What would you do?

http://imfoxnews.com/WhatWouldYouDo.html ^ | 12/14/09 | Doug Wall http://imfoxnews.com/

[SouthWall]

I'm not sure I did the right thing, but I think I did.

[SouthWall]

Helmet on. Waiting your opinion.

Thanks

[Shimmer1]

I probably would have done just like you did. But then I’m big on personal responsibility.

[Flycatcher]

I would run down the two kids in a carbon-spewing SUV.

But, hey, that's just me...

[sr4402]

Simple, Go into the shop and buy some bagles. Go outside and say "Here you go" to the boys. If they say "We only want money" simply reply, "If a man is unwilling to work, than neither let him eat" and take a bite out of the bagel.

Once I had a man ask for money before a grocery store, I said "Come with me" and started walking toward it. He stopped me and said he needed money. I said I am willing to buy food for you and your family and my church can do more "Come with me", but he declined.

A person truly in need will not decline. Poverty is not arrogant. The drug and booze addicts will decline food, and thus allieve you of any obligation you may feel.

[mad_as_he$$]

You were too nice. If your city has ordnance’s against panhandling I would of recorded them on my cell phone and called the cops. BTW I detest mall punks. I will not go to the local Mall because they refuse to control them and I have made it clear to the management as well as management from the anchor stores that I will not set foot in the place until it is cleaned up.

[spectre]

What would you do?

By
Doug Wall

Coming out of a retail shopping strip mall store, I hear these words coming from a couple of stores away, “Hey, lend me a dollar.”

Two young boys, twelve or so, sitting outside a bagel store, one of them had said to me, “Hey, lend me a dollar.”

What would you do?

Get in your car and drive away. That’s what you would do.

Well, that’s not what I did.

I got in my car, but I couldn’t let it stand. I rolled down the windows, forty feet or so away, and made several loud statements to the boys.

“Why the heck should I LOAN you anything?
“You should loan me a dollar. You can pay for those bagels.” I got out of the car and stood with the open door between the boys and me, and continued,
“Won’t your mama be proud of raising little beggars? And several other things I can not remember.

I got no answer.

Now, what would you do?

Get in your car and drive away. That’s what you would do.

Well, that’s not what I did.

Well, I did get in my car and drove away, but something in me wouldn’t let it go. I got on the phone, found the number of the bagel shop and called, while I drove throughout the parking lot.

I asked the nice lady who answered the phone if she knew that she had a couple of beggars outside her shop. She answered with a tentative “No”.

I told her of my incident with the boys earlier and thought she would want to know. I mentioned that I said to the boys, that they should loan me a dollar, and that their moms would be so proud to be raising little beggars.

[spectre]

On hindsight..you could have asked the boys for their names, addresses and phone numbers so you could collect on the "loan" in due time. Then ask for proof of identity, etc.

sw

[jwparkerjr]

re: If your city has ordnance . . .against panhandling

You mean some jurisdictions actually fire mortars at beggars? Wow, that’s MY kind of law enforcement!

Sorry, but it’s just such a great idea. I don’t want to see it go unused.

[jennyjenny]

Loan them a dollar and charge 29% interest.

[RebelTXRose]

Yep! You did the right thing - I’ve done the same when I’ve been uncomfortable coming out of a store. Actually, I think I was approached walking INTO the store and let them know what was going on outside while I was there.

[jagusafr]

I’ve gotten the “Hey, sir, can ya help a vet down on his luck?” line a number of times when in uniform. I’ve wanted to ask what service, what unit, where were they stationed, why’d they get out, why weren’t they looking for work - but I haven’t yet. Input: would it help? Would it instill a little forgotten pride in them? Or would I just be “another assh**e Colonel”?

Colonel, USAFR

[genghis]

it is never apropriate to give people money unless you get something in return.

[sunny48]

My husband was approached by 2 different beggers INSIDE the Dallas VA.
You would think they’d check ID’s before letting people enter.

[basil]

Jeeze-—I would have ignored them and gone on about my business.

[PuzzledInTX]

I would have asked what they had for collateral and given them the terms for repayment. It helps to turn to a teaching moment and show them the difference between a ‘loan’ and a ‘handout’.

[webboy45]

I would have given the dollar. The Lord has told us to give to beggers and let Him decide whether or not they are worthy.

[Cailleach]

I would have called the cops.

[SnakeDoctor]

I don’t think you did anything particularly wrong.

I probably would’ve motioned for them to leave me alone (usually a dismissive wave will due), and just gone about my business — likely with a snide comment under my breath or to my wife (assuming she were there).

Charity and giving are essential to a good life. But, we do our substantial giving anonymously through our church and other worthy organizations — not to panhandlers.

SnakeDoc

[mad_as_he$$]

Hey, coffee needed and spell checker passed!!! But now that you mention it not a bad idea!!! In the haze of the morning some good ideas are born!

Thanks!

[mad_as_he$$]

My typical response to the “vet” in need and in “uniform” is to offer to take them to the nearest sandwich shop and buy them what ever they want. I have yet to have one take me up on it out of at least 100.