quote:

Originally posted by FunkyGroove most of these sketchbags are perfectly fit to go and work, but they choose to press us to give them change instead, cos by begging they can make more money per day

while this is partially true, some of the displaced ones who are homeless are unable to obtain a SIN # without a fixed address and therefore cannot pursue legal employment. Any type of work they find would have to be casual and paid out in cash. this is one of those unfortunate circumstances of society. not too sure if shelters can provide them with a legal address.

edit: just realized that someone brought this up earlier, but yeah worth noting nonetheless

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Palm Trees > Pine Trees , Sand > Snow

quote:

Originally posted by jon jon (this isn't a hi-jack, I think our stories are asking the same question) At our local corner store the other day, some sketchbag came in wanting to buy a lighter, a quick glance at her arms showed a covering of track marks. She didn't have enough money to buy the lighter, and was sketching out big time. She wouldn't take any matches, and was starting to have a meltdown when she realized she couldn't afford it. I bought her the lighter, and said "merry xmas". There is no doubt in my mind what the lighter was being used for, and I'm still not sure if I did the right thing buying it for her.

i am seriously clueless to the amount of sketchbags in out neighbourhood.

It is sad to say, but I think I am becoming immune to homelessness. When I first moved to TO. I would give money away, even when I didn't have it to give away. Now it is very rare, unless I feel the person is genuine.

I do agree with many of you, where I would rather buy them food, then give them money.

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Some people are like slinkies, they don't really have a purpose,
But they still bring a smile to your face, when you push them down the stairs.

I may have. I'd prefer giving homeless ppl food rather than money. With money they could buy whatever they want...at least if I give them food I know they'll be getting something nutritious in their bellies!

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Shut up and DANCE!!
House moves my body, Trance owns my soul, Progressive drives me wild

Personally it depends on the vibe I get from the person. Being demanding or rude never got anyone anywhere.

Truthfully the only appreciative people I have ever given money to were asking for change on the street...any time I have been approached in a line I automatically feel very defensive.

Homeless people can be very terrifying (sp).

I remember coming out of a club for my birthday last year, and this one women came up to me and asked me for change ( I didn't have any change on me at all ), I said no , she said thank you and kindly went on her way, so I THOUGHT! I walked for about 10 seconds when all of a sudden I feel a bag to the back of head. She started yelling @ me, telling me " If you're dressed up like that how do you not have change for people like me, you ungrateful people" and walked away screaming.

extreme.

quote:

Originally posted by Frenchie Homeless people can be very terrifying (sp). I remember coming out of a club for my birthday last year, and this one women came up to me and asked me for change ( I didn't have any change on me at all ), I said no , she said thank you and kindly went on her way, so I THOUGHT! I walked for about 10 seconds when all of a sudden I feel a bag to the back of head. She started yelling @ me, telling me " If you're dressed up like that how do you not have change for people like me, you ungrateful people" and walked away screaming. extreme.

FUCT!

You having money or nice clothes (or NICER clothes than someone) does not entitle him or her to any or even a small portion of your money!!

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TECHNO IS THE BEST NOISE ON EARTH.
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since we are sharing sort of bum stories here.

one time at a tim horton's as i was getting change from the drink that i bought, the bum asked me for change which was right there. right at the counter. the worst part was that the couter lady just stood there and said nothing. she should have told him to leave. we all just looked at each other confused for a few seconds. i think i gave him some money because i was super shocked that it happened like that. i still get mad thinking about that stupid counter lady just staring dumbfounded at me when the guy asked me for the change on the counter which obviously i had. like talk about being pushed into a corner.

the second story was pretty nice. it happened outside the roger's centre. a guy and his family (obvious visitors to toronto) were eating some hot dogs and fries and he couldn't eat the fries or something. so he offered the untouched food to some bum walking by. the bum first said "no, but do you have any change". he looked pretty drunk already but had the nerve to not take the untouched food but to ask for money. anyways, i guess he thought about it and changed his mind and took the fries. then the guy also offered to buy him a cold drink and said something like "i'll get you a cold drink because i don't want you to go and spend money on something else". well anyways, i am sure the bum apprieciated that in the end.

I remember this one time a squeegey girl came up to my window, and then the passenger in my car told her to fuck off...at which point she thought it was me that said it and pursued in telling me on how much of an asshole i was.

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"Never rat on your friends...and always keep your mouth shut" - Goodfellas

quote:

Originally posted by dEsidEL while this is partially true, some of the displaced ones who are homeless are unable to obtain a SIN # without a fixed address and therefore cannot pursue legal employment. Any type of work they find would have to be casual and paid out in cash. this is one of those unfortunate circumstances of society. not too sure if shelters can provide them with a legal address. edit: just realized that someone brought this up earlier, but yeah worth noting nonetheless

construction all the way!! why can college/uni students work their asses off in summer paying their OSAP loans off, while some stupid dirty bum doesn't want to?

grrr!!

I know at least 3 ppl who worked fine for cash for whole of their summer holiday, only thing one would need is a WILL to work

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Just surrender yourself to the rhythm,
With your hands up in the sky,
Feel the energy deep inside your system
And leave this world behind...

Last edited by FunkyCrew on Sep-06-2006 at 21:19

quote:

Originally posted by FunkyGroove I know at least 3 ppl who worked fine for cash for whole of their summer holiday, only thing one would need is a WILL to work

and the will of the employer to hire a bum !

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Palm Trees > Pine Trees , Sand > Snow