FYI - this post has been slightly edited: So by now you may have heard about Denver's plan to give homeless persons tickets to the movies, zoo, museum, etc.. during the DNC. If you missed it, you can check it out here - http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/15/homeless-hey-buddy-can-you-spare-movie-ticket-duri/
Part of what I find disturbing is the picture that accompanied this article. Now I don't doubt there is a homeless problem in Denver, but does anyone really believe these guys are truly 'homeless'? Call me cynical, but they look like 20 something year old punks that just need a good kick in the arse - look at the smirks on their faces! I'm pretty sure that if they got a hold of any free tickets, they wouldn't go and enjoy a little cultural enlightenment - they would sell them at 1/2 value to get the cash.
Anywho, reading this story reminded me of the South Park episode 'Night of the Living Homeless', here are a couple clips...
While Denver denies that they are attempting to make the homeless 'less visible' - I can't help but question their motives. Especially when you consider these offerings are only being proposed for the few days that the Obama campaign for 'change' (pun intended) and the mass media are in town.
4 comments:
Yep, that was fun. Here in Japan, beggars are very unusual. Given the culture, and general level of affluence, if someone asks me for money, I tend to think he/she really needs it, and parting with some change, or even the equivalent of a few dollars, isn't really going to change my life...
John
Nice to hear another perspective , nice post John !!!
You said that where you are "beggars are very unusual."
Sounds like a strong work ethic and the pride of self reliance is alive and well in Japan .
However, panhandling "beggar" seems to be becoming a career choice for many here in the US.
Phil
Many of Japan's street people are elderly. A lot are people who were made redundant in middle age and can't face their families, so they just take to the streets. They sleep rough and their clothes are shabby, but most of them don't seem to need to beg. Apparently, a lot of them cooperate and pool resources, and they know where to go to get leftover food from restaurants, etc.
Younger homeless people are more inconspicuous. They do casual work, distributing leaflets, etc., sleep in Internet cafes (the booths are just big enough to curl up in) and keep their clothes in station lockers.
Thanks John and Phil for your input! I'd like to just clarify that I'm all for helping those that are truly down and out on their luck. I just prefer to deal with local organizations so that I know my $$ isn't going to drugs, alcohol or a panhandler, that may very well drive off in a Cadillac at the end of the day.
One such program in the Denver area that helps the addicted homeless is called Step13-Real Change, Not Spare Change. You can read more about it here http://www.step13.org
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