New to this liberal thing... Explanation needed

[bruce21040]

Today I was walking into a McDonald's to feed one of my crews lunch. Outside in the parking area was a guy with a sign that said he needed money for food.
I offered to have him come in and I would purchase him a meal.

He declined, he seemed irritated that I would offer.

So the question here, if you were hungry and asking for money to eat, would you or would you not take someone up on the offer of a free meal?

[smiley_glad_hands]

1. Absolutely I would.

Sounds like this guy has his priorities screwed up---may have wanted cash for other purposes. But it is odd that he did not take up on your offer. At least you did offer and that is all you can do.

[salinen]

He made have had success

in acquiring a meal before you showed. The money he was asking for could be for the next meal? And then, some folks are nutty.

[movonne]

2. The money he wanted was not for food...

[unblock]

12. not really

yes it's quite possible that he wants money for other things such as booze and cigs or drugs.

but even boozers and smokers have to eat. if you're begging for booze/cigs/drug money, then you're also begging for food.

most likely he just ate.

[progressivebydesign]

45. Umm.. if he just ate, then why did his sign ask for food money??? N/T

[drthais]

3. you did the right thing

Liberal or conservative
each should feel a twinge when confronted
with someone who says they are hungry

so, you offered a meal
thats the right thing to do

and he declined
thats too bad

try again next time you see someone with a sign like this
they may take you up on it
don't let the first experience color the next

[Stephanie]

4. What does that have to do with "this liberal thing"?

What are you saying? Liberals would just give him money, but conservatives would make sure he didn't spend it on drugs? Is that your point? What do you mean "new to this liberal thing"? You woke up today and you were a liberal and now you don't know how to act when confronted with unfortunates you previously would have ignored?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

10. lol

:thumbsup:

[alcuno]

14. Exactly my first thought.

What's the liberal thing?

[LoZoccolo]

21. "No, it's twelve angry men! Why do you say it's twelve angry women?!"

bruce, as you remarked that you're new to this liberal thing, you should know that we eat our own.

[bruce21040]

29. Interesting.

would that meal be served with BBQ sauce or a white sauce?
What is the proper cooking time per pound for humans?

[LoZoccolo]

41. Hahahaha.

It's a sauce made especially for this purpose; we refer to it as "shrill sauce".

[MAlibdem]

42. haha, don't get discouraged Bruce

from what I've read, I understand you've been a republican for some time but are now not.

I totally respect that.

I don't think your actions had much to do with the liberal/conservative divide, most people would respond similarly (though they may not have desired the close contact buying someone a meal takes).

But a liberal would probably call for a homeless shelter and job training and financial assistance for that man. I don't know about conservatives, some might.

[Earth_First]

5. I no longer offer cash or coin upon request...

I will however, as you did, offer to purchase someone a meal rather than give them cash or coin to add to the sixty or so dollars in their pocket to purchase alcohol or narcotics. I would much rather spend $10 on a meal for someone who is truly hungry, rather than perpetuate the disease of addiction.

[smiley_glad_hands]

Exactly.

[dogman]

6. Don't know what its go to do with liberal.

Obviously he wanted money for a fix or a drink, who knows?

[Gman]

7. You did the right thing

if he was hungry he could've had a meal. But just wanted money to go get drunk. You still did the right thing.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

8. Some panhandlers lie about money for food. Being liberal or generous

is not synonymous with assuming that anyone who is begging for money is a good or honest person.

[nonconformist]

9. What does this have to do with being "new to this liberal thing"?

It's not a club you join that tells you how to feel. You feel how you feel.

Anyway, yes, one would think that he would have accepted your offer. There could be any number of reasons why he didn't... perhaps he was ashamed of his appearance and didn't want to go inside the restaurant? Who knows.

[smiley_glad_hands]

11. Oh yeah by the way welcome to DU.

You should know though that the title of your post is going to draw the ire of some. Just brush it off and move on. Welcome again.

[htuttle]

13. I was homeless for awhile

And though I usually was more of a scavenger type than a 'spare changer', I tended to use what little money I had to buy cigarettes or some other minor recreational item.

Food, I could get from the mission. Smokes, on the other hand, I either had to buy, or find on the sidewalk near the bus stop (it's true, BTW. You light a cigarette, and the damn bus shows up instantly every time).

I guess my point is that he probably didn't need 'food', unless you are in an area with no free meals. To this day, I usually give a little money to those who ask me no matter what they plan on spending it on.

Sometimes something like a new pack of cigarettes can really make a person feel a lot more civilized and socialized. It's a mental health thing, IMHO.

[mmm]

24. I agree 100%... compassion is a big part of 'this Liberal thing.'

[Political_Junkie]

25. thank you, htuttle,

never thought of it that way before. I'll keep that in mind.

