Most Boys in Blue are Good

[Dana Jean]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/nyregion/photo-of-officer-giving-boots-to-barefoot-man-warms-hearts-online.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes

[Becks19]

Dana, I was just going to post this, it made me cry in a good way. Bless this kind and compassionate man!

[Out of Order]

New York's Finest!!

[Shasta]

This did make me cry. Thank you so much for posting it. There is so much good in police officers and yet the media always latches on to the bad. Thank you.

[mjs9153]

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=I.4750823050380777&pid=15.1Way to go Officer DePrimo..:grinning:

[Vose]

I'm not sure I see what him being a police officer has to do with the story. I think that I'd rather think of him as a representative of the good that lives in all humanity - to me it's more heartwarming that way.

[Shasta]

I'm not sure I see what him being a police officer has to do with the story. I think that I'd rather think of him as a representative of the good that lives in all humanity - to me it's more heartwarming that way.

We had a conversation on here recently about a cop using force and if it was perceived as too much or not. I think there's a lot of bad press given to police and this just helps fight that.

But I agree, he is just a good man in general.

[staropeace]

When I managed a homeless shelter, we were right across from the cop shop. An RCMP officer came over one night and offered a pair of boots to one of our homeless men. On payday, the mounties would all chip in to give us some money for the tobacco fund.....we offered free tobacoo when we had money...I know it is not good stuff but a lot of them smoked and that was their only recreation sorta. They also contributed to the personal items we put in the clients xmas stockings and things like that....sock, mitts, deoderant. Most cops are wonderful people.

[Todash]

What a great story! I think ... I think sometimes the thing with cops are that most people join out of a desire to serve, but also some people join because of the power. That's just people, you know? We're not all awesome human beings. Most of us have probably met a police officer on a power trip. And even the ones who really start out with that desire to serve, since they are only human, dealing with the criminal mindset day after day after day, it must wear on them. And it's probably hard to really internalize, for some of them, that the people they encounter every single day really only comprise a small, unfortunate slice of humanity. I think some of them get jaded and take shortcuts. They are doing a tough job, one that I wouldn't want to do. Most are good people, like this guy. Like the ones making sure LadyPain is safe from her crazy ex.

I do think they have to be held to a higher standard. They legally wield the power of life and death. Abuses should be brought to light. But ... so should stuff like this. For that department, I think it does matter that he is a police officer.

[Neesy]

"This did make me cry"
Hey Shasta - maybe you are pregnant already! All those hormones make women weepy :idea:

[Neesy]

I agree that most cops are good. I live three doors down from a police station and after being here 10 years I gotta say most seem pretty decent. I also worked for the Military Police in Edmonton as their clerk and that was a bit of different subculture as well. We had something similar here recently where a bus driver gave his shoes to a homeless guy so it's nice to see, especially when it's cold and blustery out. Oh well - guess I will admit it - I live in Winnipeg! Oy vey - everybody makes jokes about Winnipeg but I like it here! :eek2:

[GNTLGNT]

...he does his profession proud-but most of all, he defines what is good, right and decent in humanity...

[tenngolfer]

Makes me think of multiple things. I'm glad the officer was caught in a random act of kindness, and that the public reaction was so positive and hopefull. On the closer to home front, my brother is a state trooper, and I know what type of person he is, and what type of morals and ethics he brings to his current job, and how he felt about serving our country in the Marines before being a trooper.
This also makes me think of those in our society that cannot wholly take care of theirself. My church rotates nights feeding the homeless with other churches in town of 30k. I have tried to show up before to help, but they always seem to have an over abundance of help. This Thanksgiving I was determined to stay regardless, not just to help, but also to people watch, because this group of people often gets tossed about in politics and the media, with multiple descriptions, so I wanted to see them for myself, and help if I could. Many are those that could not mentally or physically take care of themself. Several ederly showed up, but in failing health, using crutches and walkers. There were probably 2 or 3 families among the approximate 150 guests (considered a light night). I heard questions before on whether or not the group is mostly drug addicts or scam artists out for a free meal, and there may have been a couple of the among the group, but for the most part, these were people needing help, and I am glad my church adopted this program a few years ago.

[mjs9153]

What a great story! I think ... I think sometimes the thing with cops are that most people join out of a desire to serve, but also some people join because of the power. That's just people, you know? We're not all awesome human beings. Most of us have probably met a police officer on a power trip. And even the ones who really start out with that desire to serve, since they are only human, dealing with the criminal mindset day after day after day, it must wear on them. And it's probably hard to really internalize, for some of them, that the people they encounter every single day really only comprise a small, unfortunate slice of humanity. I think some of them get jaded and take shortcuts. They are doing a tough job, one that I wouldn't want to do. Most are good people, like this guy. Like the ones making sure LadyPain is safe from her crazy ex.

