Railguy

I worked in a house down at the inner Harbor in Baltimore . About every other day there were people , probably homeless sleeping on porch/stup. And on the way home every day there was one stretch where there was 15 people wanting to clean my windshield (these people were clean and we'll dressed?). Then every stop light there were 3 or 4 people with card board signs homeless please help. I feel sorry for them but I just don't understand.
I get up 3.30 am to get there at 6. this early in the morning it's bumper to bumper but moving good.later is worse much worse. And people say that there's no jods well where's every body going. I mean I don't want to be coarse or inconsiderate.

In an unrelated subject. Going to work on Wednesday there was an accident that had both sides of I 70 blocked . It seems theres was a tractor trailer load of asfault and a concrete truck loaded. One was driving slow with no lights and was hit by the other. A man and woman on the eastbound side saw it they stopped the woman a nurse wanting to help went to jump over the gard rails not knowing they stopped on a bridge. Probably dark . She jumped 75 ft.in to river.
Railguy

zeeke

We have young kids here in the outer Boro's of NYC as well with signs. They look pretty healthy as well. Guessing left over occupied wall streeters that don't know they have to work to support themselves. A quote I overheard at work from someone in there mid 30's "Why should I do extra when I don't get extra pay?" He makes a valid point, why should anybody do extra. The country will run itself right? The mentality of today's youth is pretty disturbing. I'm in my 40's and remember when hard work meant something other than what do I get for my effort. I'm not talking about being taken advantage of but just giving a little effort to let your superiors know you have a pulse.

MDchanic

I can't speak for the people you've seen, but I know that in some places, a person on the right corner with the right sign can make a surprising amount of money, certainly over $20 an hour tax-free.

For somebody without much in the way of education, skills, or pride, that's not a bad deal.

What amuses me is that near here, there's a Wal-Mart that often has a "Help Wanted" sign under its large sign on the traffic island at its entrance, and there is often a panhandler standing there, right under it, with an "Unemployed - Need Work" sign.

- Eric

Chris J

The problem is they don't to work, they want us to work, feel sorry for them and give them the money we earned. I have worked hard for everything I have, its so sad to see so many young people who feel they are entitled to everything and aren't interested in working. Sometimes I'm thankful I'm not any younger than I am because as these kids grow up its gunna be a really scary country we live in. But every now and then I see a young man or woman who is so eager to learn and willing to work hard and do what it takes to make ends meet that I feel there is still hope. We just need to make sure the ones who want to work and earn their way have the opportunity to do so.

redoldsman

We all work and pay taxes so they can get their free **** they think they are entitled to. When we run our of money, it is going to be ugly. When asked about socialism, Ronald Reagan said it works real good until you run out of the other persons money.

z11375ss

There are 9 beggars on my walk from the train to my work. Most look pretty good. Is it a swindle? Is it because I pay 62% of my income to taxes? Is it because of the current administration? I think that's where the problem lies. Don't work. That's the message.

OLD SKL 69

We always had one or two around here but lately the amount of beggars has really picked up. By my Walmart, there is a couple with 2 children holding up signs saying homeless, hungry and out of work. When you throw kids in the mix as well, I can only imagine how much money their making.

Tedd Thompson

I spent a week in and around Boise Idaho a while back. I was surprised how few homeless I saw(only one that I remember and he was headed out of town) The place was clean and trash free with no homeless encampments plus there were gun stores all over town. Reminded me of when I was a kid. I can see me being a Idahoan in my near future...... Tedd

zeeke

Tedd, you let the cat out of the bag now. Uncharted territory, they'll be flocking that way in no time at all. As for the gun shops, we are well on our way to lose our right to bear arms.

On the other hand, valid point why work when you can put your hand out for tax free cash. Sounds like a concept.

I too see a lot of good kids in the work force. It will be interesting in the least to see how this all balances out in 20 - 30 years.

So did the participation generation work, trophies for everyone? Competition breads ambition, which = Drive.

redoldsman

Tedd might have let the cat out of the bag but just think how many Oldsmobiles are going to be there. Sounds like a great place to live Tedd although the winters might get a little tough.

oldcutlass

This has been going on for the last 40+ years, nothing new here. IMHO, you just can't beat small town living even in this day and age.

ELY442

Dont worry, Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton will fix these problems.......................NOT!!!

redoldsman

You live in one of my favorite small towns in the area. You are far enough away but you still have good access to the big city if you need something.

oldcutlass

Its actually starting to get too crowded here, started looking for a smaller town.

Mr Shifty Sidney

Ive been ask for money while pumping gas a lot . Always a sad story, last one was her husband left his wallet down the street. I thought why not go get it... I kindly rejected her. She walked over and told her husband. He started giving me the stare down. I give it back for a few, then smiled and drove off. I rarely give, but when I feel that it is sincerely needed I give generously. Not a better feeling in the world knowing you helped someone in need.

The best place to go when you are broke is to work.

Don W

z11375ss

Was bsing with a guy I knew after work outside in downtown Chicongo yesterday. We hadn't seen each other in a good while so it was nice. Then, up walks the beggar. I said, "Come on man, really?" He just walked on. I think he wanted a chance to shine my shoes but I saw no equipment. On the other hand I once had a guy say to me as I walked with a fresh six pack in a paper bag to the train, "I ain't gonna lie to you man, I just want to get me a bottle." I gave him 5 bucks. I understood that.

