I gave ten bucks to a guy in the parking lot this morning.

[hunter]

It was raining when I got out of bed.

This guy was damp, obviously unemployable in his existing state. I think he sleeps under a tarp down by the creek and I've seen him around before. He claimed to be hungry, which I had no reason to doubt. He also wanted a cigarette, but I don't smoke.

Why is our society like this?

We are a wealthy nation. We could feed, house, and provide appropriate medical care for everyone.

Even supposing a certain number of people will never be employable in this society, we'd all be better off if guys like this had a safe place to live, good food to eat, and at least some hope of contributing to our community.

[TheNutcracker]

1. You are spot on!

[snappyturtle]

2. Makes me happy that yoou helped this man. Thank you.

[Jenny Red Eye]

3. You done good. nt

[valerief]

4. Because rich people MUST have it all. It's their obsession and our downfall. nt

[narnian60]

31. So friggin' true. nt

[hunter]

14. I don't feel good at all, that's why I posted.

I've also been a homeless person living in my car in a church parking lot and if I ever quit my meds and alienate all family and friends again I'll probably "retire" that way.

In fact, I almost expect it.

My "natural" state is feral human, living in the shadows and gathering leftover food off outdoor restaurant and fast food tables and trash cans.

Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose.

The few "careers" I've had have been altruistic in nature, inner city public school teaching and medicine. My wife still does it; I'm burned out.

This was not some entirely random encounter, I've met this guy before, which is probably why he approached me, and I'll see him again. It's not a big city.

We spend so much money in this nation for useless crap, to maintain our world empire and petroleum based currency, to support the "consumers" and their lifestyles, but we are not taking care of our own.

I can't do it all, I can hardly do the occasional thing. My own "net worth" is less than nothing.

[Journeyman]

6. Sometimes, they don't want help . . .

Used to be a guy who lived on the railroad tracks that ran behind an industrial complex where I worked years ago. Nice enough looking guy. We all thought we could help.

He'd come out to buy cigarettes from the food truck when it stopped by for lunch. Countless times we offered to buy him breakfast or lunch, but he never wanted it. We offered him a job, on more than one occasion. Didn't want that either. One guy brought him some clothes but he wouldn't touch 'em. So we left them outside. They were gone the next day. We started leaving various items we thought he could use: blankets and some old cushions from a couch, a flashlight, some books. All of these would disappear before morning.

But he would not accept our offers of help and rarely offered more than a half dozen words when we tried to talk with him.

One day, the local paper had a story about a homeless man, believed to live under the railroad tracks, who'd stepped in front of the 5:15.

We felt miserable. We all felt we should have done more. But in truth, he didn't want our help, and I doubt anyone would have been able to reach him. Some men live with demons beyond their control, spectres that won't permit them to find comfort in human companionship. Atoning for guilt from days long past, or troubled in ways too complex to understand, I don't know. They simply do not want help. And absent cause, there's nothing legal to be done for them.

[Skittles]

7. he may have been autistic

poor guy

[Journeyman]

21. He could have been, Skittles. . .

He gave no outward sign of any issues, and we certainly weren't qualified to make any judgments on him. We just wanted to help. The owner of the company I worked for was open to paying him under-the-table, in hopes we could help get him back on his feet, but it was just not to be. I'm moved even at this late date, decades after the fact, and find myself engaged again, this evening, in all the recriminations we went through on reading of his death. Probably never completely dissipate. I keep active trying to help (I'm on the board of a substance abuse detox and recovery facility), and I extend myself when I can, but it still leaves room for doubt. Doubt and regret, the bane of all who try to make a difference.

[onecent]

15. I think alot of the vets from the Viet Nam war

truly got messed up...then came home to a wife who's gone, and all that goes with that,
and seeing men pulled out of the water over there by our helicopters, picking up our dead (have a family member that did that)..and he won't talk about anything.

He got back on track...more or less but has never been happy since.

I love him and wish there was something I could do to erase the pain in his eyes.

Some "can't" take it anymore...and don't know how to return to normal.

I am glad you helped him. I wish our world was kinder to our vets and our poor.

[Turbineguy]

30. We had a man living nearby.

He lived with his parents. He was a Vietnam Vet. He was shattered. He was my age. He suddenly died at age 36. His Father came over one day while I was working in the garage. We spoke for a while and he cried his eyes out. What a terrible price this family paid.

I worked in the Apollo Program. He went to Vietnam. How different it all turned out.

[upaloopa]

54. Some here say to start the draft up again

I was drafted and was sent to Vietnam. I was homeless for a time.
So let's fuck up some more young folks with a new draft.

