1 Comment

1. 

   Toma' on August 7, 2008 at 5:27 am

   A beggar is a person in need. No matter if homeless, abused, crippled or disabled in other way. He or she is in need. But most of the people stay indifferent. Because it is easier, because they seem to be too much busy.
   When the actress put a “Katrina victim” plate she received help. Why? because Katrina was popular in that time. But people gave her what she needed and what was useless for them. Year later, nobody was thinking about Katrina. There were other disasters meanwhile.
   There is also a dark side of the Moon here. There are people in need and there are people who present themselves as those in need. Number of fake needy is not larger than those in real need, but because of these fake ones many people pass by.
   There are people who find begging as they everyday job. Think, sitting 10 hours a day on the street, Of hundreds of people passing by every hour 10-15 give a contribution, few pennies or few bucks. Counting all collections from the day or week can surprise many others. This is also the reason why people pass by.
   Another reason is, charity organizations. They are more reliable, stronger and expected to know the needs of abandoned and needy.

   In Poland, in early 1990s’ there were huge numbers of Romanian and other East Europeans begging on the streets. Most of them were not in need. They simply found begging a good job, for themselves and for their bosses. When someone gave them food or clothing, often they threw out such donations. They expected money only. They worked in organized groups often.

   There are people in need, real need, who by their own dignity, humility and simplicity never or almost never ask for help or beg. They expect someone else to find them and their needs. And there are people who find begging as an easy way to earn for life. No simple solution.

   The question should be, do you want me to help you or do you want me to pull you out from your situation. Remember the blind man in the sanctuary. He wasn’t satisfied when Jesus healed his eyes. Being blind he earned some money. Healed he had to look for other job.