Dear Abby

[AstralCrux]

DEAR ABBY: I recently witnessed something that renewed my faith in the younger generation.

I was on my way to a craft festival recently and was passing under a freeway overpass. There were the usual homeless people asleep under the bridge, including one man who was sprawled on the concrete. Two young people walking by wore spiked hair, piercings, tattoos -- the whole "Goth" look.

One of them bent down next to the homeless man, then stood up and kept walking. I was concerned about what they might have done, so I walked over to the man. I found the young man had left a bottle of water for the homeless man.

I ran to catch up with the couple and told them I had seen what they did and wanted to shake their hands. The young man just shrugged and said he thought the man might be thirsty.

With young people like that walking our streets, I no longer worry about the future of our country. -- JOEL IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

DEAR JOEL: Your letter, like the previous one, is a breath of fresh air. By not prejudging a person by his or her appearance we can put an end to stereotyping. Thank you for sharing your experience with me and my readers.

[Jadis]

While it's easier said than done ... "don't judge a book by its cover" is a pretty decent idea.

[Fierce Critter]

Cool.

[Destroit]

Yay, actually I've noticed that goth people from my own personal observation are more kind and considerate than most wiggers and preppy kids. I personally always give money to homeless people, even though I know they'll probably blow it on something not worth it (i.e. drugs, booze, or cigarettes), but on the chance that maybe they really do need it. I figure if they're lying to me then let that rest on their karma, not mine. Preppy kids are usually spoiled and say "get a job!" when they have none to speak of themselves since they have an account at the Bank of Parents. Wigger/thug kids are always trying to be "hard" so they'll be all "fuck da homeless, g" (because you know 25 Mile and Van Dyke....WHEW...rough neighborhood there. Lol there's so many dumb little thug wannabes walking around in rich neighborhoods I feel like calling them "Birmingham's Most Wanted" after that one movie).

[Homicidalheathen]

Thing is, goth boy has probably been down on his luck......and understands what homeless guy is going through more than anyone....maybe why he is goth. Maybe got kicked out early like me....and had to be tough.....and the tough edge just kinda stuck.

[Reaper]

I understand some of the circumstances that the homeless get into. But in order for me to give them money, I would rather see them work for the money rather than just be given it. I actually had some guy around Hamtramack today sitting in the McDonalds asking if anyone wanted to buy some incense so he could get himself a fish sandwich and a drink. Since I did need more incense I bought a couple of bundles. Now whether he goes to actually blow it on something bad for him is left to be seen. But he tried to create a service to get money and that is what I like to see. None of that sly talk to get money or simple bumming.