Four questions for the freeway exit-ramp beggars

City Pages ^ | 2-1-06 | Jim Walsh

[Rakkasan1]

1. What's the best job you've had? 2. What's the worst job you've had? 3. What's the last job you had? 4. What's your dream job?

[Rakkasan1]

I like Lee's answer to dream job because it's mine ,too. ARRRGGGG! :"I'd like to be a pirate. I think that would be a good job. Just give me a treasure chest; I'll be fine."

[RedCell]

I know there's a "booty" joke in there somewhere.

[jra]

No lie, here's a sign I saw one of them holding one day:

I'm not hungry
I'm not homeless
But I will work for sex

[One Proud Dad]

It is a con, most make more than the average citizen and pay no taxes.

[EX52D]

LOL...no way!

[mlc9852]

I always wanted to be a pirate. But back in those days they didn't admit women. lol

[martin_fierro]

So I hired him.

[Kimmers]

The best "rampers" I ever saw were 2 guys with a sign..."Need money for a fishing boat...at least we are honest".....I gave them a quarter

[RichInOC]

My favorite story about guys like that involves one of Rush's all-time great callers, the late Mick from the high mountains of New Mexico. One day he was out running errands and saw one of these guys with a "WILL WORK FOR FOOD" sign. Mick says to the guy, hey, I've got some stuff I need done on the house, come over and help and I'll set you up with some grub. The beggar goes, forget that mess, give me some money. Mick reminds him of the words of Paul the apostle: "He who will not work, neither shall he eat." Beggar starts cussing Mick out. Mick then (and from this point on it's more or less a direct quote) introduces the beggar to Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson, and the beggar repents in a hurry for speaking to the Lord's anointed in such a harsh fashion.

Mick was an interesting guy. I liked him.

[rightsmart]

I once had a conversation with a car windshield-washer ("will wash your windshield for cash") at an intersection once. He told me that it was the best job he ever had--he makes several hundred a day. He has his own hours. When he wants a break, his favorite tavern is just across the street (where is car was parked!). And the best part--he doesn't pay a penny in taxes.

Where can I find a job like that?

[xsmommy]

yeah there's some deep pockets on that guy.....

[Gordongekko909]

Heh. I evacuated to Houston just before Katrina. I was stopped at a red light at the corner of Westheimer and Post Oak (this was a few days after the levees broke), and there was this dude there washing windows. He asked me if I wanted a wash, and I said no thanks. Then he noticed my Loyola New Orleans parking decal and was like, "oh, you're from New Orleans? Here, this one's on me." Cool guy.

[martin_fierro]

He works for peanuts. Literally.

[xsmommy]

is he your law clerk?

[dmz]

You gotta ask? Dude, find a busy intersection and set up shop.

It's casual friday every day, also.

[cmsgop]

It's true, and it's Tax Free. I know 5 so called Homeless guys. An Indian who owns a Car wash let's them prep cars before the car wash for Tips,(Sounds Great Right?) So they trade off 2 work the car wash while the other 3 sit by the road with the signs. On good days they make about $300. They have 2 decent cars and all rent a house together and party every night, I think I will join them...LOL!

[Lekker 1]

I think I'd like to be a quality control inspector at the Mustang Ranch.

[Lekker 1]

It's casual friday every day,

And personal hygiene is optional!

[Cecily]

The Atlanta paper published an article along those lines a few years ago. Some study was done that indicated the average panhandler could receive about $73,000.00 per year tax free. This figure was based on an average daily "take" of $200.00.

[investigateworld]

Actually, I think the "Will Work For Food" guys are part of a national franchise?