Frantisek, I think it all revolves around one's view about beggars. I used to pay attention, feel compassion, understand, etc. At some point I even bought them a meal - once for a freezing adult, many times for children. Until I realized how large is the scale of organized, syndicated beggary. The phenomenon got so big, in Romania at least, that even inspired a film - Philanthropy - which had a relative audience in Europe (and that I strongly recommend). Don't get me wrong: I mostly agree with you and recognize people are very different and converge to this sad situation from distinct directions and for many reasons. Some don't like the way they live, many - especially children - are forced to do it for the benefit of others. [Incidentally, later I thought I recognize the same schemes on the streets of NY, so it's not only Romania.] The point is, do I want to help - Yes. Do I want to support their way of life - No. Rather than sympathize and give them money, etc. better contribute to the funds of an organization that helps effectively to reintegrate in the society, or takes care of the abandoned children. And in the long run, make lobby for better education.
What I find hard to understand is how most people - and I mean mainly from the western culture - think this is what poverty is about and what needs to be dealt with. Homeless on streets are under the spot, they get the sympathy, the understanding, sometimes the support and even make their way on a lost list on the 'net to warm the hearts of pdmlers. And in the meantime the silent majority that chose to live without asking for anything, gets unnoticed so that bleeding hearts are spared the trouble. They're not the product of the modern society, they've been here for ever, why should we feel responsible!? In my bag end half of the population is poor by any standards. I can tell the difference. Be glad you (a generic you) can only spot the homeless on the streets. Servus, Alin Frantisek wrote: F> Hi Alin, I quite agree with the second paragraph of what you wrote, F> but strongly disagree with the first ;-) F> First, for people it is easy to fall into homelessness. Your F> wife kicks you out, you didn't communicate enough with the bureaucrats F> so they cut your flat, et cetera. Even for educated people. F> Second, lot of the people on the street are handicapped in some way, F> or with slight psyche problems. Considering that at least 30% of F> society have neurotic tendencies (and probably the remaining 70% as F> well <g>), which only in some people develop into more severe psyche F> problems, this is nothing abnormal. But certainly these people are F> easier to fall down and harder to get back up on their own. F> Third, given the chance, lot of the people want to get out of their F> situation. Have you got any streetpapers in Romania? These are a nice F> example of working model for this. Like Graywolf said, lot of the F> people don't want to ask for help at start, because they don't know F> where to ask, feel humiliated by it, et cetera. F> Fourth, some of the homeless are like these two. Young, punks,... You F> might think it's their own choosing. For some, yes. But consider what F> (and in Romania especially, although it's a big problem in my country F> as well!) happens to "clients" of correction yards for young felons F> and "clients" of these things for young people without family. There F> is no socialisation work inside at all, they are totally unprepared F> for life on their own after they kick them out. So they fall either F> into crime or homelessness or both. I have seen the number. Just F> imagine the situation. F> Fifth, yes, some, but a small minority, may like the life they live. F> If you think otherwise, I suggest asking the beggars. I did. F> Good light always, Frantisek F> Good light! F> fra
