Never give money to beggars on the side of the road...

[Reason]

I see these "professional" beggars as no different than those that make their living on the government dime.

This.

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

I was on a bus once where 2 of these con artists were comparing tips for using "will work for food" signs. "if they ever offer you a job, beg away about a bad back or something". THey were bragging about bringing in $80 a day for just standing out there - and this was years ago.

-t