Rite-Aid downtown is, of course, insanely expensive.  Except when they have things on sale.  Like soda beverages or food.  The "deals" are fantastic.  Just don't fall for the "...while I'm here..." trap.    I was obtaining some of the Poweraid Zero, which I can only describe as liquid jello (delicious) in a bottle for $1.  I required one, as I reuse the bottle for a water bottle -- it is the perfect size.  I was there on my lunch break (6p).  

On my way back to the office, with a bottle of Beverage and a 6" ham sub, one of the many homeless people downtown sparechanged me.

I don't have any problem with people asking for spare change.  I don't hold any illusions that a large portion of these people could get "real" jobs.  I also don't pretend that a lot of them have spent years or months convincing themselves otherwise and happily reinforce their own image of themselves with their behaviour and so forth.  They don't need my space change.  They want it because it's what they've chosen.  Fine.  I'm not going to go out of my way to carry a quarter on me, and I'm not going to give you any change I have on me just because you asked.  If I don't need it -- and I do mean need -- you can have it.  

Perhaps I should explain my stance on money?  I don't care that much about it.  I mean, it's useful.  I'm getting much better at managing it to meet my needs, but for the most part, I've never been in a position where I find I need more money or don't have enough.  I have what I need, and if I don't, then I will either get it because I need it or I will stop needing it.  That being said, I am a child of the Western Culture of Spending.  The only difference between me and Alabama Man is I know the difference between "want" and "need".  So I return to my story.

You can have my spare change if I don't need -- or want -- it.  Such occasions are rare but not unheard of.  I don't begrudge you for asking.  Don't begrudge me for saying, "Sorry, my friend, I've got nothing to spare."  I'm not lying.

But honey?  You're supposed to ask for spare change.  You're supposed to come up with a story, like "Money for my wife and I to eat and a place to stay?" like the guy at the Lombard TC.  You just need a quarter for bus far, or maybe to buy some ramen, or your kid is sick and you need to get a warm place to stay tonight.  

You don't just walk up to people and ask, "Hey, got $50 to spare?"