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Quote from: _Miracle on February 22, 2019, 12:37:02 AM

I'm not going to think much differently if they are obviously afflicted with mental illness or addiction...only if they are rude or mean

To be honest I don't give much charity to beggars who smoke or drink alcohol on the streets. If all you have is a few dollars or even cents and you decide to spend that on cigarettes and liquor I tend to look at those people differently. Maybe I am being unfair but if your priority is to smoke instead of buying something to eat then good luck to you.

I don't think that having an opinion of someone else based on your own life experiences is "unfair"----> especially when it comes to taking money out of your own pocket to give to them.
There is a whole section of my loved ones who should---never---hand money to strangers, I'd be concerned for their safety, some of these would be my same 'dear ones' who I've had to remind: not to unlock their car doors until they're next to the car, don't stare at someone doing "crazy" stuff---seriously keep your head forward---don't---make---eye contact, don't fumble with your keys--> wallet---> purse---> anything when you're walking out of a building/ getting out of your locked car.

I have been in difficult situations and those circumstances shaped my perspective.
As a former smoker, I wish I could make money materialize they way I did for cigarettes especially when remembering what a relief it was to have one.
Jesus, I haven't smoked in years and I'm jonesing right now Grin

Here is irony:
When my daughter and I moved back to California from South Carolina with our pets, I booked most of our trip in advance.
When we got to New Mexico and drove through the area to get to our hotel, I knew the whole "get down" and it wasn't good.
Panhandlers on the corner, exchanges happening in the parking lot and semi-permeant residents in the hotel I'd paid bank for.
I tried to book us somewhere else, even driving around to other hotels. Nope we had to stay there.
I wouldn't even let her walk to the car by herself to get something. She was pretty upset by how judgmental I was being.
I was "ready" (cracking up at myself right now) I have been civilized for quite some time but on high alert that day.
I explained the difference between being judgmental and making a judgement call---she didn't get it she didn't have to