The other day I went to Blockbuster Video to rent The Matrix movie for you guys. Sitting cross-legged next to the entrance was a homeless man. He had a full grey beared, looked old and tired, and he wore a ragged blue parka jacket. I ignored him on the way in, but when I left, he asked for money as most homeless people do. I didn't.
I hate it when that happens because I don't know what to do. My rational, or thinking, side tells me that giving him money would be a waste. I don't know what he's going to use it for: maybe he'll buy booze or drugs with it. Besides, giving him money might make him lazy because he doesn't have to work for it. And, being a teacher, I am helping society by preventing people from becoming homeless.
However, everytime a homeless person asks me for change, I want to doing something for them. To us, 50 cents doesn't mean much. But to them, 50 cents probably means a warm night with a cup of coffee. Helping people is a good thing, isn't it? That's my emotional side speaking.
Well, a few days later, I went back to return the video. It was raining, and he was sitting in the same exact spot. He didn't ask for money this time, but I gave him the 50-cents change in my pocket anyway. He actually offered to give me some Aunt Jemima toys that he had found.
So, let's say you make a decent living, like I do. Would you give money to the homeless person on the street, if they ask for it? Why or why not? Why do you think homeless people become homeless? What do you know about that? Educate me.