[romanic]

32. Truly sad.

That seems to be the case with a number of homeless people, some of whom are traumatized vets. For some its pride, others mental illness. I knew of one man who was homeless. He was an alcoholic and drank by himself in the industrial area in my hometown every day. My dad would help him out here and there, giving him an odd job and even allow him to use the shower and have dinner once in awhile. He was a good man, just loved whiskey too much, preventing him from seeking help.

One day that man froze to death during the winter. The shelters around here were overcrowded and he had nowhere to go. Sad thing was he never went to the shelters before, he only did so because it was so cold. My dad was upset, not only because he died but his friend was trying to sober up and been sober less than a month before he passed.

Our homeless need so much help. With disease, mental health, addiction and trauma. Yet we keep cutting those services for profit, makes me sick.

[ND-Dem]

34. he wanted the items you left him; he just didn't want to deal with you or know you were

giving to him.

so he wanted something, call it help or call it something else.

he might have taken a house if he'd found one too.

[TBF]

46. If someone is mentally ill they may think they don't want/need help -

but that doesn't mean we as a society are callous enough to turn our backs on them. Well of course that IS what it has meant since Reagan closed so many facilities, but it doesn't have to be that way. Your well-written screed only gives justification for the type of callousness Reagan displayed and really isn't helpful. It blows my mind that so many folks are willing to hide behind a crappy system and use excuses like "well the law won't let me do that" in order to justify morally reprehensible positions.

[Journeyman]

58. If someone refuses aid, and they are not committing a crime, how do you propose. . .

dealing with them? In the morally just universe you envision, how are you going to force someone to do what you believe is the right and proper thing for them to do?

My brother is hemiplegic; paralyzed on his left side. For decades, he insisted he could live on his own in his own apartment. My oldest brother and I had different thoughts, and we approached various lawyers and agencies to see what, if anything, could be done. The unanimous opinion: People have the right to live as they choose, people have the right to live in squalor. Until they pose a threat to others, or can be shown to be incapable of making decisions for themselves, people have a right to live as they deem fit.

Who are you and I to make such decisions for another person? Maybe they don't like your concept of shelter, maybe they disagree with my thoughts on what makes a meaningful existence. Who are we to force ourselves upon their lives?

You speak of mental illness, but how are we to determine who is mentally infirm short of rounding everyone up and subjecting all to a battery of tests? And what to do then, to the legions of the mentally ill we would find living lives of comfort and ease?

My brother, a brilliant biochemist before his accident left him brain injured, lived the next three decades with diminished capacities. But he knew, unerringly, when he was confronted with medical or social representatives who might threaten his position, and he would in those instances rise to the occasion and present a remarkably different persona. And this individual I speak of on the railroad tracks could do the same -- did the same often in talking with us. He was quite lucid, very self-aware, and highly perceptive. He just didn't want to live as we lived.

Who are we to impose ourselves on others? And when does an individual's desire to live distinct from the rest of us require our intercession?

[TBF]

59. You hit all the talking points didn't you

"force ourselves", "rounding everyone up", "impose ourselves on others", et al. Nicely done and brownie points for your "real life examples".


But the reality is that nobody said ANY of the things that are present in your elaborate straw man argument. My suggestion is that instead of using tax money (which could be plentiful if we actually taxed corporations, did away with the ridiculous cap on social security etc) to kill people overseas - we could instead use that money to rebuild our infrastructure and make programs available for the people who could use them.

There are so many offerings we could provide: simple housing, basic meals, basic healthcare, public education, public transportation in order to provide OPPORTUNITY for folks to have a lifestyle that does not involve living on the street. It doesn't have to be fancy. There are graduate students today designing very simple houses that are no more than 500 sq feet but adequate to live in and have protection from the elements. Nobody has to force or round up anyone. Make basic accommodations available and they will come.

Would the David Koch's of the world possibly have to give up a private lear jet or yacht in order to make this fantasy a reality? Of course. Letting 1% of the world live in extreme luxury (and providing the legal loopholes for them to do so - talk about a giveaway!) while others are starving/homeless is fundamentally wrong. But we can easily fix it. That is TRUE freedom - being given a chance to actually be part of the community and thrive as opposed to lying on the fringes.

[smirkymonkey]

60. +1000

[onecent]

61. SO TRUE!!!

[hunter]

55. That was me, don't want help, at my very, very, worst ever.

Pushing my dead car into a church parking lot so I wouldn't be harassed by the police was about as far as I was willing to go.

Several people had offered me more comfortable places to exist, but I wasn't ready yet.

My good fortune, if you can call it that, is my OCD.

In my most horrible Major Depressive Disorder Autistic Spectrum Feral Human self, I realize some of the things I NEED TO DO, most of them utterly useless, wouldn't be possible if I was dead.

Everyone deserves a place to simply "BE" and I've been fortunate that I've always had such a place.

[olddots]

8. thankyou Hunter

We need more people like you to counterbalance the greedy oit there .

