Why you should not give to the poor?

"give a man a fish
and you have fed him for a day.
Teach a man to fish,
and you have fed him for a lifetime"

In my little corner of the world, we are experiencing a great increase in homeless people. There are great and noble programs to alleviate the situation. Sadly, I don't think they will be very successful.

Along with the homeless situation there is a dramatic increase in many forms of crime. Drugs, prostitution and break-ins to name a few. These are common problems in an area such as ours that is experiencing rapid growth.

If we continue to just use hand-outs to try and solve the problem, we will fail. The reason I believe is that the gift is not earned and therefore not appreciated. If we put a roof over a persons head and food in his belly at no cost, then other resouces frequently go to drugs and alcohol. In short, we are being used!

What needs to happen is to help people solve their problems and not just solve it for them. Sure we can have food banks and hostels, however we and the recipients would be much better served if there was something demanded in return. Something like community service. Picking up litter and maintaing the parks might be a good start. We'll gladly help you, if you will help yourself as well!

Yes, I realize that the people living on the street sometimes have mental health issues but I've seemed mentally challenged people happily doing jobs like cleaning or even working in a bottle depot.

In order for these people to make changes we have to allow them to have pride. Living off hand-outs is not pride inducing, its degrading. Our politically correct politicians need to get a back bone and demand something in return.

My little tirade is over and I know return you to my normal happy programming!

Eduardo

"Smile, it looks really good on you"