That's an interesting point of view Rowan. In Raleigh, NC we have an unfortunately high number of vagrants and homeless people who are former soldiers/veterans. I never judge them as they have my gratitude for service to their country and I have stopped, talked to them and offered some empathy and a sandwich on occasion. Most of the ones I've met have obvious mental illness or addictions (alcohol being the biggest). When you see one on a bike it is rather clean and well outfitted, but usually they smell a little and they have the signs of alcohol or substance abuse. Their military training shows in the way the walk and talk but something is definitely "wrong" to anyone that talks to them for any time. Many have been through the VA Hospitals, the Church shelters and the Homeless services of the local town and actually prefer to be on the street. They are very hard to help but they don't exactly match they characteristics you describe.

In places like Panama and other places that have lower median incomes, it is sometimes easy to confuse a plain "poor" person who is otherwise just a normal citizen with a "bum" or "transient". I have learned to talk with everyone before coming to any conclusions, often just buying them a soda or offering them a piece of candy. You'd be amazed the number of times I was initially wrong in my assessment. It has taught me to hold my tongue until I know more!