5.12.2006

How Rude!

I took a late lunch today at the Farragut North food court. On my walk home from my Orange Chicken feast, I encountered a homeless man. It's Washington, so I'm used to it.

The homeless man asks the guy walking in front of me for change. To my absolute shock, the man's response was, "Don't worry. The guy behind me will take care of you."

!!!

I gave the homeless guy all of my change. A whopping quarter. No big loss, and I am sure he'll find a better use for it than I would have. But, Jesus Christ. I am a 23-year-old in a wrinkled shirt and a baseball cap. You are an older man wearing a spiffy suit in the business district of Washington. You have more money than me! Do not volunteer my money to homeless people. Thanks.
Posted by Rusty at 3:49 PM

13 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 12, 2006

    The guy was probably in a hurry to get back to his double parked Hummer with VA plates and catch the Nickelback concert at Wolf Trap.

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  2. AnonymousMay 12, 2006

    I know I'M a prick, but that guy should be drawn and quartered!

    Reminds me of a time I was standing behind this man in line at a convenience store as the 17 year-old checkout girl hit on him (in a really unsophisticated, naive manner).

    Rather than being gracious, the older man pointed at me (much younger) and said that I might be interested. He didn't have to humiliate her.

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  3. AnonymousMay 12, 2006

    Well, that certainly shows you've been paying attention. Creative.

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  4. AnonymousMay 12, 2006

    you just experience a bit of humanism. i bet you never intended to give that homeless man that money, but something clicked in your head and you gave in. i generally don't give homeless people money, but once in awhile one of them will ask me for three dollars or 65 cents and i'll give it to them. maybe they seem more personal or seem as though they actually know what they need when they ask for specific amounts of change.

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  5. CountertopMay 12, 2006

    I never give them any money, though I will often buy them food or a drink.

    Whenever I go to the Mickey Ds on 17th, by the White House, I buy a burger for the guy out front. Likewise, at the Starbucks on the corner of 16th and K I always grab a cup of java for the homeless guy on the corner.

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  6. AnonymousMay 12, 2006

    What a typical D.C. wonk telling you how to spend your money. That's why I'm a libertarian. YOU decide how YOUR money is spent!!!

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  7. AnonymousMay 14, 2006

    My sister's a heroin addict. I can tell you where every penny you give a homeless person goes. Barring people with true mental illness who might actually buy themselves some food once in a while, every other homeless person spends it on their addiction. I wish people would stop being so kind by giving my sister money or food. Then she'd maybe figure out she actually has to start taking care of herself.

    The guy who told the homeless guy to hit you up for $ is still a jackass, though.

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  8. RustyMay 14, 2006

    Anonymous, I don't exactly want to bring the blog down too much, since it's supposed to be funny and everything...

    But I know exactly what you're going through and I hope everything turns out OK. I was lucky to get my brother back from heroin/homelessness and I hope you have the same happy ending.

    You'll be in my prayers.

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  9. AnonymousMay 14, 2006

    Yeah sorry 'bout that. After I posted, I was like "what a buzzkill." (hmm, maybe not the best choice of words in this context.)

    Thanks for the thoughts. Much love.

    Now back to the hatin'.

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  10. AnonymousMay 17, 2006

    Never give the DC bums money, you're only feeding their drug/alcohol addictions.

    There are enough services in this city for them to take advantage if they want.

    If you feel like you must do something, buy them a hot dog.

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  11. AnonymousMay 18, 2006

    now that a certain bank does not take a cut in coverting change to cash, i don't give any change to anyone for free.....free is the keyword....i usually reply to the request with this..

    "Let me curse you out at the top of my lungs for dollar a minute....ok?"

    they always leave...

    btw, got this idea a few years back when i lived/worked in NYC...guy sitting on box outside my office building had a sign that said just that....he made tons of $$$

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  12. AnonymousMay 20, 2006

    I think what the guy did was funny and something that would happen in Boston. However, I don't give money to homeless. I will ask if they want something to eat especially on K St. Yes, it is usually fast food (Wendy's, McD's, or Starbucks) and will probably clog their arteries, but it is food and at least I know where the money has gone to. When I worked in Law Firm Row, I usually left late and always brought extra gloves and hats asking the homeless if they needed them. I found most were and some would tell me another person down the way needed them. Interesting those most in need trying to help others.

    Rusty, you might have seen the video already, but I just got it the other day. Go, to mytube and enter chokeback. It is an absolute hilarious movie. Yankees Suck.

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  13. AnonymousMay 22, 2006

    I think this is hilarious! That is the most creative re-invention of begging since years ago when the panhandlers started asking for cash specifically so they could buy cheap liquor. However, since you fell for it and gave the guy money, you can't pat yourself on the back like so many of your self-satisfied "I won't give money but will buy him food or gloves" posters.

    ReplyDelete

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