for gas money a couple of days before in front of wherever it was. He says, "Hey man, a brothuhs gotta make a livin'," and walks off.

I was driving to Vegas this past summer and stopped somewhere outside ABQ at a Sonic... Some drunk idiot comes up right as the Sonic beyonce is giving me my change back and asks if I have any money to spare, blah, blah, car is broken down, blah blah, trying to get home... I give the dude a dollar. On the way back home, I happen to stop at the same Sonic on the way home for a drink. The lowlife is still there, eating at a table with a worker. :mad: He tries to walk up to the car, I roll up the window and tell him he's #1! :mack: What those greaseballs don't know is that I've got some friends pretty high up in rank at Sonic. That'll show those beyonces!

[Taxman71]

I have been panhandled by the same old, dirty crackhead lady in the Lido parking lot in OKC at least 5 times. Same story about feeding her kids and she creeps up behind you as you are getting in your car. I nearly ran her over last time. Usually the owner comes out, she flips him the bird and retreats to her car around the corner.

[VeeJay]

There are people patrolling the major intersections around here selling nespapers called "The Homeless Voice." They all wear these bright yellow t-shirts. Every now and then you'll see one of them yakking it up on a cell phone.

I've yet to figure out what's driving that gig.

[walkoffsooner]

I told a bum no the other night going in to Ford Center then bought a 30 dollar t- shirt,and a 6.50 beer, I felt kind of guilty.

[Taxman71]

Those $6.50 beers have forced me into rekindling my love for flasks.

[yermom]

See now this is a really good idea. If I was asked by a woman with a small child, I would try to give them a ride myself. Other than that, it's "here's the address of the Jesus House (or City Rescue Mission)" and point them in the right direction. Dude, I'm happy to point you to where you can get something to eat and a place to sleep. But you gotta work for your beer money just like the rest of us.

I think the Jesus House requires people who stay there to work around the place if they're going to be there long. Not sure.

I been hit with the "out of gas" scam in Norman a couple of times. However, when I was in San Diego about 20 years ago, I had a bum/junkie come up to me, and rather than just asking for money, he asked me to follow him to a diner down the street and buy him a burger. Which I did. He'd been in and out of rehab for speed and was trying to get himself together. We sat and talked for a few minutes, I bought him a pack of smokes too, and I left. Hope it went okay for him.

tall African-American fellow with a "pregnant" wife?

the :dolemite: beacon has officially gone up :D

[handcrafted]

tall African-American fellow with a "pregnant" wife?

the :dolemite: beacon has officially gone up :D

It was, in fact, a tall african-american fellow. But he was alone. I don't think it was :dolemite:, although I've never met him, so who knows? :D

[yermom]

:dolemite: always runs into this guy that asks if you feel like being a "Good Samaritan"

he totally hates that guy :D

[mrowl]

My favorite one is

"Ninjas killed my family. Need money for kung-fu lessons."


http://www.bobanddan.com/images/Bob/ninja.jpg

[handcrafted]

:dolemite: always runs into this guy that asks if you feel like being a "Good Samaritan"

he totally hates that guy :D

Okay, yeah. Same guy. Both times he was hanging around campus corner (I used to work down there).

Sorry, I thought you were saying that the scam artist was :dolemite:. :D

[Mjcpr]

Sorry, I thought you were saying that the scam artist was :dolemite:. :D

The Artist Formerly Known as Dolemite

[FaninAma]

http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/167/5/477

This article indicates that panhandlers earn about $7500 a year from all sources including their panhandling. I don't believe that most panhandlers can support an illicit drug habit on what they make begging.

[yermom]

you forget about the mugging and burglary :)

[Taxman71]

$7,500 is alot of money for working 0 hours. I think that equates an hourly rate of $infinite/hour worked.

[yermom]

$7,500 is alot of money for working 0 hours. I think that equates an hourly rate of $infinite/hour worked.

see, that's where you are wrong, it's a ****ty rate of pay for bugging people all day

they'd make more money at Radio Shack doing almost the same thing

[Harry Beanbag]

see, that's where you are wrong, it's a ****ty rate of pay for bugging people all day

they'd make more money at Radio Shack doing almost the same thing


Yeah, but then they'd probably have to bathe and shave. Gotta have your priorities straight.

