Begging
The compassion shown by people who choose to give money to beggars should be commended and respected. At the same time, handouts may encourage beggars to continue with their street lifestyles, rather than bringing about real and lasting change.
St Mungo's believes campaigning should not discourage people from giving. Instead, it should educate them about the real issues facing people on the streets: the lack of appropriate accommodation, the lack of employment and training opportunities, and the inequality of access to health and social services.
Armed with this information, concerned individuals would have the tools to be able to respond to begging appropriately and compassionately. They would know that giving their money where it counts - to charities such as St Mungo's - can make a real and positive impact on the lives of rough sleepers.
Spare a Copper
"Spare a copper"
"For the blind mans eye"
Whispers a beggar
As you hurry on by
His clothing is ragged
And seen better days
A face thats haggard
And needing a shave
"Spare a copper"
"For the blind mans eye"
He whispers again
As you stop near by
You notice the scars
That cover his face
And notice the eyes
That stare into space
Then you notice the medals
Brilliant and clean
Plus all the ribbons
Of the service he's seen
Most are for the cold
Of the Baltic States
You ask him a question
"What happened old mate?"
I was a soldier of
Country and Queen
Fighting your wars
To keep you all free
I was blown up in ambush
In Southern Iraq
Killed all my buddies
In that terrible attack
Blew out my eyes
A soldier no more
And this is my reward
Homless and poor
I gave him some money
All that I had
Is this the way to
Treat our brave lads?
"Spare a copper"
"For the blind mans eye"
I heard him pleading
As I walked on by.
As an ex serviceman
I find the MoD
One of the most
Callus and despotic
Arms of government
They just don't give
A toss for our veterans.
Peter Wicks
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