Am I naive? Scam or no scam?

[mabar]

A friend of mine that works in a foundation to help homeless and people in drugs told me that many of them are just lying because they know some of them and know that they use the money for drugs and that some earn much money in that way, almost the base salary. So I decided not to give to any person in the subway at least elderly and some exeptions but at the same time I shouldn't give money in that place and beggers know that they shouldn't be in there asking. Normally I refrain to give because I don't decide quickly because there is this conflict between to give but at the same time I am contribuiting to impair the system. So I probably have a black white thinking here. What do you think?

Yes, there are many rings like those over here, some using as well children, the thoughts of inner conflict, if I give some coins would be consider into contributing the maintenance of those rings, mostly regarding children, kids selling candies for example, if they go back to those rings with money they might continue to be abused, if they go without money, they may get more violence, hitting, striking them; regarding rings, is bad if you do and bad if you don't. By law those kinds of tings are prohibited, but the system is more complicated and I think, that is something that I cant change, and by experiences is when you end up giving or not.

When I was in highschool, make an investigation of the kids living on the street, it came out that the kids were gaining more money, that the standard salary, so, of curse, they prefer being there asking for coins instead of being at school. Some were/are part of a ring, some were/are helping their families out. At least half of the people in this country lives in misery. If not more, ciphers are always manipulated.

I do think that in a broad complex general form, I may be contributing to many spams by ignorance and other consciously, because things, situations are like that in the system. For example, by paying taxes I may contribute to the budget politicians are acquiring for expending in luxury by themselves or worst doing harm to those that are entitled to help. But I wont stop paying taxes because it is my obligation to do so, in order to keep doing business and provided money to the employees.

 

[Lan8r]

I feel that I should clarify something with regards to Mal7's response to my post:

What if it were someone asking for $2 for a busfare, when I know very well that they have a gambling addiction and are going to gamble that $2 in a pokie machine?

Initially I was confused by this statement. I was thinking in terms of, well basically 'strangers'. People unknown to me that are in need and are not really asking much. Unfortunately, it is not strange anymore to encounter some of these folks on a regular basis. Those that are in the 'trap' (as I call it). Many whom would really like to be able to have a job, an apt, a place to shower, etc. But they can't get a job because they have no address, no phone, and only the clothes they can carry. For some of them the only thing they may desire is a quart of beer to help them forget that they are forgotten, or maybe the chance to gamble $2 in the hope of winning a chance to get back on their feet.

These folks are victims of our psychopathic, kick them when they are down society. I see it everyday in my job. And it kills me. They will be charged with panhandling, or consuming alcohol in public (like they have another place to drown out their sorrows), people will call the law when they are sleeping on the stoop of a neighborhood church (for god's sake!). They will be issued a notice to appear in court, even though they have no means to travel there. And when they don't appear (surprise, surprise), a warrant for 'failure to appear' will be issued for their arrest. And then, the hunt is on. And it doesn't even stop there. They will be fined by the court for the inconvenience of being arrested, and when they can't pay that, a warrant for 'contempt of court' will be issued. And the spiral continues.
And now it is even becoming illegal to help those in need.

There is a difference between 'judging another' and 'using good judgement', 'discernment'. And I think that I may have missed your point here Mal7. You are correct, there are many 'scammers' out there. And even in my limited experience, I think that I have come across a few. There have been many times that I have chosen not to help someone, even if I was able, due to an attempt at using 'good judgement'. And I would lie to them and say that I don't have any cash on me or whatever (the lying goes both ways). However, there are times when I would rather ere on the side of compassion.

It is not easy for me, I try to practice 'discernment and compassion'. But I think, sometimes, that requires giving the benefit of the doubt.