[denydenydeny]

The bum who accepts Jim Taggart’s largesse, a one hundred dollar bill, does so contemptuously – and he doesn’t even know Jim! What does this act say on the part of both men about New York and American society at this juncture?

This screams "Katrina" to me. People reacted to the $2000 debit cards the same way.

[Publius]

Correct. The charity is now expected. If you don't offer it, people are offended.

Reminds me of what happens if you feed racoons or bears and then stop.