A nonpartisan candidate for city council in Southern California has been accused of dropping off his elderly, wheelchair-bound mother to panhandle for the last decade, even though they're not homeless.
David Chey has been caught on camera leaving Soon Chey, 86, in her wheelchair in the downtown district of Laguna Beach with a sign that reads, 'please, help me.'
'They have a brand new car, live in a condo in Irvine, yet beg for our help,' local business owner Heidi Miller told DailyMail.com.
'And Adult Protective Services have gone out there and can't do anything, because she says she enjoys begging. He's pretty much brainwashed her.'
2 comments:
I routinely refuse to give money to panhandlers as I've read far too many stories having similar themes. Four exceptions come to mind (over a period of 40+ years of actual adulthood):
1) One guy's sign said: "Why lie? I need a beer!" OK, he's at least honest about it and it gave me a chuckle. Here's a dollar - don't forget to tip the bartender.
2) One guy was walking an off-ramp near the I-95 corridor carrying a jar clasped between the stumps of two arms amputated above the elbow. This guy was likely legit and got a decent donation.
3) Two different folks over the last 18 months. Both having signs posting hard-luck stories; but they were NOT begging. The first guy had an accordion and was playing some polka-like music while his wife (?) played tambourine. The second fellow was playing excellent classical-style music from a well-worn violin. These folks were too proud to outright beg, and were willing to work within the limits of their capabilities to provide valuable entertainment in return for remuneration. They had my respect and a good chunk of my wallet in both cases.
Most get ignored. A few get help. Met a guy walking south on Rt. 1 in Virginia with a backpack on. We ended up at the same gas station. He said he was headed to North Carolina (about 90 miles) for work and family. Didn't ask for anything but a 6 inch sandwich. He left with two Subway footlongs, some big water bottles, snacks, beef jerky, and the cash I had in my wallet.
I have always wondered what happened to him...
Some people need help. Many are just lazy assholes.
Jeremy P.
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