Foster's Blog: A Walk With The People
I was late for the Tigers game while strolling toward Comerica Park from my favorite $5 lot.
It was a cool and breezy day and the Tigers were slumping but that is OK. I wanted to see the team any way. It has been eight months since my last Tiger dog. It had been eight months since hanging out in the press box or by the statues in center field. I was pumped for the game.
I walked with a pack of about 10 people when I noticed an elderly black man on crutches carrying a cup. His right pants leg was folded back, revealing a missing leg.
You knew what was coming next. He was about to ask for some change and I was prepared to drop a few quarters into his cup.
But a Detroit Police cruiser stopped and sounded its siren to tell the man to move on and not beg for money. He turned and went down a side street. No money for homey.
My question today is was it really necessary for the police to tell this man to move on? He had one leg for God sakes.
Many beggars are annoying because you know they are running a game. You do not want to give money to some joker who looks athletic enough to run circles around you. But that happens quite often. I've read reports where beggars make upwards of $40,000 to $50,000 a year. This person can't get a real job?
I want nothing to do with those people. The biggest scam is when some dude says his car broke down and he needs $8.47 to buy a part. He sounds believable because he makes it seem as if he priced the part and simply did not have the money to cover it. He knows you will give him a 10 spot and wish him well.
Meanwhile he will probably have dinner at the Rattle Snake.
I ran into a woman like that in Seattle while walking with the late basketball coach Will Robinson. She strolled up to us with a baby in a stroller begging for money. I was about to reach into my pocket when Robinson grabbed my arm and said: "Don't do it Champ. She is running a scam."
He was right. The woman had a Graco stroller, one of the best on the market. She had full make up, cologne and a nice outfit. The next afternoon I saw her eating lunch at a high end outdoor care with the same baby.
These are the people I wish police would run off. But they are fast and slick and hit people before and after games. The guy with one leg is not as mobile and not as menacing.
I am going to cut the one-legged guy some slack. I am going to bet that his life isn't as lucrative as you and me. I am willing to spot him a few coins because chances are he needs the assistance more than the guy moving from group to group begging for money. I think the police were wrong in sending him on his way. But I understand why. Many Tiger fans are from the suburb and they do not want to be harassed while downtown. The city of Detroit and the police want these people to return, so they clear the streets for them.
I understand most people want to be left alone when you are walking to the ball park. I am like that most of the time. My guard is up because I know scams are being run during every game. I usually put my head down and move on. But if you really know somebody needs money I will take care of them.
The other beggars can just move along.
