Monday, August 18, 2008

What are we supposed to do?

You drive up to a red light and stop, and right there on the corner or median is a homeless person. You look everywhere but at him, but you know he's there. Dressed in worn, dirty clothes, sometimes a baseball hat on his head. Long dirty hair hanging down to his shoulders. Carrying a cardboard sign that says "Homeless. Will work for food." The ones that say "Veteran" or "Vietnam vet" really tug at the heart strings.

What are we supposed to do? Would they really work for food? I've given them money before. Then later see them smoking. I won't support a nicotine habit. There's one regular who looks like he has a beer belly on him, he certainly doesn't look hungry. Still, once in a while I give them money. Not often. I wonder what they'd do were I to hand them a sandwich? I've thought about it.

As I sat at the light and watched the homeless man with his little cardboard sign I couldn't help thinking that I work hard for my money, five days a week. He just stands around with a sign and preys on the sympathies of others. Maybe that's not fair of me but I live in a right to work state. Surely they can find a job! Even if it pays the minimum it's got to be better then standing out in the heat all day.

Maybe that is their job. I've heard they pull in quite a bit by the end of the week. And they don't have to pay taxes! LOL

2 comments:

Sarita Leone said...

It's unfortunate that there is anyone homeless. Makes me sad. :(

Kathleen said...

Thought-provoking post! There is so much poverty in Florida, it's hard to know how to help. I like donating to the food bank because you know how the money is being used.