28 replies to this topic

[BIG PAKO]

So... I enjoyed the warm weather this morning a took a trip on the motorcyle.

Returning to Folsom this afternoon via US-50, I exited at E. Bidwell and rolled up to the Iron Point Road traffic signal. I was greeted by a beggar standing on the median (left turn lane onto Iron Point) holding some sort of sign. He was hitting-up motorists for cash who happened to be stopped in the left turn lane.

I certainly credit him for ingenuity. Lots of $$$ are traveling through that intersection.

Is anyone else annoyed by this type of behavior?

I think the most current politically correct term for beggar is “Residentially Challenged”.

[folsombound]

I think the most current politically correct term for beggar is “Residentially Challenged”.

I thought it was "employment challenged"!

[LadyGreenEyes]

Are you implying that they weren't junkies? That the people I saw were just less fortunate unemployed citizens? Now, I'm sure I'm not always a perfect guage of people, but heroin junkies have got to be one of the easiest type of addicts to spot:

Gee, thanks for posting that picture, I was getting dinner... now I've lost my appetite! LOL

[LadyGreenEyes]

Are you implying that they weren't junkies? That the people I saw were just less fortunate unemployed citizens? Now, I'm sure I'm not always a perfect guage of people, but heroin junkies have got to be one of the easiest type of addicts to spot:

Now that I think of it, that pic reminds me of some of the employees I see at Walmart.

[MikeinFolsom]

I'm guessing the guy probably rode light rail into town too.....? I knew it was going to happen sooner or later.

[mylo]

I'm guessing the guy probably rode light rail into town too.....? I knew it was going to happen sooner or later.

I wondered that, but I've seen the most in Broadstone, not near the Light Rail stops.

[Steve Heard]

I'm guessing the guy probably rode light rail into town too.....? I knew it was going to happen sooner or later.

I doubt it. There he took light rail, I would think the outlets or Sutter St would be better locations than an intersection 2 miles away.

I'd think a panhandler on light rail would hang out at the light rail station. That way, he's guaranteed foot traffic, and people may be more inclined to give when they are face to face, on foot, rather than when they are in their cars.

I figured he'd lived here for a long time. Of course, he could have hitch-hiked in or driven in from anywhere.

One of the homeless guys who hangs out near my office once told me that the light rail station is where he'd panhandle, if he decided to do it. He said that a lot of people will say no, but some will give, and there's a lot of people to ask at the station.

[LexHillsmom]

My conscience won't allow me to pass by most beggar's without buying him/her a meal...I don't give myself time to contemplate whether or not the guy is deserving...I figure almost anyone standing on a corner asking for help needs it ...in one way or another...

Just me. Call me a sucker.

[Steve Heard]

My conscience won't allow me to pass by most beggar's without buying him/her a meal...I don't give myself time to contemplate whether or not the guy is deserving...I figure almost anyone standing on a corner asking for help needs it ...in one way or another...

Just me. Call me a sucker.

When I was a child growing up in San Francisco, there weren't many homeless or beggars around, but my father always gave them change when he saw them.

He told me that Jesus could appear in many forms, and might be testing to see how you are outside of church.

[LexHillsmom]

When I was a child growing up in San Francisco, there weren't many homeless or beggars around, but my father always gave them change when he saw them.

He told me that Jesus could appear in many forms, and might be testing to see how you are outside of church.

I like that story about your dad Steve...sounds like a good man and no doubt he raised one!

[Duke]

wow, wish this was my biggest concern in life... the annoyance of the less fortunate...

http://www.community...panhandling.htm

[cw68]

I like that story about your dad Steve...sounds like a good man and no doubt he raised one!

Steve, that is pretty cool.

I used to be a lot more generous to the homeless/beggars, but I have to say that I've seen a big difference between those in the Midwest and those out here. I always used to give my leftovers from dinner/lunch to the homeless, often ordering an extra "to go" for that purpose. Every single one I gave away seems very thankful, both in Chicago, Madison and SF. Once I move to Sac, however, I started getting a bunch of, "Oh, thanks, but what I really want is some money for (insert) cigarettes, the bus, rent." Kinda turned me off from the whole thing.

[Steve Heard]

Steve, that is pretty cool.

I used to be a lot more generous to the homeless/beggars, but I have to say that I've seen a big difference between those in the Midwest and those out here. I always used to give my leftovers from dinner/lunch to the homeless, often ordering an extra "to go" for that purpose. Every single one I gave away seems very thankful, both in Chicago, Madison and SF. Once I move to Sac, however, I started getting a bunch of, "Oh, thanks, but what I really want is some money for (insert) cigarettes, the bus, rent." Kinda turned me off from the whole thing.

I used to be more generous, too. When my daughters were small, they used to grab change out of a jar whenever we were going downtown. They called it 'bum money'.

I get discouraged, however, when I see able bodied people out there who'd rather beg than work. I was once hit up for change in front of a McDonald's that had a 'help wanted' sign inthe window.

By the way, two of my daughter's former friends, from Folsom High, took to begging, or 'spanging' as they call it. One lives with his parents in Willow Creek, the other in ARC. The one in Willow Springs was begging in front of Kohl's when it first opened, because he figured people would have lots of cash with them. He even tried in front of Sunrise Mall.

[ESP Guy]

http://www.community...panhandling.htm

yeah he seemed real agressive, holding that sign and standing there as described by the OP... again, must be nice to have that be the biggest concern in life.