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I lived on the street once or twice, for short periods of time. I survived on my own, rather than waiting for some bleeding heart to give me a handout. Did I steal? Yep, but I stole with dignity. I broke into an establishment after hours (franchise business), made my dinner, washed the dishes and silverware well (and dried them) then put everything back right where I got it. I took only what I needed, plus a bag of chips for the road. I behaved like an employee. I locked the door back on the way out, so that I might come back at a later date if I needed to (and I did). I was a kid, that is not the way I am now.
Was it right? No, but the impact was extremely minimal. At least I made an effort to stay alive, rather than sit on my ass, beg and get sunburned all day long.
But back to the topic. Do I give out change? Sometimes. I give mostly if it's convenient for me. Just like any other business model, you have to be convenient to the one giving you the money. I would give more to a waiter or waitress than I would a bum, even if I was being served a mcdonalds burger. At least the person waiting on me is trying, unlike the guy sitting on the roadside who could be serving someone, but prefers to wait for a handout.
I think homeless people should be picked up and put to work for the city where they reside. If they are mentally unstable but can be treated with medication, then they should be treated then put to work as well. Earn your dollar, then once you get a taste of real work and the paycheck from it, you might have a reason to strike out and find a real job. Sure they can have state benefits and stuff too, but work they shall! Dig a damn ditch, at least they are earning their keep. Handicapped vet? sort envelopes. Whatever it takes.
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We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill
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