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Can Beggars be Choosers?
A few recent experiences will help find an answer
Considering most of us take umbrage at every point made, I have to begin with a clarification. What you are about to read is by no means condescending and should not be construed as anything other than what is being explained. The narrative is based on a series of recent experiences that were surprising to the hilt and irritating to a significant extent.
While begging is not entirely an unknown phenomenon in Europe, the influx of refugees in the recent decades has coincided with a significant increase in the number of beggars.
It is a fact that a huge majority of those begging in the streets of Europe belong to countries whose citizens, after having made desperate efforts to get to the continent, have somehow made it in. Illegal entry, followed by no free access to the taxpayers’ money, as is the case for millions, has made them resort to begging. Pardon me for being so blunt, but it is true.
Even though begging is not deemed a crime in Europe, the rising number of beggars is slowly but surely becoming a social problem of epic proportions. In fact, some countries have either imposed or are contemplating imposing a permanent ban.
