[rant]
As I was leaving the market today, there was a man seated outside asking for donations for a homeless shelter a few towns away (never mind that our town needs its own help with the homeless). I've often considered stopping and chatting with this fellow to learn more about the charity he represents, his affiliations, and so on, but I have not done so because I sense I may speak-out too freely if I disagree (something that has gotten me into trouble in the past), and so I have historically decided not to engage this man - until today.
There he was in his usual spot, arm extended, tin in hand, calling out... "Help the homeless" - I approached him. I asked... "say friend, are you a volunteer for your charity?" - wearing a big cheesy grin he said... "Heck no brother, I'm on the clock!" I was curious how much he earned for begging, so I asked him... "Are you earning minimum wage?" ($9.00 per hour here in California) He replied... "No man, I'm makin' $10 an hour for this." (still grinning). I then asked him how much he typically collected per day and how long he sat there. He said that he usually collects about $80 in donations per 6 hour shift. If you do the math you'll quickly discover that this man makes $60 of the $80 collected per shift.
"Donations" my ass! This guy is a glorified pan-handler.
[/rant]
As I was leaving the market today, there was a man seated outside asking for donations for a homeless shelter a few towns away (never mind that our town needs its own help with the homeless). I've often considered stopping and chatting with this fellow to learn more about the charity he represents, his affiliations, and so on, but I have not done so because I sense I may speak-out too freely if I disagree (something that has gotten me into trouble in the past), and so I have historically decided not to engage this man - until today.
There he was in his usual spot, arm extended, tin in hand, calling out... "Help the homeless" - I approached him. I asked... "say friend, are you a volunteer for your charity?" - wearing a big cheesy grin he said... "Heck no brother, I'm on the clock!" I was curious how much he earned for begging, so I asked him... "Are you earning minimum wage?" ($9.00 per hour here in California) He replied... "No man, I'm makin' $10 an hour for this." (still grinning). I then asked him how much he typically collected per day and how long he sat there. He said that he usually collects about $80 in donations per 6 hour shift. If you do the math you'll quickly discover that this man makes $60 of the $80 collected per shift.
"Donations" my ass! This guy is a glorified pan-handler.
[/rant]
