I know this makes me a bad person

[fabulouslyghetto]

but I hate Imaginary Sky Wizard for getting credit for my deeds. During the train ride home from work a random poured his heart out to me for a minute-- the usual self-loathing ie I'm lost, no companion (per his word "female or male") and he mentioned a few times being hungry so when he got off I gave him dollars to get a meal, I dunno his whole story cuz soon as I heard "I believe I'm a child of Jesus Christ" I naturally started singing Tina Turner songs on my head and robotically nodding in agreement and throwing a few spirited YEAH! and AMENS and the eternally applicable "I know that's right!" Anywho he says before he gets off the train "God told you to do that" and something something God something else.

It always feel like a responsibility to help others but it stings me a lil bit that some imaginary force gets the acclaim. Mind you, it's just a tiny pinch I don't do what I do for attention, although most homeless people in my city know me by name/face but I don't broadcast this on social media cuz poverty pimping is some 7th level of imaginary hell evil shit. Someone who would boast about helping others, I would assume to be a wholly untrustworthy person, cuz what other boundaries do you not have like normal decent fucking people? Anyway it felt even better that I knew he legit was going to get a meal-- I know where all the drug spots are, the station he got off at is dry and at that hour the only thing open would be Quik Trip. No judgment if I give someone some $$$ and they smoke or drink it, that's their prerogative I did my part, but I like when they really are just putting food in their stomach cuz that's a basic need. Anyway who is Mrs God and why does she think she can ride MY coattails?

 

[Araucaria]

Yeah, I've noticed panhandlers use that tactic. It's sort of a magic mantra to talk about God and such, because they know many people are religious and are impressed by that kind of talk, and open up their pocketbooks and wallets. Plus religious people have heard in church and Sunday school all their lives that they're supposed to have compassion and help the less fortunate, blah blah. And in addition, believers are supposed to help fellow Christians in their walk, even though the panhandlers say those things only to get what they want. You probably got angry because you know you were being played.

 

[rareboy]

Tina is a good mental floss.

And helping another out with a few bucks is good karmic floss.

The Gods have a long history of taking credit for good while dodging the blame for bad.

 

[Peloso]

I encounter panhandlers just about every time I step out the door. Being a few months rent from homelessness myself, I can't help them out as much as I'd like to. Plus, it's not always easy to tell the truly needy from the scammers. Their newest ploy is to have a dog with them. One of these days I would like to give those types a few cans of dog food.

They are especially aggressive on the trains, where, like the Mariachis and the breakdancers (yes they still do that), you can't escape them. If I donate, I first try to figure out if they're for real. The best way is to see if they're wearing $600 sneakers or to just listen to their stories. If they're especially heart-tugging, I'll give them a dollar just for their performance, but I usually believe the ones who begin with "I'm sorry to have to do this, it's very difficult for me but . . "

But one thing I always do is before I give them any money is ask them to please not say "God bless you". That isn't so difficult, yet some of them still do. I find it offensive, like if a pedophile elbowed me and then showed me a picture of their naked four year old.

They love to thank you via The Lord and yet it never occurs to them to question why The Lord allowed the billionaires and capitalists to put them in that position in the first place.

Once in Union Square I was accosted by a young pregnant woman with a child in tow. She seemed to have pegged me as a good mark. I looked at her kid, staring at his iPhone (with ear buds, no less) and kept walking. She followed. She wouldn't leave me alone. Like a fucking mosquito she kept hovering around me. FInally I asked if she was religious. She seemed surprised by my question but said she was. I told her it was simple: God would help her. Isn't that was he was for?

 

[fabulouslyghetto]

I encounter panhandlers just about every time I step out the door. Being a few months rent from homelessness myself, I can't help them out as much as I'd like to. Plus, it's not always easy to tell the truly needy from the scammers. Their newest ploy is to have a dog with them. One of these days I would like to give those types a few cans of dog food.

They are especially aggressive on the trains, where, like the Mariachis and the breakdancers (yes they still do that), you can't escape them. If I donate, I first try to figure out if they're for real. The best way is to see if they're wearing $600 sneakers or to just listen to their stories. If they're especially heart-tugging, I'll give them a dollar just for their performance, but I usually believe the ones who begin with "I'm sorry to have to do this, it's very difficult for me but . . "

But one thing I always do is before I give them any money is ask them to please not say "God bless you". That isn't so difficult, yet some of them still do. I find it offensive, like if a pedophile elbowed me and then showed me a picture of their naked four year old.

They love to thank you via The Lord and yet it never occurs to them to question why The Lord allowed the billionaires and capitalists to put them in that position in the first place.

Once in Union Square I was accosted by a young pregnant woman with a child in tow. She seemed to have pegged me as a good mark. I looked at her kid, staring at his iPhone (with ear buds, no less) and kept walking. She followed. She wouldn't leave me alone. Like a fucking mosquito she kept hovering around me. FInally I asked if she was religious. She seemed surprised by my question but said she was. I told her it was simple: God would help her. Isn't that was he was for?