Rainy Dangers for Tall People

And I don't mean because tall people get wet first- I mean because when rainy, everyone elses umbrellas are somewhere between my neck and eye level. Quickly, the safety and security of a sidewalk turns into an alleyway where eyes can be lost and jugulars can be sliced on a whim.

Now I cannot blame those who are vertically challenged as the only thing they ever need to look up towards are, well, tall people; however that doesn't mean that courtesy of personal space should be neglected either. Think of how we often shuffle out of the way if we have a large bag or briefcase so as to not hit or bump those nearby...now think of how most people tear down the sidewalk with metal spears gouging out a 3 foot radius around them!

Now I cannot fairly say that everyone is so absent minded. It's usually those shrouded beneath their nylon shelter and focused on the puddles two feet ahead of them who neglect to notice that their weaponry is invading the faces of those over six feet tall.

But then again, I hate rain- so i smile at it. It pisses rain off.

Racial Appeals

I know that there are only 250 black ppl in all of San Francisco proper, but every single time I get approached by a black pan-handler, they make appeals to my race. Now admittedly, these are decent sales people b/c they are able to connect with their target, but how is this so universal?!

Bum: "heh-hey my brotha, can I get some change?"
me: "No I don't have any on me. Sorry about that-"
Bum: "C'mon man, help a brotha out?!"
me: "Sorry but I don't have any change..."
Bum: *to me in the distance* "I'ma tell the NAACP!"
me: *!?*

I know that we have both experienced racial injustice, but it's tough to appreciate that when I'm being reduced to merely a shade of skin. Unfortunately, there's no affirmative action policy in place for the distribution of my spare change and no preferential treatment either; rather, it's on a first come first serve basis.

The Gauntlet

So outside of my office there is a group soliciting donations (aka, long-term commitments) to an organization called Children's International (CI).
*I have no problem with charity*
The problem is that they square you up from about 40 ft. away and proceed to lambaste you with bios and photos of children from far off lands who desperately need MY help. Unfortunately for them and these streets sales people, MY help won't get them very far. There are a few things that I cannot help but resent amidst these encounters:

1) Do NOT make me feel bad about not volunteering my MONEY to your cause. I might be a bleeding heart liberal who believes in crazy and ludicrous things such as the redistribution of wealth, but I do not believe that anyone should be guilted into doing so.

2) $22/mo. isn't much money. True. But for a guy who has just moved to one of the most expensive cities in the country (by choice), that could cover alot of things. Not to mention they're not looking for one time donations but for monthly commitments! Allow me to tally up the monthly commitments for which I am responsible...Insurance, rent, car, public transportation, utilities. Damn me for enjoying my other monthly luxuries with which I am unable to depart: gym, groceries, gas, time with friends...shall I go on? Of course to these CI street folks, I'm just a selfish prick in the NorthFace jacket who can't afford $22/mo. (which she conveniently pointed out). That's not the point...

3) BUT, since we're judging people, if you think I'm going to give my bank number to someone standing on Market St. w/ a nose ring, dirty finger nails, and a grubby back pack; then place it on a piece of paper with dusty finger prints at its edges, I recommend you shove it up your ass.

5) "What larger organizations have you targeted and who are your big-name sponsors?" -Me.
"Well, I don't know but we need people like YOU to donate" -her.
"Someone new here and barely above financial water in the city?" -Me.
"Yes!" -her.
"*???* I'd feel more comfortable donating my time than my money" - Me.
Yeh, that didn't fly b/c for whatever reason, my TIME wasn't good enough. Unacceptable. You'd think that for someone who really cares this much about the child in Venezuela (to whom their money is blindly going) that they would want my help in any way possible.

The bottom line is that charity is something that we should volunteer our resources to as we are able. The intention of this organization is undoubtedly a noble one and I truly admire their desire to reach out to those in need. In the meantime however, I don't want some CI street person talking to me about it unless my money approaches them. While I'm doing something truly wonderful with the $22/mo. that I will "never miss", the point is that I WANT to see what my money is going to and what it is doing! I won't see this child in an after school program and I'd receive a picture (that may or may not be real) once every 6 months. It would be, by far, one of the most detached and posture driven monetary investments that I have ever made. Again, that might be selfish, but there's no such thing as pure altruism. If someone holds the opinion that I'm a bad person who will reap bad-karma for my greed and gluttony, then may I reap what I've sown. Don't try to save me by guilting me into donating my money.