bouje

January 24th, 2010 at 2:58 AM ^

I'm all about giving people chances and money. I actually have a great idea for an NPO when I get enough money that I want to start up. Essentially it will be about helping families and kids to get by so that they can go to a good school and not be suckered into drugs/gangs/crime/dropping out of school. I agree with giving people money who have a future not some poor schmuck who is just going to take your money and use it for booze because he's already failed in his life and has made all the wrong decisions. I'm just throwing my money away.

Joined: 09/30/2008

MGoPoints: 4705

Drake

January 24th, 2010 at 3:02 AM ^

That sounds like a great thing to do and very non-douchey. But you cant always tell who has a future and who will just throw away your money on booze. Some people who are in the worst situations just need 1 person to help themand they can become someone who actually does great things in their lives.

Joined: 07/30/2009

MGoPoints: 15

MGoJen

January 24th, 2010 at 3:06 AM ^

It can take one person reaching out--one gesture, one conversation--to totally bring about a positive outcome/inspire change in a person's life. Bouje it sounds like you've got a good heart deep beyond your self-proclaimed "douchey" exterior.

Joined: 11/23/2008

MGoPoints: 1833

bouje

January 24th, 2010 at 3:13 AM ^

1. What will my dollar do to anyone on the street (it won't change their lives) 2. Most of the people (at least here in Chicago) that beg for money do not seem exactly poor like they need the money. Some of them are snooty and are frankly assholes when you say "sorry I don't have any of my hard earned money to waste on you" (that isn't what you say but that is what you want to say). I truly do feel bad for the guy that I saw the other day who was missing half of his leg and was really upbeat, had a box of candies (that I would NEVER EVER take from) and blessed you as you went on your way. It is people like this that I have respect for and I do feel like could turn their lives around but they are extremely few and far between whereas most people just try to prey on people's hearts (especially tourists). I've seen people using their kids, their animals to try to tug at peoples heart strings to make them feel extra guilty for not giving to them. 3. I've heard of people saying to someone "hold on i'll be right back" and they go to a Dunkin Donuts and get the guy a bagel. They give it to him and he says "what the hell am I supposed to do with this?". This has happened way too many times from way too many people that I have heard about. The "poor" that I see in my everyday experiences here in Chicago seem to be the lowest scum of the earth whereas the real neglected and "good" people are too proud to beg. I think that I just need to try to take from what Conan said on his last show about how cynicism doesn't get you anywhere but if I was as kind hearted as MGoJen seems to be I'm pretty sure that with all of the people in Chicago begging for money that I'd be just as poor as they are. Goodnight all.

Joined: 09/30/2008

MGoPoints: 4705

Z

January 24th, 2010 at 3:37 AM ^

I live in Chicago and am totally with you on this. Every time someone tries to start a conversation with me on the train I say "I don't give money to strangers." (If I'm in a bad mood, it may not be as polite as that). That always diffuses the situation. That said, I think this is a great way to help people who need support: www.kiva.org check it out if you haven't heard of it. I know there are people who need support in this world. Not everyone has been blessed enough to be given every advantage, but I know too many people with the same advantages I have been given who have pissed it all away, but still have a sense of entitlement.

Joined: 01/18/2010

MGoPoints: 2141

bouje

January 24th, 2010 at 2:52 AM ^

I think that people should be held accountable for their actions and if they are put in a bad situation and it is not their fault then I will take pity on them and try to help them out RE: Haiti... I'm not going to get into a huge political debate here because frankly my ideas are way too radical for most people but to put it the most nicely that I can I believe in survival of the fittest and Darwinism. Goodnight guys and it was great talking with you.

Joined: 09/30/2008

MGoPoints: 4705

bouje

January 24th, 2010 at 3:00 AM ^

It might change your mind as to how douchey I am... or it might not at all.. Like I said I have extremely differing views about charity and philanthropy than most people. I've worked in a food closet, I've volunteered at hospitals, I've done habitat for humanity and it's all well and good. But a lot of people abuse the system. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Joined: 09/30/2008

MGoPoints: 4705

bouje

January 24th, 2010 at 3:16 AM ^

If you want to hook up with a 25 year old you know who to call! (I'll give everyone a hint who wasn't at the Liveblog... Her name at the liveblog was MGoBunny.. No wait that's too easy.... Something Something Jen) (Yes obscure Simpsons reference!)

Joined: 09/30/2008

MGoPoints: 4705