Yohai -Yafo Street DSCN1793

This photo makes me quite curious. I want to know who he is, why is he seemingly begging? Looking at him, he is decently dressed and even uses a small cushion to rest on. Wouldn't expect a pauper to pay attention to his comfort... The single coin in his hand is remarkable in that he does not use a begging bowl (some would use the cap), unless it is placed on the other side.

The other thing is the ethical issue about taking photos of people seeking alms. Do we necessarily ask them? They may take things in a different way and feel like some sort of exhibit related to their financial position. I have felt uncomfortable in such a situation before and have not taken photos.

The posture and hand are magnificant. Great tones..! Spot on composed..! "Congrats."

Pay them fairly and you will both feel better. Don't ask when they are sleeping :-)

Has a lyricism; he's positioned in supplication, is graceful and decently dressed on what may be a prayer pillow with his outstretched hand perhaps begging for more than money.  The dappled sunlight is nice.  It is echoed in the cigarette butts.  Together, and with the man, it forms a triangle -- an interesting composition.  

Very interesting observation. Lyricism...yes, that's the word. It enabled me to look at the photo in greater depth and enhanced my understanding of the composition. Probably the man is praying but has kept his opportunities open. Thanks.

At first I had a impression that he, actually, is giving a coin. It does look that money is not what he really want's. He needs a help for sure!

This sight is becoming pretty common, at least in countries around the Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of beggars in Rome assuming this posture, too.

There must be a whole process behind this "endpoint". They are not different from those asking for a spare change in London.

An easily replicable photo, alas.

The increasing divide in wealth should touch us.

Which per se is not a bad thing.

kept within limits, it's the engine of economic and social growth.

Beyond certain limits and without the principle of solidarity,  it's just the exploitation of the weaker by the wealthier.

L.

hmmm thinking to myself. Does Sweden have this sector?

Sweden is probably a very particular example of wealth re-distribution. But the highest tax rate is around 60%.

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

2.. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!

It depends.

I agree, this is the normal American-liberal policy, which of course is absolutely fine.

There are other possible economic policies, where the government takes responsibility for wealth redistribution. The European way to welfare.

1) I agree. But in some way the wealthier can take responsibility for the poorer and make them do better;
2), 3), 4): It is not as simple as that: collectivity can take responsibility and produce a collective advantage. Of course there is an individual responsibility. Each individual has to contribute as much as he can to the collective wealth.

I am an economist, and can tell you that, under certain circumstances, redistribution will produce collective benefits. Under certain circumstances, wealth can be multiplied. It's a bit complex to explain here, but there is an extensive economic research on this.

Btw: as I see it, this beggar is young and fit. He can be a contributor, rather than a "receiver".