[Stephanie]

27. In fact it can literally be a mental health thing

as cigarettes ease some symptoms of schizophrenia. Some smokers are self-medicating. Who are we to judge?

[htuttle]

40. In addition to that...

We live in an very money-oriented society. People speak of their 'net worth', and all too often, it represents how much society values them. There is a world of difference between how you feel when you have a few dollars in your pocket, and when you don't.

You can't imagine what it is to be completely without money, shelter or other resources until it happens to you. I think it feels much like it must have felt to be banished from the tribe in pre-agrarian times -- in other words, as good as dead.

[wicket]

38. wow

Thanks for sharing your story :) I hope things are going well for you now.

[htuttle]

43. Things are fine now...except for the state of the world, of course

Having come back in 'from the cold', I have to say that things look much differently now.

I can honestly say I have plenty of money now. I don't think I could have ever said that, and meant it, before living through those years (for which I have Reagan and Bush Sr. to thank, btw...).

I was lucky -- I didn't have any children to deal with like so many others I saw at the missions.

[LoZoccolo]

15. In Chicago they're supposed to go...

...to the police station or the hospital, and the people there'll find what they need. You're not supposed to give to panhandlers here; I've even seen a homeless assistance group post that on a sign.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

16. Maybe he doesn't like McDonalds

or he's a vegetarian, or maybe the food was for his child or his dog, or maybe he really needed the money for gas or rent or alcohol or health care or auto parts or something else.

[dogman]

17. Liberality does not ignore responsibility.

You are possibly thinking "liberal" from a RW perspective. I'm a liberal and I don't let them define me. I'm a liberal in the American tradition. “As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.”-George Washington

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

18. Some panhandlers are genuinely in need some are cons

You offered him what he said he needed and he declined. You did your part.

What's this got to do with being liberal?

[Az]

19. Begging becomes a way of life

And not a pleasant one. But there becomes systems one works within and behaviour one adopts. You are not begging for food. That is just the story. You are begging for survival. And that includes all the vices and dependencies that people would not give you money for.

Yes, they are often scamming you. But it does not change the fact that something has gone horribly wrong in their life. If you choose to be generous to them it is towards their plight, not their story. Their story is a con. A necessity to pry a coin from you. Your generousity is your own to define. Do not let the harshness of their life taint your intent.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

20. I appreciate your perspective on this

thanks

[bruce21040]

23. Excellent answer

I will take this into consideration the next time I see this guy. and I will see him agian.

[Habibi]

35. This is the most intelligent, compassionate post I've read in a

long time. Thanks.

[minkyboodle]

50. great post

Thanks

[quinnox]

22. It isn't just liberal, remember "compassionate conservative"

So even if you were a Bush lover, then this would have been an appropriate gesture.

It is strange that they refused the offer, assuming this story is true, but let me guess, this is a lame way to paint all homeless as lying winos?

[bruce21040]

26. See, the problem with your post

Is that you are trying to disprove what I said, and at the same time trying to read something into it that just is not there.
Your attitude is not prevalent among those I know that are liberal, and this is a good thing.

[Stephanie]

28. Oh god

This is so boring.

[bruce21040]

31. And yet

You seem compelled to continue to return, read and comment.

Why is that?

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bruce21040]

36. None taken.

Are you threatened by me?
And if you truly are anticipating my demise,, then this would not be as boring as you claim it to be.

[Stephanie]

39. Your protestations are boring

Anticipating your demise is a little more interesting. But, not THAT interesting. And "threatened" by you? Not a chance. Try harder.

[hexola]

49. Dont let them get to you...

there's a bunch here with a nearly freeperish kneejerks...

[LoZoccolo]

51. 'chyea-uh ya think?

I got accused of being in league with "disinfo ops" once. Like if I wanted to spread disinfo I'd do it in DU. In front of a bunch of people that could debunk it and with plenty of motivation to do so.

[MoonRiver]

30. I'm more interested in why you are new to "this liberal thing"

I bet you have an interesting story behind that statement!

[playahata1]

32. While riding the bus home from work several times late last year,

I saw this guy standing at a busy (inner-city) intersection with the following sign:

"WHY LIE ABOUT IT? I NEED A BEER!"

[htuttle]

46. LOL!! I would have given him a few bucks, just for the sign!

I mean, what the hell else is a person going to do with a few dollars? Buy a house?

[yardwork]

48. LOL! I'd be inclined to give him a buck just for making me laugh.

Seriously, this is a good question posed on this thread. A lot of good-hearted people struggle with this question. It's not a matter of politics, imo.

People are homeless for many different reasons. Our mental health system in this country stinks and is getting worse. A lot of folks literally can't hold jobs - they are too sick - so they end up on the street.

Other people end up on the street because of addictions.