I do think they have to be held to a higher standard. They legally wield the power of life and death. Abuses should be brought to light. But ... so should stuff like this. For that department, I think it does matter that he is a police officer.

That about says it Todash..a quick story,when I was younger,I got sent to a call of an elderly lady in an senior citizen complex who did not have anything to eat for Christmas dinner.I went and talked to her for a few minutes,then went to a nearby convenience store and bought some food,brought it back for her and went to put it away for her in the fridge..found she had lots of food,but I pretended not to notice.You see,she was lonely,and just needed someone to talk to her,like she was a human being,and treat her like she was still alive and part of society..stayed for a little while and then left.I did not and will not forget the grateful look in her eyes..It is easy to become jaded after you deal with negativity alot of the time,and forget why you went the route of law enforcement in the first place,which is to help people..People,especially the elderly and the young, do look up to you for help and as a symbol of order,and their safety and security..I try not to forget that..happy holidays..:grinning:

[Todash]

I'm not sure I see what him being a police officer has to do with the story. I think that I'd rather think of him as a representative of the good that lives in all humanity - to me it's more heartwarming that way.

Well ... cops get a lot of bad press. (As they should, in my opinion, if it's deserved; if you don't want "the time"--your uniformed self out on YouTube shown abusing your power plus the subsequent punishment by your department--then don't do "the crime.") It seems reasonable to me to show the other side of the story too.

[Spideyman]

It is good to see the positive side. So often we see only the negative.
Many good points about the elderly who just need company, the young who need guidance, and those who need protection from crazy people.
I think we often forget how much we do have in our lives. Especially during the holiday season when all the ads are to buy, buy, buy and often we forget to give too. Really nice to see this act of kindness being recognized.

[Neesy]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2012/09/18/mb-winnipeg-transit-driver-shoes.html

It gets pretty cold here too. We have many First Nations people as well who come to the city from the outlying Reserves. Maybe seeing these people out on the street all the time prompted the bus driver to give up his own shoes.

The next time I see someone who looks down on his/her luck I will think about what I can do to help them rather than just feeling sad and looking elsewhere.

The Salvation Army has a homeless shelter downtown and without that many people would die of exposure

[~Ally~]

Thanks for posting this Dana, such a heartwarming story. Sometimes we all need a gentle reminder that an act of kindness--no matter how small--can go a long way. :love:

Staro; the tobacco fund was a great idea. Yes smoking is "bad" but if that's one way they can derive even a little pleasure/normality then I'm all for it. :y:

[Shasta]

The next time I see someone who looks down on his/her luck I will think about what I can do to help them rather than just feeling sad and looking elsewhere.



What another wonderful story!

When I was little I would have my father, who worked in Los Angeles, take a portion of my allowance every week and give it to him to buy a bag of apples or oranges. He would keep them in his car and give them to people who were homeless or hungry.

Now that I'm older I have stopped doing this but I think I just might start again. This has been inspiring.

[carrie's younger brother]

Here's a link to the story and an interview with Officer DePrimo on the Today show this morning. Not only is he kind and polite, he's HOT too! :smile2:

http://todaynews.today.com/_news/2012/11/30/15568550-cop-who-bought-shoes-for-homeless-man-really-didnt-think-about-the-money?lite

[Out of Order]

Update!

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/homeless_man_shoeless_again_boots_AfecN54xk3J4yzZW LskbSO

[Todash]

Update!

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/homeless_man_shoeless_again_boots_AfecN54xk3J4yzZW LskbSO (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nypost.com%2Fp %2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fhomeless_man_shoeless_again_boot s_AfecN54xk3J4yzZWLskbSO)

LOL. No good deed ... oh well.

[Shasta]

Update!

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/homeless_man_shoeless_again_boots_AfecN54xk3J4yzZW LskbSO

Oh come on!!! UG!

This why people in LA have the mentality that you shouldn't help homeless people.

[JellybeanJay]

I love this picture and the fact that the officer had a big enough heart to offer someone less fortunate a pair of boots!

[LongTallSally]

Well, the original photo spoke about the nature of the cop. The nature of the recipient is now obvious. It doesn't change anything about that cop.

