Will you give money to a beggar? Why (in either case)

Yes. It is not in the best of interest to assume anything in this case. Whether the beggar is in that position on his own accord, or due to an unfortunate, rather not controlable situation, it is always good to help someone in need. The beggar, whether man, woman, or child does beyond appealing to sympathy have worth in this world. We all have a worth. Because we have been able to do better than those who haven't had the same life, situations, and opportunities, it is our duty to help them. If a beggar is in my direction of travel and appears to be in great need, I will give to the beggar.

Normally I do, just because I like helping people less fortunate than myself. But if he comes on aggressive, like I owe him, then no, I wont.

Its important to help people. I usually try to give if I can afford it. Sometimes I feel like I should be the one asking for money to afford to take the bus and buy a sandwich and a coffee. I think its important to see things from both sides, and really try to walk a mile in the other persons shoes. People asking for money is not only a chance to help them, but a chance for us to better ourselves by helping others. Everyone needs help sometimes, I think putting the good karma out there can help me out when day when I am in trouble and down and out.

--Sorry, I diddnt realize I answered the question twice

Its important to help people. I usually try to give if I can afford it. There are some days I feel like I should be sitting on the street corner asking for money to take the bus or buy a sandwich.

Yes, but I do not like to. I do not want to support a user’s drug or alcohol abuse problem.
I now give McDonald’s gift certificates. That way I know that they are eating, not smoking up or drinking down my donation to them.
If they fuss about that, well, what is that old saying, “Beggars can’t be choosers”.

I have. I have also given food and once I gave someone a rain poncho. I just felt like it at the moment. I don't necessarily give something to everyone it depends.

Yes, because I only go to NYC once a year.

I have when I have extra. There but by the grace of God it could be my family asking for the kindness of strangers. You never know, it might be an angel sent from God to see how you treat others.

I've given money to beggars on the subway. Some of their pitches are quite entertaining in themselves!

Some people have the attitude: "Get a job!" or "Give to a legitimate charity, and let the charities help the homeless."

But I feel this way: That they're asking for money voluntarily, rather than mugging people or robbing convenience stories, says a lot about their character to me.

And maybe they have reasons for not wanting to seek help from a chairty. What with all the government laws and regulations these days, their reasons for not wanting to deal with real charities may be perfectly reasonable and up-front.

So I don't worry about whether they're using it to buy food or drugs. And even if they are using drugs to escape their hopeless existence every so often, who am I to judge what they need to do to get by?

[Edit: I don't even believe that drugs are the evil that some people make them out to be. The only reason that drugs cause crime is because of government prohibition limiting supply and creating a vicious black market. But that's a different rant.]

Yes. Because i like helping people, even though my money might not be used for good things..Its up to them, what they spend it on..either way, their getting what they want.

Yes, because its the right thing to do. (all year round not just the holidays). I give them food if they are hungry and a blanket or jacket if they are cold.

If I feel they are genuine, but not too often. I had a man approach me for money whose hand has obviously been burned by a crack pipe. I said No!

yes. i don't think that my money will always be used for the best but then again it isn't my place to judge people. how can i say that when a person needs help i should deny them that help because they may use the money for something other than food. i think its very judgmental to assume peoples intentions. and its not really my place to judge.

Na cuz therez a big chance they gonna go get drunk or buy some drugs with it so i would just get them the food .

I used to but then my newspaper did this undercover story where they dressed up a reporter in rags and such and had him beg downtown. He made something like $4000 in one week. Now I'm paranoid I'm giving my money to someone who makes more than I do.

no, you dont know what they'd do with it--exmaple, they could buy drugs or alchohol --but i'm not hard-hearted i'd buy them a meal or something they needed, but you dont want to give them straight out money!

Yes, a small amount. If the person is inside snf there are places to eat, I have in the past gone with them and paid for a meal or some take out food for them, so I knew where the money went.

Instead of just handing over money to a beggar I believe it would be much better to see what they actually need (a hot meal,clothes,ect) and buy it for them. Unfortunatly some may use it to buy drugs or alcohol and some may not actually be poor but con artists.

There aren't much beggers where I live so that isn't a worry for me.

I realize that some people that beg, are professionals and use the money for beer and drugs.

I also believe that a beggar may also be an angel in disguise.

So, i give them a quarter.

A quarter is not going to kill me.

I always gave them money and knew some of them by name as well until last week. I was bringing a friend from the hospital at 3 am in the morning and saw one of the homeless guy whom I was giving money sitting on the pavement smoking marijuana. I was shocked and started to wonder not only if I am promoting begging, but actually I supporting his addiction.

Next day I walked upto him and told him I saw him last night. I offered him to buy a coffee or sandwich from McDonalds, not only he refused, but refused my existence even.

So I have made a resolution, no more money, only food or clothes. may be money for WORK.

No i dont because in michigan it is rough anyway and most people are broke

I have, yes.

Yeah I used to all the time.

I usually give food to beggars. Even if it wasn't exactly what they wanted, it will sustain them until they get what they want, or whatever.

I have, but usually I'll buy a meal and give that to them instead.