2blu442

Congrats Tedd, I hope it works out for you. If so you'll have to drive up and check out Pat's shop. I grew up in Southern Oregon but things have defiantly changed since the 1960's-70's. The small town feel just isn't here anymore. Back then if you wanted a job you could go to work logging or in one of the sawmills and make enough to support a family in comfort... if you didn't mind hard, very hard work! That's with no college or many skills, they'd teach you what you needed to know. But the world is changing and the work ethic my Dad taught me just doesn't seem to be popular anymore. Sad. I don't know what the future holds for the coming generations. John

Railguy

I never give them money if I got an extra sandwich or something in my lunch box I'll give them that .
Railguy

oldcutlass

I've given Vets cash at the VA Clinic.

redoldsman

Thanks for doing that Eric. It is ashamed a Vet has to hold his hand out for cash.

Tedd Thompson

I now live in a nice place in the mountains, most would love it and I could be happy here for the rest of my life except for the politics of this state.We are as close to a taxation with out representation as a state can get with a super majority in the congress and a attitude of redistributing of wealth by the masses I think this state can get along just fine with me being gone.... Sorry for the rant.... Tedd

redoldsman

California is such a beautiful state but the politics has ruined it. It would be impossible for me to live there. It is ashamed Tedd.

edzolz

I was stationed at Fleet Weather Central, Pearl Harbor in 69-71 and some of us were downtown one night talking to a pan handler. He had a degree in aeronautical engineering from Cal Tech and was making more pan handling in Hawaii than he could make as an engineer.

Rustbucket2

The local news, , 15 finds out. did a story on three people pan handling in there city. this three would set up in three different locations in the city, and had signs that there were collecting money for the local vets, they were making around 500 a day! The news crew followed them to there 200,000.00 house , where the all three lived. Not one dime went to vets.

Railguy

That's why I don't give to charities. And only give food to ho bos.
Railguy

redoldsman

And only give food to ho bos.

Railguy, you are giving your age away. I have not heard that term in a long time and I bet there are lots of folks on here who have never heard it.

rustyroger

We don't get nearly as many panhandlers over here, but we do have some in mostly larger towns, last time one tried to work me he told me he hadn't has a cigarette in three days, so I told him I'd managed fifteen years, keep it up!.

Roger.

Gary M

Had a few times when I gave money to people with sad stories only to find out they bullshitted me. I hate that because of the ONE person who you don't give it to because of the BS people before them and they really do need it. Heard of one guy who parked his Beamer everyday and begged money.

Koda

A hobo is not a bum; he's an itinerant worker, but I think the terms are used interchangeably.

I've found you want to live in small towns and in the country. Not too far out, but enough that there isn't city property for the homeless to bum from.

88 Cutty Classic

i pretty much dont give people that look under 50 years old a cent unless they are playing an instrument. I can kinda tell whos a pittsburgh bum and who is a dirty hipster traveling through. I'm not gonna supplement their carefree lifestyle. I'm not ignorant to them, in fact some of them are pleasant but i'm not handing over money.

as far as jobs. yes there are jobs but there arent enough low education liveable wage jobs and you can thank the EPA. Ever wonder why the Steelers travel to away games so well? Its because there are so many transplanted Pittsburghers spread across the country from when the steel mills closed. The EPA is the biggest cause of job loss and homelessness.

zeeke

I believe the proper modern term for hobo is hipster. Here in New York we play a game called hipster or homeless. It's a game you can't lose. Hipsters are squatters which legally translates to homeless. No rent, no taxes & a burden on society. They are showing all of us 1%'s, which actually make up about 80%. I guess they are to lazy to do math correctly too. Oh well just keep paying outrageous taxes and go to work every day. They will get what they deserve from your pocket. Maybe we can hand out participation trophies for the ones that consider getting a job. That should fix things.

BTW saw 12 kids in there early 20's yesterday with signs that read "traveling & hungry" "homeless & hungry" but I couldn't find one that read "working & hungry"

88 Cutty Classic

hipsters come in a few flavors...you got your dirty hipsters, those are the travelers and have hair thats not been washed in years. you have you skinny jean hipsters, they can be found vaping and wearing a ski cap off the back of their skull in the dead of summer. lastly you have you boat shoe wearing entitled hipster. they will usually tell you how great they are, how everything they believe is right, etc etc. basically i hate millenials and i'm only 36. lol

MDchanic

Those aren't "dirty hipsters "

They're Trustafarians.

They bum around for an indefinite period, living off of their trust funds, before settling down, getting their MBA, getting married, and buying a house in Old Greenwich.

- Eric

Railguy

Isn't hobo short for hoe boy . People who traveled the rail roads looking for work in the fields .
Railguy

oldolds88

a guy came up to me and said he hadn't had i bite in a week, so i bit him

Gary M

Bet he tasted like chicken cause he's scared to get a job. Cut in pay, taxes, acuall work. See what I did there ( chicken).

redoldsman

Here is what Wikipedia says about hobo's.

A hobo is a migratory worker or homeless vagabond, especially one who is impoverished. The term originated in the Western—probably Northwestern—United States around 1890.[1] Unlike a "tramp", who works only when forced to, and a "bum", who does not work at all, a "hobo" is a traveling worker

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobo

zeeke

So then Hipster aren't hobo's? 88 Cutty if you don't mind I would like to use your breakdown. Being in hipster town it's seems very accurate. I'll be on the road most of the day so I'll count the hipsters vs bums today.

Have a good day all.

88 Cutty Classic

one can be both a hipster dirtball scum and a bum. see occupy wall street.

MDchanic

... Or non-hipster dirtball scum. See Wall Street.

- Eric