Well, I must say giving a donation to a street bum may very likely (probably) go towards booze or drugs, but if there is anyone who NEEDS booze and drugs it is the homeless street people. I would think it is the only way left to cope with their situation. So, giving them money you would be naïve to think they would buy a book of motivational poetry over a fifth of cheap wine. The wine will work much better in their situation.

As far as fund raisers gouging into the funds, it is a lot like a personal injury lawyer profiting off your pain and suffering. The party needing/deserving the money does in fact gain, but not before getting screwed first. Fundraisers, lawyers and loan sharks should be chosen very carefully.

I contributed to Montserrat after the Volcano, Sri Lanka after the tsunami, I know people there Just like in Haiti. In my collecting of world currency I have developed friends around the world. Having a catastrophic event where you personally know someone brings it closer to home. So to see your gift squandered, looted or stolen makes one very agitated.

SO… If I give a bum a few bucks he better damn well buy a can of spam and a bottle of cheap wine and not waste it on a 401K plan!!