[Shaun]

I've noticed lately that it's becoming a crime to beg [plus it's on The One Show atm ]- everyone moans about tramps and what not - but is this a right move?

I personally don't understand it - if someone's going to beg for money, they're obviously desperate enough to do it. I don't mind it - I really can't see where the problem lies. If you don't want to give them money, don't.

Obviously there may be some instances where they've got a bit out of hand - but in my experience homeless people are treated worse by the public than the other way round. I've seen one man been kicked repeatedly before the Police intervened.

[Vicky.]

It can be annoying, yeah, but what do people expect...for them to starve? Or go shoplifiting for things they need?

[Beastie]

They might as well be jailed, they get a free bed and food lol. They would be so grateful for it and think its heaven compared to the streets.

[Novo]

Gave one £2 by accident once

had some change in my pocket thought i threw 20p to him turns out it was a £2 coin when i checked later was wondering why he said thank you about 8 times

[King Gizzard]

I dont mind em but theres some right twats who make you go through a guilt trip if you dont give...like saying ''thanks'' if you blank them or whatnot


if I give em money they ll just spend it on booze id much rather get them a sausage roll and cofee from a shop

[Tom]

Yes. They aren't helping themselves and they'll be forced to go to a homeless shelter or something. Plus you get d*cks on the street who don't even need to beg but pretend to be homeless or whatever to get money off people ...

[Beastie]

How come they don't just try and get a council house? or do you need 10 kids for that?

[Shaun]

[rquote=2605008&tid=148108&author=thebeast]How come they don't just try and get a council house? or do you need 10 kids for that?[/rquote]

Huge waiting lists.

[Vicky.]

[rquote=2605008&tid=148108&author=thebeast]How come they don't just try and get a council house? or do you need 10 kids for that?[/rquote]10 kids or be a smackhead. Only way to get one straight away.

[GypsyGoth]

I never have spare money to give anyone.

And I always get a bit nervous passing those junkie beggars, especially the ones who sit by the bank machine.

[setanta]

I've always carried the saying "but for the grace of God there go I" through life in relation to poverty and the like . Humans have a common bond in that we've developed a conscience and an understanding of how mortal we are, susceptible to all manner of twists of fate and bad luck, which means that I would hope that I'd never turn a blind eye to others suffering really and would pray that others would do the same for me if I were in a similar bad strain of luck or feeling down at heal. I don't think anyone can be too glib about the homeless because the real test of any civilisation or society is in how we deal with and treat our homeless as well as convicts/ other anti-social elements.

It's difficult to be spontaneous and giving though because I think when you see a homeless person it can really awaken you from your trance - shake you from your apathy, which is a really unsettling feeling when we've all been hypnotised into thinking that greed is good in today's society. We're just cogs in the capitalistic wheel really and confronting any poverty can be very upsetting to us, as it stirs up emotions, such as guilt and powerlessness and possibly anger. Like I said before, how we decide to treat the less fortunate has a direct relation to how we feel about ourselves and the society we live in. Honestly, I wish I did more to help the homeless.

[Deirdre]

I'm surprised it's not illegal already.
And busking is.

[Shaun]

I agree setanta - I think humanity just does not like to be reminded, or to feel guilty, about how bad others have it - but to give them a criminal record and prison sentence is a step too far.

As for busking - that's even less of a problem :\ when was the last time a guitar/harmonica/whatever-player stopped his/her song to ask for money?

[Lewis.]

Rather them asking than nicking money off of you. A lot of people don't understand how easy it is to become homeless and how hard it is to get your life back kon track. It could happen to anyone

[Tom]

[rquote=2605029&tid=148108&author=Shaun][rquote=2605008&tid=148108&author=thebeast]How come they don't just try and get a council house? or do you need 10 kids for that?[/rquote]

Huge waiting lists.[/rquote]

Does that mean people actually want them?!

[Lauren]

I never give them money, if I see one and it's particular cold outside I'll get him/her some food and a coffee or something, but never money.

[arista]

[rquote=2605304&tid=148108&author=Lauren]I never give them money, if I see one and it's particular cold outside I'll get him/her some food and a coffee or something, but never money.[/rquote]



Bang On Right


Never Pay a Stinking Junkie.

[King Gizzard]

Ive noticed the covent garden street performers, many of whom do it or a living now, have even started asking for money

Last time I gave about a 5er to these couple of blokes who had this 8ft unicycle and were juggling, that's talent

[arista]

[rquote=2605112&tid=148108&author=GypsyGoth]
I never have spare money to give anyone.

And I always get a bit nervous passing those junkie beggars, especially the ones who sit by the bank machine.[/rquote]



Yes that is Very Wrong.

[Shaun]

[rquote=2605306&tid=148108&author=arista][rquote=2605304&tid=148108&author=Lauren]I never give them money, if I see one and it's particular cold outside I'll get him/her some food and a coffee or something, but never money.[/rquote]



Bang On Right


Never Pay a Stinking Junkie.[/rquote]

Not all homeless people are junkies.

It's this kind of disgusting snobbery that's lead to such a ridiculous law being passed.

[arista]

Sure Shaun
but many are.

[Ramsay]

nothin wrong with it really

[setanta]

[rquote=2605387&tid=148108&author=arista]Sure Shaun
but many are.[/rquote]

Yes, and many people who aren't living on the streets are junkies too. Don't label all homeless people with the same tag dude. Plus you have to have a bit more compassion for others who are struggling.

I agree that it's better to feed them or lend a caring hand or ear rather than toss them a few coins that they could spend unwisely, but please don't show such prejudice an intolerance to others. "All we need is Love...la la la la la" lol

[\PJ/]

I have a shake around in my pocket and give them whats there sometimes it could be 1p or a pound or 5p,im sure there great for anything.

[Scarlett.]

I give what I can spare