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When you live in a city, the hassle of soliciting does not end with emails and telephone calls, but also continues outside on the streets.

And the thing that royally pisses me off about this, is that these people are constantly in your face and even physically touching you to get you stop on the street and listen to their 20 minute spiel, convincing you to give them CASH or even your CREDIT CARD NUMBER to donate money to various causes.

Yea…like I’m going to give a total stranger on the street my credit card number???

I. Don’t. Think. So.

Perhaps it would be more convenient if I just gave them my debt card and pin number, so they can go to the nearest ATM machine and withdraw whatever they want.

I’m all for causes don’t get me wrong, but when I am personally drawn to a cause, I donate my time in some way to support them, or I will purchase things from a charity thrift store that gives money to a cause I believe in. But I will not randomly donate money on the streets.

And for those of you who live in a city, you can understand why.

Now the ridiculous thing about these solicitors, is that they don’t even use common sense when stopping people. One time during a horrendous summer heat wave, a girl tried to stop me while I was carrying TWO bags of groceries; asking if I had a few minutes to talk. Why would you walk up to someone who was profusely sweating and carrying two bags of groceries in 102 degree heat (with frozen items) and expect them to stop and chat?

I also had someone try to stop me during a torrential downpour, while I was RUNNING to work because I had no umbrella.

And some of these solicitors can get very nasty, because if you don’t stop, they SHOUT at you as you walk away.

I actually had one guy who was soliciting money for some political cause in front of City Hall, and when I politely said, “No, I’m sorry…I don’t donate money on the street. Have a nice day” he shouted, “Yea…and that’s why your hairline is receding, because you’re an uncaring ASSHOLE!”

(I kid you not)

And after I heard him, I paused for a second…and then walked away as fast as I could, because I truly feared for the spontaneous combustion of a street solicitor.

So instead, I imagined myself as Joan Crawford, shouting back….



With love,

Mommie Dearest

30 comments:

  1. Hi Ron,

    I so agree ! Who needs this type of aggravation ??
    I can't get that insult that I read out of my brain.

    I'm doing ok here... doing little by little & just taking it easy.
    Thank you so much for your support & your kind words. So appreciated, my dear Mwah !!!

    Big hugs to ya my dear (((((( ))))))

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  2. He did NOT say that to you, did he??

    You should actually carry a wire hanger with you and when they come up to you, just shout out:

    "I SAID. No wire hangers EVER!" and then wave a hanger at them.

    How funny would that be?? They probably wouldn't stop you again.

    HEE HEE!

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  3. Oh those Greenfleas hired (I KNOW they're hired...I've seen the ads in the job section. What a waste of donor money!!!) people are hard core. I appreciate what the organization does, I know what the Esperanza does, but when they hire these people with clipboards on sidewalks bugging you about Kimberly Clark (I mean, you DO use toilet paper, don't you sidewalk nazis??) and asking for your checking info on their clipboard...NOT!!

    But in Vegas...you cannot pass a single street or driveway without the "FFFFFLICK!!" Scary Goons passing out hooker ads. Doesn't matter if you're a woman or man, or a couple together walking, they will get in your face. The streets are trashed with that smut garbage on the ground, and they even put that crap in newsstands.
    But hey, aren't they a repug state? LOL

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  4. Awwwww...

    Small town life means 'meet and greet on the street'.
    MUCH more friendly and much less intrusive.
    Unless, of course, you're not a social person.

    <-- not a social person

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  5. It is so annoying being stopped in the street. Like you I donate privately to causes I support but would never, ever donate money int he street.

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  6. They probably stop you in the rain or hands full of groceries. Thinking you will just hand them money, so you can be on your way.

    I don't mind once in awhile helping on the street. But once it happened when I was eating and sitting out on the front padio. I was so imbarrassed as I was trying to have my supper and a nice romantic evening with my husband.

    Like don't do this when I am eating and walk right up to me. Some people.

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  7. These people just don't want to understand the word no.

