Oh, I've had similar experiences Kai. The people who panhandle around the National Mall, for instance - 95% of them will stand right next to a 'help wanted' sign with their hands out. I think they probably amass there because of the tourists - it's unlikely that any given person will ever see them again so it's more likely that the sob story will work. One guy asked me for $2, so I told him I'd give him $5 if he helped me out by going over to the Metro entrance (50 feet away) and getting me a route map. I could use the help, I told him, because I had two kids to manage and didn't want to take the stroller down the steps. He flipped me off and walked away. That kind of jerk makes me angry, and sad for those who really do need help.

The guy in the above video is actually a working performer. He did the video to raise awareness regarding the homeless/jobless situation in the US. And it works GREAT if you ask me.

The thing about unemployment is that sometimes it hits the best of us out-of the-blue. When you've got 2 kids and a wife to feed, a few weeks without work can mean utter disaster. If you live in an area where job opportunities are scarce, finding even simple work (if there is such a thing) is difficult because everyone has the same idea.

Some people abuse the unemployment system, no doubt, BUT I think that issue is grossly over-exaggerated by politicians who would rather not support their fellow man in times of need.

Just so you all don't think I'm bashing the unemployed or anything, let me point out that I'm one of them. I've been looking for a job for months. I have knowledge, experience, and drive, and haven't found anything yet. I'm thankful that my wife has work, but we just had to replace a car so we and the kids are scraping by at this point.

EDIT: Just as a point of interest for those who live outside the U.S...
The American people, by and large, are woefully ignorant of our laws - especially the Constitution and its amendments. This leads most of us to be ignorant of the fact that ALL federal entitlement programs are unconstitutional, being in violation of the tenth amendment:



Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Nowhere in any amendment does the United States (federal government) gain the right to redistribute wealth in this way.

On average, a federal entitlement program pays out only about $40 of every $100 it takes in as its portion of taxes (I will try to rediscover my source for that - it was some kind of Congressional Spending report). The rest is used to maintain the program. On the other hand, if I didn't have to pay that $100 to the government, then I would have $100 that I could use to help feed and clothe people I meet. Even selfish people would be helping by spending the money on themselves, growing businesses which then need to hire more people.

Just imagine how many of us might be working now if the people had that tax money to spend in starting businesses, hiring people, buying better health insurance, etc.

Yeah uncre8d1, much better to let people starve and freeze to death.

Pay your $75 or your house burns down.