The following is a public service announcement from ListenToLeon.net. If you are a literate ex-convict stealing someone else’s wifi access, or you’re using the free hookup at the public library, please take note.
I hate when people come up to me on the street and say things like “I just got out of jail. If you have a dollar to spare, help me out.” The main reason for this is because it’s hard for me to feel sorry for someone over the simple fact that they went to jail. Every single day, I stop myself from doing something that feels like it would be really awesome, because it could potentially get me arrested. So unless the beggar I encountered just happens to be one of the .025% 0f people incarcerated who actually didn’t do anything, I’m assuming that he is assed out right now thanks to prior life decsions.
It’s even worse when this happens late at night. It makes me think “If this guy is trying to turn his life around, why in the Hell is he out at 3AM? Nothing good happens at this hour. The only things open at 3:00 in the morning are hospitals and legs. From the looks of things, he’s not getting laid tonight, so he must be looking for trouble!”
I used to give folks people the benefit of the doubt sometimes, but that stopped once friends started to become victims of random acts of violence and nonsense here in DC. The weather out here is getting warm now, which means people have already started doing ignorant acts of outright foolishness for the simple fact that it’s nice outside. Now, when someone gives me that ex-con beggar routine, I cut them short right away. I don’t even let them get through their sob story anymore. Plus, I watch their eyes and hands, just in case I need to deliver a stern throat-chop and see if I still have my high school track skills. I feel bad for the people in legitimate need, because the knuckleheads out there have messed it up for y’all.
I just wrote this to see if anyone else feels this way when someone hits you with the “I just got out today and I need money to do this or do that” speech. I’m pretty sure that I’m not alone on this one.
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lemme interject. Folks need to stop wasting money with the Free __________ . Tshirts. Aint like a judge gone be walking/cycling or driving…..see U wearing the fucking T-shirt…..stop ask your name, then the inmates info and free him 1st thing in the morning. If u really wanna do ya potna a solid send that $20 U paid for that Tshirt and put it on his BOOKS. It will last a LOT LONGER than that single stitched , fucked up soggy neck Tshirt U rocking. hahahahahahahaha
This is hilarious and VERY true!!!
I agree! i wrote about folks coming out of jail (specifically, Lil Wayne) a few months back. Pissed. Me. Off. They did wrong. I went to college. I look like a schmuck if I walk around asking folks to help me pay my student loans off. They have no shame in throwing their hand out begging. Hell, put the money toward something useful. An investment. Like Sallie Mae. She’s the only bitch that puts her hand out and I put something in it.
LOL
*dead* @ BJ’s comment. As a metro rider this happens to me often. One time I saw the same guy doing it. I’m like you are really reaching. Like he got out, had no money to get home, got locked up again and still has no money for metro. Come on son! Lies!
Yeah, it’s crazy. There is a group of two or three teenegaers who used to ride the metro around lunchtime with the “I just got out” story, EVERY DAY.
I dislike panhandlers on the train or in the streets.. It gets annoying. Yeah I can spare some change, but what are you going to be doing with the change I give you. Giving someone something to eat, that’s not an issue but when you ask me outright for money I have a little voice inside my head that says.. “this mofo right here is gonna use that money to get high or drunk.. don’t do it” When approached by people on the streets I think its best to use your judgement. If they ask you for food, then take them to the nearest fast food restaurant and order them something to eat, but if they specifically ask you for money, keep it moving. Do not contribute in continuing someone’s bad habit.
True
BJ and Tierra got me crackin’ up!!!
Yeah, their comments were hilarious