[TopDaugIn2000]

see, that's where you are wrong, it's a ****ty rate of pay for bugging people all day

they'd make more money at MATHIS BROTHERS doing almost the same thing

FIXED

I swear I'll never set foot in that hell hole again.

[Hamhock]

Even worse are those bums that come to your front door selling cookies or magazines.

Better take that fake girl scout uniform back to good will while you can still walk little missy.


A couple of years ago. Doorbell rings.

It's a pregnant black teen. She flips out a photo album. The kind that folds down to the floor with pictures. All of the pictures are of an ultrasound. She says "this is why I'm selling magazines. By baby ain't got no daddy" (Which I thought was biologically impossible, but I let it slide).

I spent 120 bucks on 3 magazine subscriptions. I'm still waiting on the first magazine to arrive. If any of you are getting a free subscription to Bowhunter, please let me know so I can come get it.

[handcrafted]

A couple of years ago. Doorbell rings.

It's a pregnant black teen. She flips out a photo album. The kind that folds down to the floor with pictures. All of the pictures are of an ultrasound. She says "this is why I'm selling magazines. By baby ain't got no daddy" (Which I thought was biologically impossible, but I let it slide).

I spent 120 bucks on 3 magazine subscriptions. I'm still waiting on the first magazine to arrive. If any of you are getting a free subscription to Bowhunter, please let me know so I can come get it.

Sucker.

Every.

Minute.

[SCOUT]

see, that's where you are wrong, it's a ****ty rate of pay for bugging people all day

they'd make more money at Radio Shack doing almost the same thing

You're right, we should raise the minimum wage for begging.;)

[yermom]

Yeah, but then they'd probably have to bathe and shave. Gotta have your priorities straight.

i guess there is more overhead

[Jimminy Crimson]

She says "this is why I'm selling magazines. By baby ain't got no daddy" (Which I thought was biologically impossible, but I let it slide).

I would have responded with: And mama can't speak english. <slam door> :D

[Zbird]

happened about an hour or so in downtown Baltimore.

Some dude with one leg was sitting in a wheelchair at a corner downtown begging money. While I'm about 2 cars away in the left turn lane, some guy runs over, grabs the dude's ditty bag, and dumps it out on the sidewalk. Rifles through his stuff, and starts pocketing the money. Guy in wheelchair is like "c'mon man, don't do that."

I roll down the window and go "hey mother****er, leave his **** alone." Dude looks at me - all the while sticking stuff into his pockets. I throw the car in park, and start to get out. Dude takes off running like the little bitch he is.

Now let me tell you how much I hate panhandlers. I almost got tossed in jail on 4 different occasions when helping my mom with the soup kitchen in Arizona - all for jack-slapping guys who popped off to my mom while she was feeding them. I hate bums. But I must admit that somebody who robs a bum is even lower on the scrotum pole.

Preach on brother! Thieves are so low they have to look up to see bottom.

[Sooner Born Sooner Bred]

When we were almost to Kansas City last year, we stopped for gas. Actually, we stopped cause Jed thought we were at the hotel but it was the wrong hotel and we needed gas so we filled up there. But I digress.

BSG let this guy use her jumper cables, then he tried to pay her. So not all people with broken down cars are panhandlers.

[BoogercountySooner]

http://rockass.net/uploaded_images/lost_all_herbalife.jpg

[silverwheels]

I'm thinking this (http://www.soonerfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64185) might be one of the more pathetic things I've seen.

[IB4OU]

happened about an hour or so in downtown Baltimore.

Some dude with one leg was sitting in a wheelchair at a corner downtown begging money. While I'm about 2 cars away in the left turn lane, some guy runs over, grabs the dude's ditty bag, and dumps it out on the sidewalk. Rifles through his stuff, and starts pocketing the money. Guy in wheelchair is like "c'mon man, don't do that."


Probably just another scam. Trying to make people feel sorry for the dude so they'll give him mo money.