McGrath, it's interesting. My perception of "panhandler" and "beggar" is exactly opposite yours. To me, "panhandler" seems to be a noble calling, almost like a busker - someone who still has a sense of self-esteem. "Beggar" has much more of a connotation of "outcast" to me, even from Biblical times.

All over Italy last summer, I saw female beggars in black garments and veils sitting on the ground against a wall and looking very feeble. On closer look, many of them looked young and pretty under all that clothing. I'd call them beggars.

I was in Egypt in May 2012, and I really don't think I saw many beggars at all - the ones I saw looked truly disabled and miserable. But on the other hand, I was constantly surrounded with young men and boys wanting "baksheesh" in exchange for small favors. they didn't beg for anything, but they sure wanted to get you to have them do things for you. They were even more aggressive than the windshield washer people you see at stoplights in some American cities.

But when I see a panhandler, especially one with a good shtik (what's the word Utah Phillips used for it?), I almost feel an obligation to give something. A buck seems too cheap nowadays, so I like to keep five dollar bills on hand. Most of the panhandlers I give money to, are people I've come to know. They often offer to do work for me, but I don't usually want to take the time to find work for them and supervise them. For a long time, I tried not to do it when my boss the nun was with me, because she works with homeless people and homeless workers are always telling us not to give to panhandlers because they'll buy drugs and alcohol with your money. But my boss the nun caught me once, and she said she can't resist giving to panhandlers, either.

I live outside a small town (10,000; and in the process of trying to reform the county jail, I've come to know most of the homeless people on the north side of town. I feel I have an obligation to them, so I often stop and talk. Most of the time, they don't ask for money, but they enjoy the conversation. So do I.

-Joe-