[Joe Johns]

9. Good job!

And I've always felt we could provide basic food, basic clothing, and basic shelter to everyone without undermining our capitalist system.

[airplaneman]

10. I want you to be our next president! n/t.

[Spacemom]

11. There is a sickness in this country.

Too many are afraid of someone getting something for nothing.

It's a depravity of spirit.

[greatlaurel]

41. It is a strange sickness, the ones who complain the loudest about "freeloaders" recieve the most.

The Koch brothers come to mind. Look at any local teaparty group, all the individuals are receiving some sort of government aid, SS, disability, veterans payments, or they make their money selling stuff to the government. Yet, they hate that people less fortunate than themselves might receive the smallest amount of aid.

Very disturbing attitudes.

Thanks for your post, insightful.

[democrank]

12. Simple acts of kindness.....

beautiful.

[BrotherIvan]

13. I know what you mean, it should not be this way

I give every day to some of the homeless people who live in my neighborhood as there are so many and it kills me inside. I have made a point to introduce myself and learn their names. I am not an extrovert, but days I don't have cash I make sure to say hi and greet them by name. I realized so many people just try to pretend they don't exist and walk by with averted eyes. Just saying hi and ask how their day is going, acknowledging them as people is a start. I don't have as much to give as I like, but I always get enough to buy a few meals to pass out. I also make sure to hand out blankets and clothes too as some people can't afford the prices at thrift stores.

So, I heard about this story on DU that's been going around the internet.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/01/14/377033772/philadelphia-pizza-lovers-pay-it-forward-one-slice-at-a-time

A pizza place in Philadelphia allows patrons to "Pay It Forward" by buying a $1 slice of pizza that can be redeemed by someone who comes in and can't pay. I have slowly been starting a letter writing campaign and was going to post about it on DU to enlist help. I would love to kick in extra at the restaurants and stores that I frequent because NO ONE in this country (or the world for that matter) should go hungry. Not only restaurants, delis and stores could participate, but also pet stores as there are many companion pets who live on the streets that need food as well. I haven't had time to finish everything yet, but I hope people are interested and we can start a movement. I'm fine with giving money and don't care what it goes to, but I would also like to help make food available too. I know many people could spare a couple of bucks to add to the bill so someone could eat. It's a small thing, but at least it is doing something while our corrupt politicians shovel more to the rich and ignore the poor.

[CrispyQ]

37. Some communities are passing laws to make it illegal to give food to the homeless.

Unbelievable meanness of spirit.

[BrotherIvan]

38. It seems as a nation we have been steeped in fear and selfishness

In my mind it started with Reagan. But I think that selfishness can be untaught as well. Many people give, even if they don't have a lot.

[CrispyQ]

39. Yeah, the Cadillac queens on food stamps took on a life of it's own.

I believe these are the things that government should provide at no cost to all citizens:

three hots and a cot
medical care
child/elder care
education K-college
a comprehensive public transportation system

Other countries have this, why don't we?

[BrotherIvan]

40. You sound like a ... socialist!

And I agree. But we can't have any of those things while 60% of the budget goes to the Pentagon.

[Enthusiast]

45. Considering the Reverse Robin Hood tax structure it is inexcusable.

The bad news is, the "conservatives" plan to further crack down on the moochers.

[TBF]

49. And the question in my mind becomes

Who really are the "moochers" anyway? I think people who make their money in an inherently unequal system (or inherit it in such system) could just as easily be defined as "moochers". What we need is a resource-based system in which people are able to have what they need as opposed to wants.

[Enthusiast]

52. Yes, starting with the Koch Brothers. The biased media has allowed the GOP to define moochers.

We need a bigger voice.

[Enthusiast]

48. Oh, it did start with Reagan. With an assist from Ayn Rand.

There was also the influence of Dominionism.

I watched this happen right before my eyes. Just sickening.

We need an equal and opposite push back from our side. We can accurately call them "the selfish greedy". It's also clear that they are not true Christians in the Jesus sense.

[BrotherIvan]

56. Yes, I'm ready for some pushback

That is why "moderate" and third way doesn't work. We do need an equal and opposite reaction to try to repair the damage. Moderation isn't cutting it.

While reading the story of the Arkansas legislator who rehomed the girls he had adopted becuase he thought they were possessed and telepathic, I realized that the extreme religion in this country really needs to be worked. On people are quite literally going insane. While people are calling for "freedom of religion" it is actually the furthest thing from any recognized religion. It's just plain whacky.

[appalachiablue]

16. Very good on you. Yes our country can and should provide shelter, food & the basics to people

and animals. God knows there's more than enough money $$$$ for it in this land, with plenty left over.

[Cali_Democrat]

17. Apparently war with countries like Iran is more important than feeding and clothing Americans

It's a sad and pathetic disgrace.

USA #1?

Bullfuckingshit.

