No One Is Blinder Than He Who Will Not See...

The other day, I was stopped by a man who asked me for money.

It's a common occurance that happens in cities across the country. I usually am stopped by no less than four people a week and their stories are almost always variations on the same theme.

Down on their luck vet, car broke down, lost their job and/or their way. It usually starts with a "warm open" sales pitch of sorts, where the person attempts to set the mark at ease with a friendly introduction of themselves followed by an observation of the weather or they will notice something about the mark or the mark's car that will elicit a compliment of sorts.

The goal is to set the mark at ease, possibly engage them in some brief chitchat before delivering the pitch. Sometimes, the person will show their ID card or driver's license because everyone knows that credentials always set someone's mind at ease, right?

"Hey, I'm just a guy like you. See? I have a driver's license. I just fell on hard times, you see and..."

This guy followed the formula and if it was any other day, I may have tossed him a little coin. I'm not a big believer in karma, but I don't mind giving a little just in case someone actually does need the help.

Today, however, I didn't have any cash. Not one penny, nickel or dime. It depressed me beyond belief to realize that the guy who was asking me for change probably had more in his pocket than I did in my bank account.

This morning, I was flat broke.