Other people end up on the street because they lost their jobs and they are down on their luck and have no place else to go.

Still other people are cons, pure and simple. There's a team that works a busy intersection I drive through every day. There are articles in the paper about them from time to time. They claim to be collecting for children with AIDS, but they are a well-known scam out of Florida, where they are also wanted for other types of fraud. Sadly, people pour money into their nice white buckets with the pictures of children taped on the covers.

It's a difficult issue. Better health and social services would help (that's where the liberal in me kicks in) but the government is never going to solve the whole problem. Some of it is simple human compassion.

[hexola]

34. I can't say that I wouldn't...

...if I were hungry enough...

But maybe I just think McDonalds sucks...and that cash for some fruit and and loaf of bread will serve my needs and minimize my need to do more begging.

My goal would be to beg as little as possible. So I might pass on a Big Mac value meal and hold out for someone with a 5 spot...

[Zero Gravitas]

37. For I was hungry, and you fed me.

The most famous Liberal of all time said this:

35 'For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'

37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?

38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?

39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?'

40 And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

[progressivebydesign]

44. Not really a liberal issue...

But.. someone from a very large urban homeless organization said, and I paraphrase: Just because someone is begging, holding up a sign, or panhandling does NOT mean they are homeless.. in fact they rarely are. And..most of the homeless do not beg/panhandle. She works with large numbers of homeless, and knows her city and the surrounding big cities very well. It's a misconception that most of these people want food... It's a job for many of them. That's why you see the same people week after week with the sign that says, "ran out of gas".

The person wanted cash.. it's like your boss asking you if you'd like to be paid in Top Ramen or Spaghetti-Os instead of a check.

[seabeyond]

47. a lot of people stand on the corner to earn a living

and a lot of people are looking for money for booze a reality and not in judgement on that. tell you what i did the other day

a man told me his car broke down and needed money to fix, his twin and wife waiting in the car and had gotten a ride but need money to buy a belt. 17 bucks. i gave him fourty. sucker me. i felt so good and shared with boys how we had brightened someones day

my husband told me tonight when a woman came into his business all the time people coming in to say car broke down and they needed some money. my mouth dropped open. no way i say

k so fool me once shame on you and fool me again shame on you again, bah h ah aha h (if you are new to liberalism, a joke about bush)

when i give money to those on the corner, it is with the understanding it could be for booze or how they make their lesson, generally for me, it is to show boys to share, with the understanding we dont know what the person is about, but that is cool enough, sometimes it just feels good to give, and thankfully we can

[Michael Costello]

52. McDonalds

I was walking out of a McDonalds at 2AM one night down near Wall Street and a homeless guy accosted me (I was a white collar wage slave working at 2AM, he was just poor). He said "Can I have some of your fries?" I thought I hadn't heard him as usually money is asked for. He said it again. So I have him some of my fries.

I don't give money to people on the street or to "charities", a position I've taken from the hard left. I can't deny someone food though, nor should I probably. There is a Food Not Bombs chapter that feeds people every Sunday I believe, I will probably pop in and check it out one morning. I send money to strike solidarity funds, and there are good programs in New York like Food Not Bombs and Make the Road by Walking. I would rather work with that than anything. I guess the best way to put it is I do not normally help people on an individual to individual basis like that, there has to be some social context. I mean, the supermarkets are full of food, all you have to do is walk in and walk out. Of course, then a policeman will come along with a club and gun and use force if necessary to enforce property rights. But to combat that, you have to be joined in a much larger struggle. The majority of property is claimed by a small few, which is backed by the threat of violence or actual violence. This can not be combatted on an individual level, it has to be done at a social level.

[LoZoccolo]

56. Have you actually ever given this speech...

...to someone asking you for money, or is the fry guy like the only one you've ever run into?

[camero]

53. Money or high fructose corn syrup mad cow?

I would have given him the money.

[sendero]

54. Right or wrong...

... I'll give money to a panhandler knowing full well they are going to buy beer with it.

Is it "good" for them? No, not really. Are they going to go straight if I don't? No, not really.

I guess I just feel sorry for them, and basically understand the idea of temporary comfort of a sort, having needed it myself at one time.

[Skittles]

55. you are talking about one guy

ONE GUY. You'd have to ask HIM why he declined your offer.

[onecitizen]

57. I don't care what they want the $ for........

myself, I give them some when I can. I figure if someone is standing out on the street begging they must be desperate. There have been times in my life when I would have chosen beer instead of food if I had the choice. Not often, but still, there have been times. I've never been desperate enough to beg or ask a stranger or even a friend for that matter to give me money. Thank goodness for me.

And maybe he just didn't want to eat with you for some reason. I dunno. If you wanna give it, give it. Don't attach strings. Just sayin'.

[greenbriar]

58. he wanted money

for other things.