The bums were out in force today - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

striprman · 05-04-2006, 11:04 PM

Seems like at every other intersection, some "poor soul" was standing there with a cup out, or comming up to you while your waiting for the light to turn green. I was thinking of asking my buddy to drop me off with a couple empty Duncan Donuts cups and join them. I'd fit right in.

BigBo · 05-04-2006, 11:45 PM

The good weather brings them out. Especially in Brockton.

tynan19 · 05-05-2006, 06:24 AM

I hear they make good money. In Worcester they have panhandling rings. They all spread out across the city then go back to one local and put all the money together. Usually someone runs them and gives them a place to stay.

BigFish · 05-05-2006, 06:41 AM

Sorry....if you can stand there with a cup hawking for money you can get a friggin' job!!! No money for you!

Swimmer · 05-05-2006, 11:06 AM

We should deport them too!

BEETLE · 05-06-2006, 03:49 PM

I'm thinking of hanging out at gas stations with a empty gas can and bumming gas off people....

mike0220 · 05-06-2006, 07:13 PM

god idea beetle

seabass · 05-07-2006, 05:33 AM

Tougher gig than you think. First off you can't even consider working an intersection without being a member of The International Brotherhood of Panhandlers and Beggars. Then there is the whole juristictional thing, Locals.The good corners have all the politcaly connected members working.By the time you pay your dues, buy sunscreen, purchase and consume your coffee, your lucky if you canned enough for a bottle of Ripple.

BigFish · 05-07-2006, 07:41 AM

Don't forget they need to have their cell phones!!!

tattoobob · 05-07-2006, 08:04 PM

I was working in Boston and this guy was holding a cup buy the subway entrance, when he was done I was having lunch the guy jumps in a Mercedes parked at a meter, and drives away.

bluzjamer · 05-08-2006, 11:27 AM

I asked one guy if he could change a twenty..he pulled out a wad the size of my fist. I told him to screw!

tynan19 · 05-08-2006, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigFish

Don't forget they need to have their cell phones!!!

A lot of them do.

Thom · 05-21-2006, 08:23 AM

Yep we get them out here in western Mass my Mom gives her change alot of the time. Once I was driving her to the Doc and there was one at the intersection she want me to roll down the window and give her some money. I told her no and said look at what she is wearing for clothes. Nice clean jeans nice woolrich jackect and new leather hiking boots. I told her she isn't homeless dressed like that. ThomT

JohnR · 05-21-2006, 09:12 AM

On the other hand. I've seen some looking fairly normal panhandling and over the span of a few years get seriously screwed up physically and mentally. One guy in particular that worked from South Station to D&Ds to 133 High St took a serious health slide.

One year near Christmas time I brought in a nearly new pair of boots that did not fit me but would certainly fit him and because his shoes were all tattered. He seemed pleased. A couple days later he was back in the tattered shoes so he was either rolled (not likely as he probably wouldn't have the same shoes) or he flipped them in trade for something else. That was the end for me and panhandlers.

If you want to help out, give not to the people on the street but to the shelters that house them like Pine St & Rosies Place

Mike P · 05-21-2006, 09:49 AM

Standard exchange between me and the panhandlers when I worked in NYC:

"Spare some change for something to eat, Mister?"

"No, but I'll buy you a bagel and a coffee at the cart over there".

Maybe one person in 50 took me up on the offer

Saltheart · 05-22-2006, 08:05 AM

I've done like Mike P. I takle them over and buy them food. No cash , it just goes for T Bird!.

Slick Moedee · 05-23-2006, 03:00 PM

a nice meal in Boston, I am always willing to offer up what is in the doggy bag, just not what is in the wallet.

kevin d · 05-24-2006, 12:21 PM

Washington, DC was the worst place I have ever seen when it came to bums. They were a real aggressive lot. They would follow you into a gas station, coffee shop or whatever and then hound you for the change the clerk gave you. Lots of people would get into fights with them over this behavior.