posted on August 20, 2002 03:01:08 AM
This story was brought to mind while reading "The Ultimate Deadbeat" thread. This just shows to be careful about what you believe.
Years ago my cousin, who was an alcoholic, lived in Florida. Most of her family lived in Ohio.
She and her friend had run out of money to drink on and came up with an "ingenious' way to get money.
They went to their favorite bars and told everyone that her brother had died suddenly back in Ohio and she needed money to get home for the funeral.
They collected quite a bit of money until a local florist called my aunt wanting to know what funeral home to send flowers to! She called the person who had ordered the flowers and put a stop to my cousins scheme. She was jailed in Florida on fraud charges.
posted on August 20, 2002 07:10:55 AM
Two nights ago, while gassing up my car at a local station, I was approached by a young lady for money. She said she needed a few dollars as she had no gas left. I was suspicious, and after I told her no she walked back to her car, a big late model Cadillac and sped off.
posted on August 20, 2002 08:15:19 AM
stusi that is so - so common at the rest stops in my area. Can't tell you how many times relatives, friends and I have been approached by a poorly dressed person (men & women) and asked for money to get their car repaired so they can get home. If you will give them some money they get your address so they can pay you back. YEAH!!! I have NEVER given any of them any money but my cousin did. Sad thing is my cousin is very poor herself but was just too gulible and soft hearted and believed that story. Of course she didn't get the money returned by mail and she had given out her address to a stranger. My cousin was 72 years old when this happened.
posted on August 20, 2002 03:51:32 PM
I would never turn someone down I thought was in REAL need. But these people make this their living. They sit in their car at the rest stops all day asking for money and for sure there are a lot of people that DO give it to them. Day in and day out. For all I know they clear more in a week than I do and they don't pay taxes.
Your mother sounds like mine. A wonderful person. I believe in helping those that need a lift up. I have been there myself.
posted on August 20, 2002 04:53:23 PM
jdk, I know what you mean.
If someone is honestly in need I will bend over backward to do what I can. If I find out that that same person makes a living that way, then it just disgusts me.
I have had people tell me they couldn't find a job! There is always honest work out there I tell them, it may not pay much and it may be dirty or smelly, but if it is an honest job then you will feel better for having it.
Wow, that first step off my soapbox is a dilly. Sorry for the little sermon.
posted on August 20, 2002 07:53:14 PM
raffiffle it's ok to get on a soapbox for something you truly believe in. We both feel the same on this subject for sure. Like you say there is always a way to earn some money if you are willing to work.
It just always amazes me at how many people fall for that old line of needing car repair.
posted on August 21, 2002 06:51:06 AM
My parents owned a grocery store and gas station in a small town just a mile off a major interstate highway. Many times they were approached to assist travelers (either directly or by a local church) because they needed food or gas. My parents were (almost) always happy to help with food and gas but never money.
posted on August 21, 2002 08:51:24 AM
I have a small retail store. There's always some "menial" job to be done, like alphabetizing books, cleaning CD cases or whatever. Not something that requires a lot of time or brains, but does have to be done.
Anytime I see someone with one of those "Will Work For Food" signs in the area, I give hime a business card and tell him to stop by for a short-term CASH job.
Guess how many people have actually come in? I'ts a nice ROUND number.
posted on August 21, 2002 08:57:42 AM
We have this young women that stands by a grocery store and other small mall stores and also a Taco Bell. She holds her sign up in front of her face and says she will work for food for her and her family. The funny thing is, is that in the taco bell window there is a help wanted sign. Evidently they don't want to work for money just pan handle
posted on August 21, 2002 06:36:52 PM
Say t the way it is.
Don't you just love the way politcal correctness has changed "BUMS" and "VAGRANTS" into "Homeless People."
I can understand people filing for unemplyment. It a tax we all pay, and at some time, many of us eventually have use of it. I't's a service of the government.
For those physically incapable of work, I can even believe welfare has it's uses. But just plain old beggars and bums I have no pity for. Being in an unfortunate situation is one thing. Making a lifestyle out of it is a whole different matter.
posted on August 21, 2002 07:45:45 PM
Part of a Mark Wills song lyrics ( Don't Laugh At Me )
I'm a cripple on the corner
You pass me on the street
I wouldn't be out here begging if I had enough to eat
and don't think I don't notice that our eyes never meet
I lost my wife and little boy somewhere down that yellow line
The day we laid 'em in the ground was the day I lost my mind
Right now I'm down to holdin this little cardboard sign
Don't laugh at me, Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
[ edited by robertsmithson on Aug 21, 2002 07:47 PM ]
