learning to say "no"

People beg because it works.

Every day on my way to work, a man is at this particular intersection, begging.

And nearly every day, someone gives him money.

If he gets a dollar for every time the light changes, he is making close to $100/hour. And he's making it in cash, so there's no FICA or IRS.

I will buy someone food. I will give someone a bottle of water, especially if s/he has a pet. My career has basically been built upon loving my neighbor.

I'm not mad at the beggar, because clearly he's the smart one, making so much money he can probably quit his corner and start spending his cash before it gets really hot.

I'm mad at the enablers.