[kingricefan]

Well, if anyone is making cash off of this photo then he does deserve some of the 'pie'.

[Dana Jean]

Are you freakin' kiddin' me? What in the hell has happened to human beings?



Update!

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/homeless_man_shoeless_again_boots_AfecN54xk3J4yzZW LskbSO

[mjs9153]

Kinda had a sneaking suspicion on reading the article,and how fast he beat feet(get it?:wink2:) after getting the boots that he was gonna trade em for booze or drugs but was hoping not..probably has footwear stashed close and that is his schtick,to look pitiful, shoeless outside stores to get cash..maybe not,but oh well,it doesn't change the fact this guy tried to do something good..so shines a good deed in a weary world..

[GNTLGNT]

...homeless boy needs one of those size twelves used repeatedly on his backside for that type of "thankful spirit"...with my cynical eye, and due to where I work-here's my theory...the boots aren't "hidden" anywhere-he sold the damn things and now wants "payed" just coz somebody took his picture...if this is how he operated before his homelessness-I can understand how he ended up there...earthworms have more soul...seriously dude, if Jesus had walked by and blessed you-what?-you woulda wanted part of the royalties because you were included in a biblical teaching???...

[carrie's younger brother]

In all fairness, we are talking about a homeless person who more than likely has some psychological issues he is dealing with. You really cannot judge him like you would judge a rational thinking person. Who knows what kind of perception of reality this guy has. Don't get me wrong, I am not defending him; I am simply pointing out that he more than likely does not think in the same rational way we do.

[Spideyman]

The officer acted in kindness and caring. That is what matters. He saw one in need and acted upon it. The actions of the homeless man must not detract from the good deed that was done.

[PatInTheHat]

Wow everybody is in an awful hurry to crap all over this guy, and only one guy bought the boots, that weren't even asked for may I remind folks, he never once asked to be 'saved', or for that cop to take responsibility for him or his feet, or nothin'.
Seriously, really, does this sound like a completely sane person?
I mean maybe if his feet weren't supposedly all blistered up as reported, oh yeah, and maybe if it was July, but it ain't, so.......?
Now I've known a lot of down and out crack & coke heads, a few tweekers, entire generations of drunks, and all manner of pill poppers and just name your substance substance abusers, and ya know somethin', they all, each and everyone, somehow managed to keep their footwear, no car, no job, no place to live, often not much rational brain left, often with just the clothes they had on their backs, and that included all havin' shoes on their silly feets, can't remember a single one lyin' & stealin' and manipulatin' & moochin' twinkle toed barefoot.
I'll bet my new pair of fuzzy warm slippers he's just another fell in the crack filler of Bonzo's ol' pal in need of medication(s) he'll most likely never get, especially now that he's such an ungrateful worthless p.o.s., obviously in total control of his faculties:y::y:.

[GNTLGNT]

Wow everybody is in an awful hurry to crap all over this guy, and only one guy bought the boots, that weren't even asked for may I remind folks, he never once asked to be 'saved', or for that cop to take responsibility for him or his feet, or nothin'.
Seriously, really, does this sound like a completely sane person?
I mean maybe if his feet weren't supposedly all blistered up as reported, oh yeah, and maybe if it was July, but it ain't, so.......?
Now I've known a lot of down and out crack & coke heads, a few tweekers, entire generations of drunks, and all manner of pill poppers and just name your substance substance abusers, and ya know somethin', they all, each and everyone, somehow managed to keep their footwear, no car, no job, no place to live, often not much rational brain left, often with just the clothes they had on their backs, and that included all havin' shoes on their silly feets, can't remember a single one lyin' & stealin' and manipulatin' & moochin' twinkle toed barefoot.
I'll bet my new pair of fuzzy warm slippers he's just another fell in the crack filler of Bonzo's ol' pal in need of medication(s) he'll most likely never get, especially now that he's such an ungrateful worthless p.o.s., obviously in total control of his faculties:y::y:.

...he's obviously in control of his faculties enough to want to profit from the situation....

[Todash]

It is sad ... but a lot of homeless people are mentally ill, and ... ugh. Mental illness is tricky. I believe in general in the US someone has to be an immediate danger to himself or others to be forcibly confined, and then that's only for a few days. There has to be a finding that the person cannot function at even the most basic level. Unfortunately, you can be able to feed yourself, get dressed, and have a reasonable conversation but STILL not have the functioning that would allow you to think logically at a high enough level to consistently provide yourself with food, clothing, and shelter. Societally we have decided that we value liberty over safety for the mentally ill. We can't force them to stay institutionalized except under the most drastic circumstances, and we can't force them to be compliant with their meds. (Noncompliance is a huge issue with mentally ill people. They take the pills, they feel better, they stop taking the pills because hey they're fine, and then the struggle begins all over again.) That means a lot of them end up on the streets.

