Reply #139: Knew I'd get flamed...

[gmoney]

"If we both think the same on all the issues, one of us isn't necessary."

I was just trying to show that depending on your point-of-view, everyone involved deserves compassion for being put in a bad situation. The original poster, the homeless guy, as well as the store clerk. You think the clerk enjoys being a hardliner about this stuff? It's their livelihood at stake, too. Nobody wins in this situation. Hence the original heading "Catch-22" -- damned if you do, damned if you don't.

It's like entropy: "To get something clean you have to get something else dirty. However, it's possible to get everything dirty without getting anything clean." It's possible that everyone in this situation suffers, while nobody is helped.

Yes, homelessness could very likely happen to me someday. However, if I've exhausted ALL my options as far as turning to family and friends and even aquaintances, and there is nobody there to lend a hand, mabye I'll try to get a high-paying panhandling gig. But if that doesn't work, I'm outta here. If the situation appears to be long-term, I'll throw myself in front of the truck, drink the kool-aid, lick the third rail, and get the hell out of dodge, because there sure as shootin' won't be anything left to live for. (As if there is now.) Or maybe just go to the nearest hospital, and tell them to use me for parts. (Yes, I know, my cold little black heart wouldn't do anyone any good.)