14 September 2010
20:0770649So half an hour ago there's a bang on the door from a guy two doors along.
DHSS, unemployed due to epilepsy (apparently).
His electricity has apparently run out, he has no food and will next be 'paid' on Thursday.
Could he borrow some money in the interim? (no, he did not use the phrase 'in the interim')
I've just walked miles to top up his electricity card and bought him some bread/eggs etc. Total cost c.£12 and I've told him he owes me £10 in round figures.
I've also said if he knocks on my door at nine tomorrow a.m. I'll buy him breakfast.
Was I right? No-one's going to starve in the U.K. in two days and nor are they going to freeze to death?
What would you do??
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
14 September 2010
20:1370650i can understand your dilemna bob, however i would have not entertained moral blackmail from our council leader.
14 September 2010
20:1870652I would respond in the same manner as you would have done. You would be surprised at the number of decent caring people out there. In answer to your question were you right to respond as you did??
of course you were. I do not think for one moment the gentleman chose to be a victim who suffers from epilepsy.
14 September 2010
20:2270653You are both gentlemen and I salute you.
14 September 2010
20:2770656To add to your thoughts:-
1. What's my chance of seeing my £10 again?
2. Is there going to be a knock on my door tomorrow at nine?
14 September 2010
20:33706571. No chance
2. Not if there is an expectation of repayment.
I am happy to be wrong. People are always surprising me, I am glad to say.
14 September 2010
20:3670658Ever heard the phrase, "be cruel to be kind"?
You are now fully identified as a sap by this misrable so and so who will plague you every time he fails to manage his own life. Bob Frost, soft touch.
You probably won't see your tenner or if you do, he'll back in a few days to borrow it again.
Sounds harsh but I would have sent him on his way empty handed but with some good advice and maybe a telephone number for DHSS emergencies.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
14 September 2010
20:3770659Interesting one there Bob...years ago when I lived in London I vaguely knew another Irish guy, barely knew him in passing. One day to my amazement he knocked at my door and asked me to loan him something like 10 or 20 quids. I was amazed that he even knew where I lived!
I gave it to him in the full expectation that I would never see either him or the money again. Several days went by and what do you know...up he popped with the money. great thought I ! I felt £20 quid richer than I had ever been, as it was £20 I hadnt expected to see again.
Every couple of months he turned up thereafter looking for money. I always gave it to him...I think he was fond of the sauce...but lo and behold he always turned up again with the money and paid me back.
WE developed an odd relationship with me as the banker. But it was funny...I never lost out.
So I think you probably did the right thing Bob
14 September 2010
20:4270663Indeed, but it's not an easy question. The Irish thing, PaulB - I lived in London for a long time when I was young and the Irish looked after their own with an unwritten commandment that we all lived by !!! It worked, and many people were nurtured and cuddled by friends of friends of family with friends. Good times and bad times..............
14 September 2010
20:4970666Foreigners in a strange land and all that, perfectly understandable. Giving handouts to total wastes of space is a bit different.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
14 September 2010
21:0070673Well done Bob.I don't really think it matters whether or not you get the tenner back. A great act of kindness.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
14 September 2010
21:0170674It'll certainly matter in a few days when the scumbag comes back for more.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
14 September 2010
21:0470676Sid
Once bitten twice shy. I think Bob can handle any future visits.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
14 September 2010
21:0670678I will hold my judgement about his scumbagness until proven otherwise. I like to be hopeful.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
14 September 2010
21:1970686Sid.
You do not know this person at all, yet you feel you can call him a miserable waste of space and a scumbag. How sad your outlook on life is.
Bob,
In my view you did the right thing and I think you will get your tenner back.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
14 September 2010
21:2370687Gary - I dont use dodgy sources and I only comment from a perspective of sufficient knowledge to have something to say.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
14 September 2010
21:5270694bob has gone a bit quiet, probably hotfooting to the cash point to finance his new found friend.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
14 September 2010
21:5570695Bob done more then I would do,some food and drink yes but never cash, well done Bob .
15 September 2010
08:1170780Vic, I did exactly that. Bought him food + soft drink + topped up his electricity. I never give beggars cash (which invariably gets spent on drink/drugs) but will often get them a take away coffee.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
15 September 2010
09:0070787BarryW, wrong thread.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"