Foo - What I did good 2004 #1.

Rather than get in debates about right and wrong.. and scratch my head in wonder at those (including my self) who stump speach so much about what's right and wrong with the world, government and etc.. I decided that 2004 I am going to try and do the right thing instead of complaining about it. This will be an on going post thing, and, will prove to myself that I'm either accomplishing something, or full of hot air.

Last night, I saw a homeless guy riding a beat up MTB on the street near my house. It was late, and he was pretty hard to see, and I watch, (in my Jeep) as I rounded the corner, and he had no reflectors. I went home, got some spare reflectors out of the spare parts buckette, found the guy and gave it to him so he could be seen.

Not much. But something today. What did you do?

I have been cleaning out my closets and have quite a few bags of clothes that are still in good shape, I just don't wear them anymore. I am going to take them downtown and find some homeless people that look like they could use some new threads, and give them away. Hopefully no one will fight over them, I just figure some warm clothes may be very welcome this time of year.

The low temp this morning was 3.6f by my guage.

Today I took my father to have a cataract removed and tomorrow I will be taking him in for a follow-up. Good thread WK, I was also one to talk and do nothing until I decided to act and ended up volunteering on a medical project in Afghanistan for 9 months 2000.

I talk to homeless people. Most others do not, and I have found out the true eyes of the city. In addition, most enjoy a little decent conversation. And a smoke or some spare change, of which I am happy to give when I have it. I actually started carrying around $1 in my pocket for that reason alone.

I saved a new bike rider from the clutches of a bike salesman today trying to sell him a bike he did not need or want.

This guy wanted a basic level road or hybrid bike for fitness and he was shown everything a serious roadie might want but nothing that suited his general needs.

I got him off to the side and gave him the run down on bike options and components so he could decide for himself. He found out that it was not necessary to spend mega dollars for a nice bike that would suit his needs and last a long time. The salesman at that shop will probably have my picture on the dart board next week.

I actually started carrying around $1 in my pocket for that reason alone.


That's an idea and 1/2. When I go down town, I like to listen to the guys who are giving speaches.. Some of them are really really intelligent, you'd never guess.

That's an idea and 1/2. When I go down town, I like to listen to the guys who are giving speaches.. Some of them are really really intelligent, you'd never guess.

Being able not to have to get a job, that is intelligent!

I would never give cash to the homeless no matter how good it makes ME feel. I give it to charities that actually work toward helping them, not enabling them.

Being able not to have to get a job, that is intelligent!

I would never give cash to the homeless no matter how good it makes ME feel. I give it to charities that actually work toward helping them, not enabling them.
Did you break your arm patting your own back?

Did you break your arm patting your own back?

Let me clear this up:

I used to enjoy making the homeless happy when I gave them cash. It was quick, simple and made us both feel good. Then I began work as a case manager working with the homeless and mentally ill. I quickly learned that giving actual cash to people you don't know (the homeless) often does more harm than good.

Giving them a cash hand-out keeps them away from shelters, wholesome meals, employability programs, mental health centers (where they get their much needed medications), family, and often closer to booze, crack, or smack.

That was many years ago and I still work in the same community as an advocate for homeless children trying to prevent them from staying homeless.

My "job" remark stands true, I wish I was smart enough not to have to work. To some extent I am in awe of some who choose to be homeless, as I imagine William's "speech giver" is, of thier abilty to live a productive (by his standards) life, without all the traditional trappings.

A simple "what is that supposed to mean" would have done, but I'll take the rude comment, this time ;)

A simple "what is that supposed to mean" would have done, but I'll take the rude comment, this time ;)
As I will with your "get screwed, Jackass" comment when you PM'd me. Either way, we have succeeded in taking this thread in the wrong direction.

My feeling is most if not all charaties are a big scam.... True they may help in some ways, but have you ever actually seen the breakdown of the money trail. Typically a very small portion actually goes to helping, the rest goes to "administrative" costs, advertising, and many other places before it gets to the people that need it. ( mostly padding the pockets of the admin people and making someone VERY rich) Next time the United Way comes by your place of employment, ask them how much of each dollar goes where, and see what they tell you. I would just rather give the WHOLE dollar to the needy and keep the big business out of the picture.

just my .02 cents on the issue

At least here you need to do some research before donating to charity organisations. But I agree with ehenz, I prefer doing that and giving money to a honest organisation rather than essentially buying booze / drugs for the needy.

--J

[edit: typos]

My feeling is most if not all charaties are a big scam.... True they may help in some ways, but have you ever actually seen the breakdown of the money trail. Typically a very small portion actually goes to helping, the rest goes to "administrative" costs, advertising, and many other places before it gets to the people that need it. ( mostly padding the pockets of the admin people and making someone VERY rich) Next time the United Way comes by your place of employment, ask them how much of each dollar goes where, and see what they tell you. I would just rather give the WHOLE dollar to the needy and keep the big business out of the picture.

just my .02 cents on the issue


This is true for many larger non-profits as I see this in action each day. Even more true for organization that receive funds from Medicaid billings and other govt. contracts and grant programs. Due to the low level of public support a lot of homeless services are offered by smaller groups and religious organizations.

For example, most communities have a food bank program that distributes food and household items directly to the shelters and the needy. Donations of hard goods to these organizations is a safe bet that everything you donate goes directly to someone who needs it.

For every over bloated top heavy social service/charity program there are ten that meekly go about their business out of sight from the public eye.

ehenz

[QUOTE=ehenz]Let me clear this up:

QUOTE]

Hi Eric,

I'd just like to thank you. I posted something to encourage my self, and others to get something done. Others posted thier ideas on how to help. The start of this post was to show to others than there is more to life than political arguements on forums, and that a small amount of difference can be done.

You successfully took away that, and turned it into something poor, spitefull, and argumentative. That's not very nice. So, I'd like to thank you for turning something nice into something very much like the times.

Jackass

Eric,

Let me apologize for calling you a jackass. I could delete the post, no one has probably seen it, but really I should apologize for using the term jackass, and calling you a jackass. I'm sure your not a jackass, and don't warrent being called a jackass. Using the name jackass in reference to you was uncouth, and improper of me.

I'm sorry for calling you jackass.

Maybe my post will start a fresh new page (page 2) to this worthy thread...

As part of our local American Legion, I participate in burial ceremonies for our departed veterans, I have the honor to be the fellow who presents the flag to the next of kin...sometimes that is a tough thing when that next of kin happens to be a young daughter or son.

This morning (8 Jan) we attend the funeral of a "Lady" Marine who served in WWII.

Maybe my post will start a fresh new page (page 2) to this worthy thread...

As part of our local American Legion, I participate in burial ceremonies for our departed veterans, I have the honor to be the fellow who presents the flag to the next of kin...sometimes that is a tough thing when that next of kin happens to be a young daughter or son.

This morning (8 Jan) we attend the funeral of a "Lady" Marine who served in WWII.
Gus-
That is an incredible honor to serve the families via the Legion in a time of loss. My Grandfather and his 5 brothers - all WW2 vets, all Legion members. When my grandfather passed away, the Legion came in and did a very nice job during the service. I shook everyone's hand and invited them to join our family after the service for food, drink, etc.