Because the one thing that poor people are clamoring to do...

[Scooter]

... is invest in crypto.

[Joe Guy]

[liberty]

There was a time when I was on the job, driving around servicing machines, when I would keep $20 bills in my billfold to give to people I thought were in need. I must have given away several $100 a year. However, after reading some posts by you guys, I reconsidered and thought maybe you were right—perhaps I was just contributing to their problems. Was it really helping? I had no way to know how much of that money went toward drugs or alcohol. So, I stopped doing it. But I still feel bad when I see people begging.

I want to live in a country where people don’t have to beg, but some people will always do it because it’s an easier way to make money—sometimes, they might earn more than they would if they were working. I still donate to Wounded Warrior and St. Jude, and, because my wife insists, to organizations saving the polar bears. I think that’s a crazy idea—especially saving the elephants. Those creatures are doomed except for the ones living in zoos. As the population increases, there will be less land for them, and, as far as I’m concerned, people come first.

[Sue U]

There was a time when I was on the job, driving around servicing machines, when I would keep $20 bills in my billfold to give to people I thought were in need. I must have given away several $100 a year. However, after reading some posts by you guys, I reconsidered and thought maybe you were right—perhaps I was just contributing to their problems. Was it really helping? I had no way to know how much of that money went toward drugs or alcohol. So, I stopped doing it.

I have no idea what "posts by you guys" you're talking about, but it wouldn't be any of mine. My faith tradition teaches that when you see someone in need, you give, full stop. You don't judge whether it's "really helping" (if they're in need, it's helping) or why they're in need, and it's none of your business what they do with the money (or whatever else you give). Your duty is to give, no questions asked, no strings attached. It's shameful enough for everyone that someone in your community is reduced to begging; you don't shame them (and yourself) more by asking if they're worthy of assistance.

[liberty]

BSG suggested that I purchase food coupons from local fast-food restaurants, but I couldn't find any in this area that offered them. However, it's academic now since I'm no longer driving 4,000 miles a month—perhaps 100 miles a month—so it's no longer a concern."