Alan,

I for one have no hard feelings toward you in the least. I to have been taken advantage of by folks with a sad story. I to have given money or goods that I could ill afford to help someone with a sad story.

I can well remember once in St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. As I was leaving the Sanctuary, an older black woman asked me to buy her some food. She said she'd spent the last of her money on medicine and was hungry. I happened to have some money in my shirt pocket, change from buying breakfast. I gave it to her. I later told my wife about it, and she asked if I figured the woman was on the level or if she'd took the money to buy booze or drugs. I was of the opinion, that if she was on the level, charity was good for my soul. And if she was scamming, in a Cathedral no less, then it was on her soul, not mine.

I can understand one who has been burned staying away from the fire. And besides, you are giving everything Dread personally asked for. Thanks for your honesty.