    I have my own set of charities that I support ....ones that mean something to me like cancer research or MS society, I always say no to unsolicited charity collections but I still feel guilty. No one person can possibly support every charity they come across so we have to choose the ones we want to support.

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  8. Bonjour Barbara!

    GREAT SEEING YA!!!!!

    So glad to hear you're healing well!!

    Yepeee!

    Yes...when I heard the guy insult me, I thought..."Am I hearing him right???" But I did. It was duing the presidential election and people were VERY adament about WHO they wanted elected, so when I didn't stop to talk to him, I guess he got pissed!

    Oh well....I happen to LOVE my receding hairline.

    tee, hee!

    Thanks for stopping by Barb!

    Love to you!
    X

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  9. Morning Chrissy~

    OMG...I LOVE your idea about the wire hangers!!!!

    That's one of my favorite lines from the movie!!!

    Yes...this guy did say that to me, and OMG...you have no idea what strength it took NOT to want to go off on him in front of City Hall

    But ya know, living in a city you hear all kinds of WONDERFUL things. This is the City of Brotherly Love...what can I tell ya?

    HAHAHAHAHAHA!

    Thanks for stopping by, dear lady!

    Enjoy your day!

    X

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  10. Aloha Debi!

    I mean, you DO use toilet paper, don't you sidewalk nazis??

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

    BRAVO Deb!

    Hey, I've never had one of them ask me for my checking info, but I'm not surprised!!

    Like I shared, I'm all for causes...but I WON'T donate money to them on the city streets.

    I didn't realize Vegas was so trashy. I lived there for one summer, but it was way back in late 70's and I don't remember it being that bad.

    Thanks for sharing you're HYSTERICAL comment, Deb!

    SOOOOO enjoyed it!

    X

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  11. I can totally imagine you saying that LOL

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  12. Mornin' Dear Mel!

    OH BOY....sometimes "small town life" sounds VERY appealing to me!!

    <----not much of a social person either.

    I do enjoy living in a city, but BROTHER!...the aggravating parts of it can be VERY aggravating.

    Oh well...I can't have it ALL can I?

    DAMN IT!

    Always wonderful seeing ya, Mel!

    Happy Monday to ya!

    X

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  13. Good Morning Aklamalu!

    Do you get the same kind of thing in your cites too?

    Isn't it LOVELY???

    And good for you...

    ...donating to causes privately.

    But on the streets???

    NO WAY.

    Thanks for sharing, my friend!

    Happy Monday to ya!

    X

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  14. Morning Grumpy~

    OMG...the SAME THING happened to me once, while I was living in NYC!

    I was eating lunch in cafe with a friend, and someone walked up to us through the restaurant window and asked us for a donation.

    I don't think so!

    Yea, and you're probably right...she did stop me in the rain thinking I would just give her money quickly and be on my way.

    I also don't mind helping someone homeless on the street every once in a while, but not solicitors.

    Thanks for dropping by Grumpy!

    Always enjoy taking with ya!

    Have a great Monday!
    X

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  15. Hellooooo Lady in Red!

    You couldn't have said it any better!!!

    No one person can possibly support every charity they come across so we have to choose the ones we want to support.

    That's exactly the way I feel.

    I give to the ones that "call" me to do so.

    Thanks so much for sharing, Lady!

    Happy Monday to ya!

    X

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  16. Solid rant, Ron, and I couldn't agree more. Common sense is, well, not so common these days. My policy has always been to respond politely twice and then if the person is still pushy, they get the wrath and sarcasm.

    I have to go there more often that I would truly prefer.

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  17. Helloooooo Anndi!

    tee, hee!

    I've gotten some of my BEST come-back lines from that movie!

    Thank you JOAN!

    Happy Monday Anndi!

    Thanks oodles for stopping by!

    X

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  18. Morning Chris~

    OMG...I agree, what the hell ever happened to "common sense?"

    DUH?!