However, none of that negates the very fine human thing the police officer did.

[PatInTheHat]

...he's obviously in control of his faculties enough to want to profit from the situation....

First, I don't have single clue as to what that's supposed to mean:dunno:.
Bein' nuts, that sure don't mean your comatose, or even close to bein' unaware, oft times it makes one hyper aware, some folks are able to channel it, and some make themselves the big huge success stories we've all come to love and admire, others, well there ya go, shoeless & cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.
Second, he most assuredly didn't ask for his situation, he was just sittin' there mindin' his own barefoot business with his little piggies one minute, next minute he's a minor celebrity in some media feel good passion play he didn't know he was even gonna star in.
Now do I know for a certainty his bubble ain't quite plumb, no I most certainly do not, but my bucket o' whacky, it holds more nuts.

[GNTLGNT]

It is sad ... but a lot of homeless people are mentally ill, and ... ugh. Mental illness is tricky. I believe in general in the US someone has to be an immediate danger to himself or others to be forcibly confined, and then that's only for a few days. There has to be a finding that the person cannot function at even the most basic level. Unfortunately, you can be able to feed yourself, get dressed, and have a reasonable conversation but STILL not have the functioning that would allow you to think logically at a high enough level to consistently provide yourself with food, clothing, and shelter. Societally we have decided that we value liberty over safety for the mentally ill. We can't force them to stay institutionalized except under the most drastic circumstances, and we can't force them to be compliant with their meds. (Noncompliance is a huge issue with mentally ill people. They take the pills, they feel better, they stop taking the pills because hey they're fine, and then the struggle begins all over again.) That means a lot of them end up on the streets.

However, none of that negates the very fine human thing the police officer did.

...I totally agree, just being my usual crank-butt self....

[GNTLGNT]

First, I don't have single clue as to what that's supposed to mean:dunno:.
Bein' nuts, that sure don't mean your comatose, or even close to bein' unaware, oft times it makes one hyper aware, some folks are able to channel it, and some make themselves the big huge success stories we've all come to love and admire, others, well there ya go, shoeless & cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.
Second, he most assuredly didn't ask for his situation, he was just sittin' there mindin' his own barefoot business with his little piggies one minute, next minute he's a minor celebrity in some media feel good passion play he didn't know he was even gonna star in.
Now do I know for a certainty his bubble ain't quite plumb, no I most certainly do not, but my bucket o' whacky, it holds more nuts.

...just sayin' that he was apparently aware enough at the time to try to take advantage of a situation-I'm not sayin' all his bolts are snugged down tight-and never implied that in my OP....I simply am coming at this from the certainly jaundiced and jaded viewpoint of a worker bee in the juggernaut of State Corrections...meant you no offense old friend...

[Todash]

Of course it also should be pointed out that a mentally ill person who acts like a jerk might be someone who, freed from his illness, would be a fine human being. Or ... he might just be a jerk who happens to also be mentally ill. :biggrin2:

[Moderator]

I'm thinking he may have had some coaching considering what Officer DePrimo had said about his reaction when it first happened.

[Dana Jean]

Yes, in reading all this, we definitely have to keep in mind that homeless can be homeless for a number of reasons, and depending upon this guy's mental stability and the kindness vs. the cruelty of his existence -- he's just trying to survive like the rest of us. How can I blame him for trying to get his 15 minutes of fame and some money to get him through another day by selling the shoes? Sad thought.

I do hope though, that his act doesn't keep good people from doing good. Next time, the officer (although obviously a good man to begin with) might just do his job and that's it. And I suppose that's okay too.

I guess it boils down to, do a good deed and walk away. Whatever the outcome, you did your part and how the recipient chooses to handle your good deed is now their business. You gave your act of kindness to the universe and it's not yours anymore.

Does any of this make sense?

[Moderator]

It makes perfect sense to me.

[PatInTheHat]

...just sayin' that he was apparently aware enough at the time to try to take advantage of a situation-I'm not sayin' all his bolts are snugged down tight-and never implied that in my OP....I simply am coming at this from the certainly jaundiced and jaded viewpoint of a worker bee in the juggernaut of State Corrections...meant you no offense old friend...

