Are You A Good Samaritan?

[agchristie]

How far would you go to help?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/12187881/Would-you-really-be-a-Good-Samaritan.html

[Retrochic]

Depends really. If a child was in distress or an old person looked contused i would of course help. If a young person asked to borrow my phone -no way -but I would call someone up for them or give them a lift somewhere.

I would not give money to beggars - don't care if they are dressed like a vicar or the queen. I would offer to buy them some food or a hot drink but hats a far as it would go.

There was a scam in a local town where a young Romanian girl would sit on the kerb crying and when anyone approached and bent down to ask her what was the matter the girls 'acomplice' would pick pocket the victim.

[agchristie]

Retrochic - Therein lies the dilemma in that not all situations appear to be what they seem :(

[Jackdaw33]

I agree with ag. I am generally a soft touch, especially in bad weather, but it is difficult to distinguish between the genuine needy and the professional rogue.

[bazwillrun]

"Therein lies the dilemma in that not all situations appear to be what they seem"

exactly

[Sqad]

No sorry........I wouldn't .

50 years ago my attitude would have been more helpful, but today......not a chance of giving help.

Badly dressed individuals may be drunk, drug addicts or just robbers, waiting to nick something...wallet, watch etc. I wouldn't take that chance.

Mrs sqad, took control of a crying child at an airport and when mother arrived she was abused and told to f.ck off.

I would not get involved in a fracas, particularly at night and that for me sums up my attitude in the UK in the 21st century.

[andy-hughes]

I would not hand my mobile over to a stranger, but I would be happy to make a call for them.

I do give money when I feel the need is genuine. We used to have a saying when I was a Samaritan volunteer - If you haven't been 'taken in' at least once, you are not listening properly.

I can take the risk of being ripped off if I feel that the situation is genuine, rather that than risk someone being without food or shelter.

I remember taking pity on a guy in Birmingham years ago, he looked really ill and was shivering. I bought him a MacDonalds and gave him ten pounds towards a B & B and he was so grateful and obviously genuine, so I have no problem in situations like that.

[Cloverjo]

OH once found a lost child in our village, which is a holiday resort. He recognised the child and thought he'd seen the parents go into the pub. He walked the child to it, but was accosted by another member of the boy's family, who of course, accused him being a paedophile and about to kidnap him.
I still like to think I would help a lost child or confused elderly person.

[andy-hughes]

Cloverjo - //I still like to think I would help a lost child or confused elderly person. //

I would, and always have, gone to the aid of a distressed child, but the difference now from years ago is that I would find a lady as soon as possible and involve her in the situation, so no accusations could be levelled later.

[Cloverjo]

It's sad that things have turned out this way. Wasn't there a case in the last couple of years where a child was killed while walking alone on a busy road? Lots of men had seen she was distressed and alone, but they were too scared of what they might be accused of if they stopped to help her.

[sp1814]

Mobile phone...no. I would offer to make the call to them, but not hand over my iPhone. I think that's daft.

Distressed, crying child? I would approach, but would keep my eye out for someone else (preferably a woman) to assist.

Giving money to homeless people? Occasionally, but not as a rule. I give monthly to Shelter, but once in a while I will give a tenner to a homeless person, if only so they can afford some better quality drugs.

[retrocop]

I was a good samaritan for 30 years and paid for it as well. As sqad says nowadays my assistance goes to my family,known trusty friend and ABers on the crossword section. I will render first aid and give directions providing I can keep my hand firmly on my wallet. :-(

[viv41]

Not so much with people, even though in the past I've gven to peeple begging, but I don't feel a lot of them can be trusted nowadays. I would always speak up if I see a dog being abused though, as I often have, but it's hard because I'm sure the abuse wll go on when I'm not there ...

[Hypognosis]

@agchristie

The Good Samaritan parable? Gateway drug to collection plates.

:-)

Back in primary school, someone came to me, saying their mum hadn't given him any lunch money, so I lent him some. He promised to pay me back but never did. Found him in a hidey hole, smoking, not long after. Some weeks later, discovered he lived barely 100 yards from the school. I was still asking for the money back in my teens and it made him seethe.

Anyway, that's why I'm mean to beggars and friendships only last as long as it takes them to ask me for a taxi fare (ie emptied their wallet, at the bar and expect me to bail them out). Why people think I'm made of money, I have no idea.

[bobbie22]

I personally would not help anyone. I am old now, but years ago, I got my bag nicked when I tried to help someone, and am now paranoid about it. Better to be safe than sorry. Sorry I feel like that, but I have to look after myself.

[Hypognosis]

It's funny* how many beggars can somehow afford to keep a dog, isn't it?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/12180784/Cornwall-beggar-filmed-getting-into-Audi-TT-sports-car.html


* not any more, it isn't.

[Baldric]

Posted this on similar thread last year

///I know one in E/Kent who spends all day sat in an Arcade with a skinny looking Dog sharing his flattened cardboard box cushion and a sign saying 'homeless please help' in front of them.
Was waiting to pick OH up in local car-park early one evening, he and the dog turned up, got into a 62 plated Passat Estate parked next to me and drove off.///

[Gavmacp]

I knew one that had a mansion and servants!

[ummmm]

Being a good Samaritan is not about giving money though.

[douglas9401]

Neither a borrower nor a lender be.

Or something.

[RATTER15]

I would do what I could to help anybody, I would however be cautious depending on the situation.