    Me too, Chris...I'll always be polite to begin with, but BROTHER, when I've been pushed...it's definitely wrath and sarcasm time!

    tee, hee.

    Thanks for sharing, bud!

    Have an awesome Monday!

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  19. AH, I LOVE the reference to Mommie Dearest!! That was a terrific movie and Joan was definitely not one to f*ck with!!
    I was just watching a movie with her a couple of weeks ago... hmmm... can't think of the name of it. She was the head nurse at a mental institution and had some issues with one of the Doctors. Ring a bell?? I didn't actually watch it all the way thru, but just a little Joan will do ya. ;)

    Big cities certainly have their charm, but those out on the streets selling/collecting/surveying are the worst. They get in your personal space and really try everything to get you to spend your money or time. It's a shame there are so many people who do get reeled in by them or they wouldn't be out there.

    What I will do at times is give a little change to a homeless person, or one who appears to be homeless and is asking for a little something. Who knows what their story actually is, I know some are scamming there too. But they do pull on my heart strings so few coins or a buck out of my pocket isn't such a big deal as I don't go to the City that often.
    My hubby has even bought a hotdog or a coffee for a couple now and then.
    In my own town, they have collection points set up at some intersections at times. Called 'Coin Drops', they are for different charities or local sports teams and I also will throw a small handful of change in the bucket. If it were just the bucket, no one would probably ever stop, but they are actually being held by a person, so some have a hard time driving by without giving a little something. However, I do find myself driving a little out of the way to come back home if I've already given once instead of just saying that I already gave. Silly, huh? LOL

    Despite the constant rainy drizzle.....
    Have a GREAT week!!!

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  20. Howdy Crystal Chick!

    Leave it to my "movie buff friend" to be watching a Joan Crawford film!! I don't recall what the name of that film would be!? However, she did several films about mental institutions. How appropriate, right???? tee, hee! You're right...a little bit of Joan goes a looooong way!

    See, that's it about these solicitors...they're right in your face and sometimes will actually touch you to get you to stop.

    Yes...I too will give to homeless people now and then. That, I don't mind...but the people asking for your charge card number to donate money...I'm sorry, but I don't trust them. After you live in a city for several years, you begin to develope a sixth sense about who is sincere and who is scamming.

    I use to volunteer at one of the homeless shelters here in Philly. I would cut the guys hair once week. It was incredible to listen to them tell me their stories about how their lives brought them to homelessness.

    Hey...that "Coin Drops" sounds really neat!! Sometimes the Philadelphia Fire Dept will do the same thing down Broad Street. Those type things I give something to, because I know how hard these guys work and what a dangerous job they have.

    OMG...can you believe this strange weather we're having? One day it's cold, the next day it's warm and humid. I just came back from grocery shopping and got SOAKED. I hear tomorrow it's going to drop down into the high 40's!

    I'm actually going into NYC again with my boss tomorrow, so hopefully it'll be rain-free for the drive over there. I may be going again on Friday - not sure yet.

    Anyway....thanks SOOOO much for stopping by today, M! I always love our conversations!

    Enjoy the rest of your week!

    And keep me posted on your Reiki attunements. I'm so excited for you!

    X

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  21. I try not to make eye contact. :(

    I am such a sap..even when I gave to charities at Christmas outside the grocery store I felt guilty if I didn't give EVERY time! I used to stop and explain that I already gave..but I thought they were thinking "sure, sure"
    So I solved it by giving a little each time I came out. Of course, then I found myself explaining on my way in that I will be donating on my way out.
    OMG...as I write this I realize there must be wrong with me. :O

    I probably would not survive in the city would I? They would rob me (or worse) while I was explaining..eh?

    I know this is a thorn in your side, but I confess, I still enjoyed the laughs you GAVE us!

    LY!

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  22. OMG...Gypsy-Heart...your comment was HYSTERICAL!!!!!

    I laughed my ass off!!!

    And I'm STILL laughing!!!!

    You're PRICELESS dear friend!!!!

