Author: M

By Katania Castaneda 

When I was asked to say a few words about poverty, I decided to focus on the most extreme aspect of poverty, and that is homelessness. A few weeks ago, I stopped off at convenience store to purchase some gasoline for my car, when a man came up to me and asked me for some spare change.  I told him that I did not have any money but that I’d be willing to buy him some food.  He seemed grateful and told me that he had not eaten all day.  So, I went inside, grabbed a few items and proceeded to approach the register. The attendant, who had witnessed what had happened, told me that I should not buy food for that man. He said:  “Those people out there, all they do is sit outside and smoke crack all day.” I said, “Yah, but he asked me for food, and I can’t deny someone food.  Besides, we don’t know what got that man into that state.” He proceeded to tell me all sorts of convincing arguments as to why I should not spend my money.  He said that that man should go out and get a job just like everyone else. I must admit, I was torn.  I was unsure what to do. But I purchased a few items anyway.
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