Going to college in a city, I get people asking me for money all the time. They see a white college kid and assume I have money to spare. Usually they give me a sob story that would fool some, but they are almost always bullshitting you. They will probably go right back and spend it on booze and/or drugs. I tell them I have no money and to get lost. Now, those who sit on the streets with a cup in their hand, or the bums who play instruments in the streets I will give money to. They seem more sincere about their need for money.

Actually, now that I think about it, I've heard some talented bum bands who play in and around the T stations in Boston. I usually throw a dollar or two into their collection.

We have the same problem here in EU.

Since a few years our borders are open without control for all the inhabitants of countries members of the European Union, inter alia the roms from Romania. They are rejected in their own country, nobody wants to engage them and their only income come from begging.

see : roms from Romania

and antiziganism

They are now invading the streets and squares of our cities and they "attack" passersby with their requests. As I had the misfortune of giving them too often a bit of money, they recognize me now and I can not get rid of them without becoming nasty.

When I remember all the beggars in countries like India, I remember the advices given to the tourists : never begin to give money to one beggar, otherwise all the tribe will be around you within minutes !

Now Switzerland has the same problems like India :wacko:.

To give or not to humanitarian organisations by sending a check is an easy decision, but to refuse your help to poor people in front of you is more difficult. So, in my case, even if I know they are "too well organised", I prefer to give "from hand to hand" and to forget the humanitarian organisations