Panhandling, beggers
 

Has anyone else noticed an increase in begging at the TS? I usually cut them off before they get into their story but I was hit up twice since I got to this TA in OKC.

Hard luck story #1- The usual I ran out of gas and can you spare any change.

Hard luck story #2- This was a new one. I'm sitting in the back row. This guy sees me on the computer and walks straight to me. He doesn't ask for money but asks if I had any spare food because he's broke and has not eaten for 2 days. I still told him to get lost but jeez.

When I used to go to TJ, the street vendors would hassle me to buy some fake gold watches or chains. I would ask the guy if they were real. He would always say Jes they are. I would tell him damn, I was looking for the fake stuff.

I have learned one little trick. I usually buy soup and chef boyadee in the pop top cans. I always buy one can that needs a can opener though. Guess what I can I give away?

LOL thats good

another new one, a guy walks up to me at a truckstop and says he has to fedex his paper work or he wont get paid, problem is he doesnt have the money to send it, can I spare a couple bucks? I said, give it to me and I will send it, no that's okay, thanks anyway

I have never been bothered at the FJ or 2 TA's on the south side and used to always get pestered at the Pilot or north side TA. Are they too lazy to cross the bridge?

Nah, sure haven't ron.

Just the usual big money types driving the red, blue/gold, white/yellow, gold or orange stripped down power units. Business as usual!:clap:

I refused to give out money, but if someone was looking for something to eat I would be happy to give them something if I had it, which when I was driving I usually did, even if it was just the making for a peanut butter sandwich.

I have only had one beggar though turn down after his story of having not eaten for three days. First I offered him a peanut butter sandwich....nope allergic to peanuts, then I offered him a bologna sandwich....nope can't stand bologna, finally offered him pack of cheese snack crackers....nope, nothing to drink to wash it down with. :roll:

Its been many years but I remember a time when I went without eating for 3 or 4 days and someone was good enough to offer me a tuna sandwich. Well I really can't stand tuna salad with egg and relish in it, but at the time that sandwich tasted great.

Now days you don't know who you are helping! There are a lot of blue collar and white collar people out of a job these days! I will give anybody food! You never know, you might be in that same situation the next time around! So I fail to see the HUMOR in all this!