I have no problems with homeless people. I don’t pass judgement on them for their situation. I don’t try to understand their circumstances. What I do have a problem with is people with no respect for others. Homeless people must realize they are not above or below any of these standards.

I live in Toronto, a very large city with a diverse selection of people. I am use to being asked for the likes of spare change, cigarettes, or coffee. I am use to beggars. Some would call it being desensitized. I find it a part of life in the big city. I find it a part of life.

I have witnessed situations where beggars have verbally lashed out at people for not giving change.

“Mother fucker...it would fucking kill you to give some change. All I want is a fucking coffee”.

I have seen homeless people yell and scream because people do not have change. I have seen beggars follow after people for blocks to understand why they couldn’t give.

Pent up frustrations aside, vagrants have to understand that though they have a right to ask, they should be willing to accept our answers. Some will give, some will not. Whatever their situation or whatever their hardship, provides them no right to speak too or make demands like that from anyone.

I don’t always give money. Hell, I don’t always have money. But I am always courteous. I always respond with either “Sorry” or “I don’t have any change”. There are times when I will give money when I don’t have an instant need for it. ...I don’t consider that last statement selfish. Why? Because it is my money. Giving money is an act of generosity not an expected right.

I have never said “Get a job” but i know there are those that have. I don’t know why people end up homeless. Some are by choice and others not. They are their own reasons. I know many of them want to just be acknowledged. Be it by a generous offer or by a simple reply. They want people to be considerate about their situation. They want people to be considerate that they are there. That is fair.

But that consideration should be extended to us. Charity is not an expectation. Charity is an act of benevolence. It is our choice and that choice should be respected.

No matter what your situation. Rich or poor. With home or without home. No one is above or below respect.

....but that’s just my opinion.

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