maybe the situation in bavaria is different. i've never been there. in the states, and here in toronto, i can tell you that people like the one in that story are the exception rather than the rule.
i've been homeless before. i climbed out of it and kept myself out of it. i'm not as easily fooled because of it. the guy outside the grocery store who asks me for money every week. he gets annoyed when i point out that his clothes are nicer than mine, and that as a canadian he has access to far more assistance than i do, as an immigrant awaiting status. i have offered to feed him, and others like him many times. they never accept food. if your gonna drink or be a druggie, then support your own habit. i don't give out money and neither should anyone else. [/quote]
I do something similar if i see someone i want to help i offer to buy them lunch at mcd's or whereever i'm closest to, i dont usually give out money. Whatever they can eat is wat i usually do.
I thought the guy in the story wasn't asking for handouts i think he had a serious ordeal and people want to help him, and i see nothing wrong with that.