NO MORE BUMS...

Let me preface the following by a warning...this blog post may offend some. BUT, if you don't live in the city of Memphis (or a large city) then you probably can't relate. So, let's get into it...
I AM TIRED OF BUMS...there is a huge panhandling (begging for money) issue in Memphis. I hate it, because I love giving to people in need. However, I hate being taken advantage of. Honestly, I don't carry cash in Memphis for this reason. When I'm asked for money, I can honestly say I don't have cash.
Today, I was leaving a quick stop in a Walgreens. Then I'm approached by an older, African-American looking grandma. "Miss, Miss...Lord help for asking this. I have a prescription for $9.00 that I don't have the money for...Lord, I really hate to say this and am embarrassed...but mam, do you have any change I can have?" My response, "Is the prescription inside?" The answer, "No, I was gonna see about getting it transferred." My reply, "Well I don't carry cash...but if it would have been here I would just go pay it for you." So, I dug up a little change to be nice...literally around 30 cents worth and told her it was all I had in my wallet (which was the truth). As I turn to get in my car I hear the same woman shout the following, "Hey, do you have a light?" As you can imagine, my temper starts to boil a little...as I drive off, sure enough...this poor woman who told me she was on food stamps and couldn't afford her medicine...was SMOKING a cigarette. ENOUGH SAID.
One of my most memorable begger experience came Christmas Eve...no joke. My family had just left Christmas Eve service and were getting gas at a gas station. This nice looking man said he was in need of gas (not typical...nicely dressed, decent vehicle, pretty well spoken) I gave him a few dollars, he thanked me and walked off toward the building as if he was going to pay. However, when he walked inside he literally turned around and walked back out. He had also given a wink to whomever was still in the car, after I had given him money. He didn't gas, and we watched him drive off...
SO, REAL HONEST PEOPLE IN NEED OF MONEY IN MEMPHIS...NO MORE GIVING CASH TO PEOPLE WHO ASK. IF YOU WANT MY MONEY...GET IT FROM THE HOMELESS SHELTER THAT I HAVE VOLUNTEERED AT FOR OVER 6 YEARS! There is only one way to get people to stop taking advantage of others in this situation...quit giving them easy money and get them to support them-self with a JOB. Work for your money like the rest of us!