    And so sweet!

    I know, I use to be the same way, but after you live in city for awhile you have to get discerning and just choose the causes/charities/homeless that really call to you, and allow other people to give to the others.

    It's challenging, city life...but there's also many aspects to it that I LOVE.

    Thanks SOOOOO much for sharing your comment, Gypsy!

    You ROCK!

    Love ya,
    X

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  23. Ps As you know from my posts I donate a lot of prints to a variety of causes..yet I still feel guilty.

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  24. GH...and I LOVE the one you donate to, I think it's for the blind children?

    Way to go, girl!!

    AWESOME!

    X

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  25. You should have at least flipped that rude guy off. What a jerk!

    Debi_in hawaii is right about Vegas. You can't walk half a block without someone shoving hooker ads in your face.

    I haven't encountered this in LA. But we do have lots of homeless people. One time I gave one homeless man five dollars because I felt nice and he touched my hand with his dirty hand. I know it sounds really awful, but I had to wash my hand immediately.

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  26. Hey Tina!

    OMG...you have no idea how I much I wanted to do more than just flip him off!!

    I wanted to FLIP OUT!

    A good friend of mine here in Philly, who is from San Francisco said the same thing about the homeless. She said it's because the weather is so nice, that many people migrate to the westcoast because it's easier to live.

    Thanks for stopping by, Tina!

    Always great seeing ya!

    Hope you had a MARVI Monday!

    X

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  27. Hello Joan...hehehe. You crack me up roniie. the things you say are so funny but so very right-on too.

    I don't usually have people walk to me and ask for money...a few have but I do the same i don't give money in the street and i don't give on the phone. That pisses off the policeman's ball people. hehehe. mail me the info and I'll peruse through it and then maybe I will...or not.

    I think those people that ask for money and then call you names need to be reported to that organization...then told to fuck off!

    Okay so next time you are out...carry a small bucket for any organization you want and when they ask you for money...you bring yours out and say...if you donate to mine first. :D

    Then run when they give you the cash. hehehe.

    I'm kidding...don't run. Donate to theirs but only give half what they gave you. Yeah...then you send your organization the money you collect.

    There problem solved...next.

    ciao sweetie.

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  28. Dearest Miss Jones...

    OMG...your suggestion was friggin' BRILLIANT!!!!

    Damn, girl...that was GREAT!

    This way I can give some and get some...and then give my some to the charity I choose!

    Bravo! Problem solved!

    And I'm with you...I don't give over the phone either. I want to read the info first and then decide.

    I know... next time I'm SHOUTED at, I should report their ASS! I almost did that one time, but I got so mad, that I couldn't even go back to the solicitor and get the name of the company from them.

    Grrrrrrrr!

    Thanks for sharing your brilliance, Divine Jones!

    And I'll be thinking of you the next time this happens to me.

    (which will probably be tomorrow!)

    HAHAHAHAHAHHA!

    Ciao bella
    X

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  29. Don't you just adore Joan! What a magnificent bitch! Between her and Bette Davis, I can't decide who to be when I grow up. ;)

    I can't tolerate those street Nazis! We get 'em running up and down the road when you're stopped at a traffic light! I only will give to the firemen and soldiers when they do it.

    On the other hand, don't you love the street "dogs" in NYC, the hotdog vendors and all those people selling the weirdest stuff on the sidewalks?

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  30. You said it Nitebyrd!

    What a manificent BITCH!

    I love them BOTH, but I would have to say that "I" would choose to be Joan Crawford.

    I don't know why...but for some reason I enjoyed the wonderful INSANITY and MADNESS of Joan.

    And YES...I LOVE the street vendors in the city. OMG, there's nothing like getting a hot dog and coke from one of those guys! And I also love how you can buy cheap stuff like sunglasses, hats, belts...etc.

    That's one of the things that I truly love about city life.

    Thanks for stopping by Lady Nitebyrd!

    Hope you had a great weekend!

    Love ya,
    X

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