Molson Hart

Just spent $100 on a round of drinks for some people I just got to know. Then a disabled guy I’ve known for years who hangs around my stop asked if he could borrow $30 to pay his electric and I hesitated. My priorities are all screwed up.

The vast majority of people who approach others for money don't deserve it as much as the countless needy who aren't asking you for money. Almost everyone I know who has asked to borrow money from friends/family are irresponsible or addicted.

At the risk of hypocrisy, you don't know this guy, so this is just prejudice

Fair point. But I'm don't think you truly know him either. Here's a prediction: This guy will start asking you for more money for various other things (medicine, food, train ticket).

I too would guess that there's a strong correlation between needing money today and needing money tomorrow. I don't see how that's a good reason not to help him though

I'm not arguing against helping the needy. I'm arguing against giving to the people who ask the most aggressively. It's like donating to charities that cold call you. Yeah, you're probably good, but it's not the most efficient way to help.

The guy has congenital ailments that prevent him from working much. He sells cold bottles of water during the Summer to make some money, but he's been in a downward spiral since his mother, who took care of him, died a few years ago

He's not aggressive, I went over to talk to him. He asked if he could borrow the money until Friday because even though I assume he won't be able to pay it back, he's trying to maintain his dignity I really don't know him that well, but I think you're jumping to conclusions