Arby's refuses to feed homeless couple

[Boozy]

I don't give money to beggars on the street, and I usually urge my friends and family not to do so.

If you have a few extra bucks in your pocket, and you'd like to help impoverished people with it, you'll get more bang for your buck giving it to food banks, rehab centers, homeless shelters, and abused women shelters. They can pool donations and make a real difference to many people, and they have the knowledge to put your cash to good use.

When I'm approached for cash, and I indeed have some extra, I'll say "I'm sorry, I can't help you today" and walk on. Then I'll make a mental note to put that extra dollar in my charity jar at home. You don't get the warm fuzzy right away, but it makes more sense.

I will say that if someone is genuinely just after some grub, I'd be tempted to go buy them some bananas or something.

[BroomJockey]

I will say that if someone is genuinely just after some grub, I'd be tempted to go buy them some bananas or something.

You know, you just reminded of one time I was on my way in to a Wendy's, and a guy out front asked me if I could buy him a cup of chili. Stuff's about a buck or so, decent sized portion, and approaching nutritious, so I went ahead. Oddly, I didn't get massive, warm fuzzies after. The guy was appropriately grateful, and I knew I'd done something nice, but I got about the same feeling I did holding open a door for someone when their hands are full.

Maybe that's why I have no qualms about not giving handouts in person, even if I have a few spare bucks. I just don't get that buzz from it.

[Flyndaran]

Flyndaran, are you really comparing yourself to a junkie or an alchoholic or an icehead?

Seriously?

I'm actually saying that I consider myself LESS addicted to fear than they are to their chemicals. If one can have sympathy for me, then why not for those worse off?
Sorry for mangling my explanations.

[Arcade Man D]

I understand why the manager wouldn't let them work for liability reasons. That's completely understandable. And it's possible this wasn't the first time these guys had come sniffing around for something, either.

What I don't understand is why didn't the person who felt the need to write the article didn't pony up a few bucks for some sandwiches for the couple if he was so concerned about it. That would have been by far the best solution.

Quoted for agreement there. Articles like these remind me of one of my favorite verses from Luke. 6:41

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

[Slytovhand]

I'll go for 'yea' on this.

Not that I'm a bleeding heart liberal (I vote Greens ), but... it's only food... and I've worked at a pizza joint - I know the amount that gets thrown out! Food is better than giving money... have we become so jaded and cynical that it's really even a discussion??? Sure, if it keeps happening, perhaps they should have some information handy on where the local help is... but until that happens, is charity so bad?

I also know exactly how situational it is. I spent 3 weeks living in a Salvation Army shelter some years ago.. and I know some were using it as a cheap backpackers.

I also don't give handouts on the street too often... you know the ones, walk past a long line of people and give them all the same story with the hand out and without ever looking at them? The ones who made up a story long ago and stick with it? "Got 50 cents for a phone call?" yeah... how many phone calls are you making?? And how the hell are you on a train platform with no money or ticket (you've got to swipe it to get on there).. hang on, didn't you ask me for that a couple of weeks ago???? Or the "I'm a bit short this week"... ummm - I'm willing to bet you've been a bit short for a lot longer than that! So long, you've turned begging into a profession!

OTOH, I did give $10 to a girl a couple of months ago who had a brilliant and (I felt) believable story! Car broken down with keys locked inside, cops told her to move it, but it's out of petrol. She 'felt' not like a typical begger... way too alive (without the sense of drug induced high)...

Which means, I'll go with my instincts.