Oh I can dig where your comin' from, ain't even a chicken wing bruda:love:.
But now here's the thing, anyone of "normal" rational thinking that might find themselves unfortunately thrust into the economic nightmare of homelessness & destitution, might do well to observe, maybe even hang out with, some of your more lunacy lackin' folks on the street.
I'm totally & completely serious, if any group of folks show time & time again they instinctively know how to survive by taking advantage of any single scrap of anything that crosses their path, it's them.
I'm thinkin' it might have some reason, at least in part, why some cultures have revered the 'mentally ill', hell some can go on and on past time the ol' Energizer Bunny pukes his mechanical heart out, they just make do, til they don't have to, make do, rinse/repeat-rinse/repeat, it's like, 'a thang', this mental case survival thing, if ya know what I'm sayin':wink2:
Yet other cultures would rather ignore ('cause then it goes away silly...goes right to where you work, that is:biggrin2:), and yet others, exterminate, and that's an extremely crazy thing, and oddly ironic ain't it:umm:?

[Todash]

Well spoken, Dana Jean. A good deed is never wasted; it can be reciprocated in all kinds of ways that we never even know about.

[nate_watkins]

Oh come on!!! UG!

This why people in LA have the mentality that you shouldn't help homeless people.

I used to make a lot of deliveries in Boston, and I've adopted a similar mentality.

[GNTLGNT]

....and the plot thickens...

The barefoot homeless man who received new boots from an NYPD police officer and became an online sensation isn’t actually homeless, according to a report by the New York Daily News.

The man, Jeffrey Hillman, has an apartment in the Bronx paid for through a combination of federal Section 8 rent vouchers and Social Security disability and veterans benefits, officials told the paper. Hillman has continued to panhandle on the streets, however, and reportedly has a history of refusing help from family and the government.

[Shasta]

I used to make a lot of deliveries in Boston, and I've adopted a similar mentality.

It's unfortunate. I see it a lot.

I had one experience where I gave a homeless man a blanket I kept in my car on a really cold night. The next night he was out sleeping on the bench - no blanket.

Well, let me tell you I was really unhappy. But I took time to think about and realized maybe it was stolen or maybe he gave it to someone who needed it more. The truth is, I just don't know, but I think the knee-jerk reaction is to say, "SEE???"

I am mostly sad that the media couldn't have let this part of the story go unannounced so that people don't have fodder to feel this way. It was a great thing that officer did and now people will use it as an excuse not to help.

Someone earlier said (sorry, I forgot who - Spidey, maybe?) that what we may want to do is just do what we can to help and not worry about the outcome. I help because I can't not help. I have way, way too much empathy. It's only by pure luck that I haven't been made homeless in the past. If I choose to help it's because I want to. I can't stop or blame other people because of the choices they make, no matter how frustrating it is. But I do get why people feel this way.

[Shasta]

And the plot thickens:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/barefoot-homeless-man-not-actually-homeless-175054937.html

[PatInTheHat]

Yes, in reading all this, we definitely have to keep in mind that homeless can be homeless for a number of reasons, and depending upon this guy's mental stability and the kindness vs. the cruelty of his existence -- he's just trying to survive like the rest of us. How can I blame him for trying to get his 15 minutes of fame and some money to get him through another day by selling the shoes? Sad thought.

I do hope though, that his act doesn't keep good people from doing good. Next time, the officer (although obviously a good man to begin with) might just do his job and that's it. And I suppose that's okay too.

I guess it boils down to, do a good deed and walk away. Whatever the outcome, you did your part and how the recipient chooses to handle your good deed is now their business. You gave your act of kindness to the universe and it's not yours anymore.

Does any of this make sense?

To infinity:y::cool2::y:.

[mjs9153]

...homeless boy needs one of those size twelves used repeatedly on his backside for that type of "thankful spirit"...with my cynical eye, and due to where I work-here's my theory...the boots aren't "hidden" anywhere-he sold the damn things and now wants "payed" just coz somebody took his picture...if this is how he operated before his homelessness-I can understand how he ended up there...earthworms have more soul...seriously dude, if Jesus had walked by and blessed you-what?-you woulda wanted part of the royalties because you were included in a biblical teaching???...

http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=I.4798909507635746&pid=15.1 Gnt you mean like when Mel Brooks crashed the last supper and got in the painting behind Jesus? Ironically Mel did get royalties,from the movie..:biggrin2:

[Shasta]

....and the plot thickens...



HA! I said the exact same thing.

