Dangerous times even in small town

[Deere Dude]

Being from a small town I and my wife always had a hard time turning panhandlers down. That is slowly changing.

About 10 years ago as we would grocery shopping in Florida City, FL we would always get hit on by panhandlers wanting money. My wife thought it would be a better idea if we would just give them food from the shopping bags after we went shopping or at least keep a few items in the truck. I agreed.

A couple weeks later while grocery shopping she left the store pushing the cart and I was shuffling along about 75 feet behind her, just strolling along. She gets to the truck and a panhandler sort of met her there. She asked it if food would be okay and he didn't have a problem with food instead of cash. My wife, "Miss Situational Awareness," turned her back to the guy and started digging around in a bag we had for such occasions and he was standing about 3 feet in back of her, patiently waiting. I was closing slowly, nothing happened but I could have been pouncing on him in about 3 seconds. I made the decision that that was the last time for panhandlers as far as I was concerned.

But then a couple weeks later in at the same store I was parked in a place to get a good view of the parking lot as I waited for her to get groceries. I did notice this one panhandler would come up to people for money or whatever and I noticed he would always take the carts and push them up to the store in his down time. With him, as I was leaving I drove past him, rolled down my window and gave him a couple bucks. I told him he was working to hard.

 

[/pine]

With unchecked gang activity, the violent content of video games and today's rap/hip hop lyrics etc...the dangerous times are only going to get worse IMO...

 

[Industrial Toys]

Moss Park. That's funny. I guess there is more than one way to spread the word of the lord!

My Lady Friend's brother is on disability. He doesn't want for much. Computers, internet, a clean warm place, a dog (of course!) and goes to the food bank.

 

[tractorshopper]

I've noticed the same guy panhandling at Walmart, and the same lady panhandling at Lowe's for a couple weeks in a row, then one day on a side street near both stores, I saw them together eating lunch picnic style on the side of the road and seemed to be laughing it up with no frowns or ailments as the first impression I get when I see them panhandling. This is now a "couples" thing. I used to give money frequently to folks with signs, but I think now it's just a quick way to get money for nothing and just drive by. Think I'll focus on Salvation Army from now on.

 

[Macinnis]

I am glad I live in Missouri, which has a castle doctrine.

During a break in...you don’t have to prove this or that...you can shoot to kill...even if the intruder is unarmed.

I believe it extends to your vehicle as well.

 

[ovrszd]

Every one of us know families in our communities that for whatever reason are in hard times. You feel the uncontrollable urge to give money to someone, go knock on their door.

 

[Industrial Toys]

The way it should be. I am so envious! So it's not so much "Show Me" but I'll Show You! Love it!

I'm curious though, if it means criminals are more often and better armed?

 

[plowhog]

If I were ever to exercise my right to carry using my CCP, it would be used only as a LAST RESORT to protect my life or the life of my family, period. Material possessions can always be replaced.

That is exactly correct. The laws of various states can change, but keeping the above focus works in all of them.

 

[ovrszd]

The way it should be. I am so envious! So it's not so much "Show Me" but I'll Show You! Love it!

I'm curious though, if it means criminals are more often and better armed?

The St Louis area has some challenges. Especially Ferguson area. It's getting pretty tough over there.

 

[kenmac]

The problem the way I see it, is if you own anything or have any money, and you go and shoot someone, you stand to loose a lot in legal fees defending yourself. Maybe, WAY, WAY more than anything a burglar might have taken from you.

that's why if you are going to carry, you might want to look into an insurance policy that covers you. Most homeowners will not cover you for something like this

USCCA, or SFD insurance policy will.
Not sure you can get this coverage everywhere . You would need to check your area for coverage