If the Whole Banking Thing Doesn't Work Out

The fact is there are very few places outside of banking where someone can earn six figures right out of college. But it appears that Gary Thompson of Lexington, Ky has found one and, based on some of your comments, a few of you might be a natural for this gig. Okay, I'm just kidding about that. But who knew there was this kind of dough in reprising Johnny Knoxville's role in The Ringer as a street performer? This scumbag's pulling in a hundred grand a year with this schtick. So I ask you: is he an innovator, or is there a special place in Hell waiting for him?

Bogus beggar busted

 
Best Response

I remember this panhandler given money in a NYC subway. Then he ran into this neatly dressed lady who gave him a $5 and she told the guy she got the $5 from a religious lady and the location of where she got it from. It became pretty obvious that they knew each other and were exchanging tips on good locations and tactics for panhandling.

Also, there's this one guy I recognized after a while of seeing him and hearing him give his story while asking for money. His first story was that he was a Vietnam Vet with bone cancer. Second story, lost his job in economic crisis, needs to pay for wife's treatment. Third story, volunteer fireman trying to feed the homeless. The third story lasted the longest, I guess it was the most successful. And every Thursday, without fail, he'd be in the train I was taking. I guess he planned some kind of schedule.

Hell... there's more panhandlers/con artists that made my blood boil in the NYC subway...but oh wells, I'll leave it at that.

Long story short, this guy isn't an innovator, this is far more common than you think. That's actually why I never give money to anyone other than recognized charities and people who collect cans (now they're actually in need of help).

EDIT: Before I forget, The Simpsons even did an episode on this crap

73 good sir!
 

He's not forcing anyone to give him cash so more power to him. He's got quite a hustle for himself taking money from idiots who think that the best way to help a "mentally handicapped" man is to give him cash while he rolls around on the sidewalk.

"Yes. Money has been a little bit tight lately, but at the end of my life, when I'm sitting on my yacht, am I gonna be thinking about how much money I have? No. I'm gonna be thinking about how many friends I have and my children and my comedy albums."
 

The panhandlers in Austin by UT are called "drag rats." Some are absolute experts at creating sympathy but most of those guys move downtown where money is. I can see where this guy gets his talents from...

"Now watch this drive." -W.
 
kyleyboy:
I'm embarassed to be from kentucky after seeing this. Still though, he's got some major skills to manipulate that many people. I almost respect him a little bit.
What skills does this require really? I'm pretty sure anyone could do this. You just sit in a wheelchair and act retarded and ask for money. It's not like it's that hard. It's just a dick thing to do.
 

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