[BrotherIvan]

42. +1

We've been steeped in the lie that it is not possible to take care of the citizens in this country. All while the biggest grift in the history of the world is going on right under our noses in the form of the MIC. It's despicable.

[Enthusiast]

44. Bullfuckingshit would be accurate.

[madamesilverspurs]

18. Compassion

is deemed a threat to capitalism. There's no profit in giving a damn about the unfortunate. That's why there are tax write-offs for charitable donations.

Fortunately for the human race, there are those like you who give spontaneously. Those write-offs are for people who don't need them. Caring for others is for those of us who cherish the reality that we are not alone.

Thank you for your generosity of spirit.

[tclambert]

19. Hey, now, if we supported every unfortunate, how would I pay for my second yacht?

Well, hypothetically, when I get really, really rich, I might buy two yachts, just so I can lord it over people who only have one yacht.

[seveneyes]

20. Give until it hurts too much to continue

If it's a friend in need, then you give all that you have to give.

[ybbor]

22. Good for you!

I often do the same. I am far from wealthy, and barely comfortable, just ask my wife.
But I am often brought to the idea of do as to others as you would like to be done for you. The golden rule.

If I was in dire straits, I would only hope that someone would give two shits enough about me to lend a helping hand.

I gave a women $5 bucks the other day because her sign said she was diabetic and needed her meds. She acted like I had given her a house. I don't know where that five bucks would have gone, a beer or chips or maybe something that I "needed". I just knew she needed it more. Am I a sucker? Maybe, but I felt that I could someday be in her position and need something for my daughter or wife or me and I'd hope that someone would help me out.

Kudos my friend! You are a very good person.

[niyad]

23. thank you for doing that. you are correct--this wealthiest country in the world should be

taking care of everyone, not just the tiniest percentage of the 1%. but, the powers that be have decided that being humane, decent, compassionate, caring people is worth far less than blowing up people and resources.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

24. Hunter

You made that poor guy's day and mine! Thank you.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/02/housing-first-solution-to-homelessness-utah

This link will take you to a fantastic article in the latest Mother Jones by Scott Carrier entitled, "Room for Improvement." It's about what Utah did to solve its' homeless problem and it involved conservatives and the Mormon Church of all things.

Best quote: "The old model was well intentioned but misinformed You actually need housing to achieve sobriety and stability, not the other way around."

[panader0]

25. K and R

Everyone is fighting a war inside themselves.

[Nye Bevan]

26. Brings to mind Matthew 6:2 (nt)

[MADem]

27. Ronald Reagan emptied the "mental institutions."

In some cases, people had been warehoused at these places, and could have transitioned to independent living, and in other cases, they were where they needed to be as they couldn't make it on their own nor could they be relied upon to take their medications without prompt and direction.

On the one hand, you don't want to incarcerate people for the "crime" of being mentally ill (note the scare quotes, I don't want anyone to miss that this comment is now--sorry to those who "get it" but you can't be too careful); on the other hand, there are some people who need care, treatment and robust supervision because without medication they can be a danger to themselves and others.

When you dump people on the street, they find somewhere to go. And as we all know, "Out of sight, out of mind" is a real thing.

[chknltl]

28. When I can, I like to purchase cheap umbrellas...

Especially in the spring and fall sudden downpours catch folks outside unprepared. It makes me feel all kinds of good to pull up in my car next to someone getting wet and just hand them a free umbrella then drive off. Not every recipient of these umbrellas are poor, most of these people just happen to be caught out in the rain. It seems to me, all of us have the opportunity to be down on our luck from time to time...and most of us have an opportunity to provide a little help from time to time too. IMO, helping out someone, unconditionally, creates the chance of the assisted becoming an assister down the road at some place.

[brewens]

29. When I used to drink a lot of beer I gave a real low income handicapped guy permission

to grab my can sacks and cash them in. I don't think he was homeless but you'd see him scavenging all over for anything he could get. Without being asked he would frequently come by real quite, scrape my truck windows, grab his cans and take off. In the middle of even our relatively mild winters, I figured the guy earned every dime worth of cans for just that!

[AtomicKitten]

33. The disparity in wealth is particularly profound here in SF.

[Michael_wood]

35. I feel glad.

I am happy that people like you still exist in our society.

[Omaha Steve]

36. Well done

[Enthusiast]

43. Kicked and recommended a whole bunch!

[butterfly77]

47. Kick,kick,kicked&Recommended!

[steve2470]

50. you're a good man, Hunter

I gave $20 to the pizza guy today (I thought he needed it), but your recipient was much more deserving.

[treestar]

51. I agree. Right wingers love to judge people

Yet they haven't walked in that person's shoes.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

57. I think we are like this because the conservatives

fear that if we show we can feed, clothe and house homeless people then EVERYONE will want to do it and well, we just can't afford that!