[kingricefan]

A co-worker of mine (when I worked in downtown Seattle) once bought a homeless man a hotdog. She wouldn't give cash to the homeless, but instead would offer them food. She walked up to him and held out the hotdog to him, to which he replied 'I hate hotdogs!'. I think she stopped doing that afterwards........

[Shasta]

A co-worker of mine (when I worked in downtown Seattle) once bought a homeless man a hotdog. She wouldn't give cash to the homeless, but instead would offer them food. She walked up to him and held out the hotdog to him, to which he replied 'I hate hotdogs!'. I think she stopped doing that afterwards........

That used to happen a lot to my dad when he was giving my allowance fruit to homeless people. If they said something like that he'd just say "your loss" and walk away. He would often take that as an opportunity to teach me that some people are homeless by choice and some not but that if I wanted to help I was making the choice to help them all. If they didn't want it that was up to them.

But it still really frustrates me because, much like we are discussing, situations like that make people not want to help and some people really need it. It really hurts the feelings of the people who are trying to do good.

[MadamMack]

He would often take that as an opportunity to teach me that some people are homeless by choice and some not but that if I wanted to help I was making the choice to help them all. If they didn't want it that was up to them.

But it still really frustrates me because, much like we are discussing, situations like that make people not want to help and some people really need it. It really hurts the feelings of the people who are trying to do good.

I've volunteer during holidays with the Hosea Feed the Hungry and I have stories. There are people that really need help then there are the ones that are just lazy and greedy. I can tell if someone is really in need. It's taken a long time to be able to do that.

[Shasta]

I've volunteer during holidays with the Hosea Feed the Hungry and I have stories. There are people that really need help then there are the ones that are just lazy and greedy. I can tell if someone is really in need. It's taken a long time to be able to do that.

TEACH ME!

[fushingfeef]

I once offered a panhandling woman on the downtown streets some fresh pizza. She said "What's on it?" I guess beggars can be choosers.

[Dana Jean]

Maybe she was allergic to something?



I once offered a panhandling woman on the downtown streets some fresh pizza. She said "What's on it?" I guess beggars can be choosers.

[kingricefan]

They just passed a city ordinance that homeless people who are on the side of the road at intersections here in Spokane cannot reach passed the curb to accept money from drivers. How silly is that? So, either the driver has to open their car door and get out of their car to pass money to them (which creates a danger not only for the driver but for those around them) or just throw it out the window to them.

[kingricefan]

I once offered a panhandling woman on the downtown streets some fresh pizza. She said "What's on it?" I guess beggars can be choosers.

At least she didn't yell 'I hate pizza!!' :laugh:

[Shasta]

or just throw it out the window to them.

Well, that just screams dignity! :eyebrow:

[GNTLGNT]

HA! I said the exact same thing.

...great minds....errr, summpin'......

[nate_watkins]

It's unfortunate. I see it a lot.

I had one experience where I gave a homeless man a blanket I kept in my car on a really cold night. The next night he was out sleeping on the bench - no blanket.

Well, let me tell you I was really unhappy. But I took time to think about and realized maybe it was stolen or maybe he gave it to someone who needed it more. The truth is, I just don't know, but I think the knee-jerk reaction is to say, "SEE???"

I am mostly sad that the media couldn't have let this part of the story go unannounced so that people don't have fodder to feel this way. It was a great thing that officer did and now people will use it as an excuse not to help.

Someone earlier said (sorry, I forgot who - Spidey, maybe?) that what we may want to do is just do what we can to help and not worry about the outcome. I help because I can't not help. I have way, way too much empathy. It's only by pure luck that I haven't been made homeless in the past. If I choose to help it's because I want to. I can't stop or blame other people because of the choices they make, no matter how frustrating it is. But I do get why people feel this way.

I certainly agree it's good to help people. But there are some people in need that will be picky, mouthy, and ungrateful (and considering their position being that they're cold, hungry, ect. I'm sure anyone would be grumpy). And there are others who are polite and well-mannered. But in my experience, the polite ones tend to outweigh the others.

I think the officer who took the time out of his day to purchase a nice pair of boots for the homeless man did a very good deed. I'm just disappointed in the greedy response of the homeless man.

[Sundrop]

Well, the original photo spoke about the nature of the cop. The nature of the recipient is now obvious. It doesn't change anything about that cop.

Exdactly!
There was a man who used to come to my church every month to ask for "help". Some of the members got suspicious, and wanted to turn him away.
However, one of the deacons said that we are supposed to give with the right intention to help another person......what that person does with the gift only reflects upon him.