The issues of poverty are complex.  There are rarely simple topics and even more uncommon are simple solutions.  Yet here we are, a youthful generation, looking to leave an impact in today’s society.

I’ve decided to start an indefinite series of posts on some of these complexities.  My goal is to facilitate a discussion amongst you, the readers.  I think the voices of those who are doing your work often go unheard.  I’m hoping to provide an opportunity to talk about some of these issues.

Personally I find there are a lot of issues that are part of hunger, poverty and homelessness that people never want to talk about.  And when they do they are behind very closed doors.  Is it because people feel uncomfortable discussing the issue?  If it goes unspoken will it disappear?  Or do we worry that no matter what, we’ll never leave a lasting mark?  Those questions lead me to the first issue that I want to hear your opinions about.  Giving money to those on the street

I give money to people on the street.  Just a few weeks ago I was walking to an event at the National Cathedral School in DC with Liz and a gentleman stopped me.  He told me didn’t have the money to get back to his home in Bethesda and couldn’t get his money on his card.  I didn’t have any cash, but I wanted to help, so I traded my (commerative Obama) Smartrip Card with him so he could get home.  Liz gave him a few extra dollars to make sure he had enough to get home.

I have no problem doing this.  I rarely have money on me (why I had to trade Smartrip Cards with him).  I typically use a debit card for everything I spend money on, so I’m not constantly giving money out, but when I have it I’m inclined to do so.  The Smartrip Card did have some meaning to me, but in the end I hope if I was stranded and trying to get home someone could extend me the same favor.

I think that everyone goes through some difficult times in their life; for some it lasts much longer than others.  When I give money to someone on the street I hope they use it for the right things.  I hope they don’t use it towards anything that could be harmful to themselves but I don’t know that’s ever the case.

I’m not sure how I feel about what other people choose to do or even if I have a right to care about it.  I recognize everyone has the opportunity to do with whatever they want with their own money.  But I sometimes think it’s a bit cold hearted to walk by someone that clearly in a part of tough times.

So what do you think?  Feel free to disagree with me.  Elaborate and share.

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