Overheard in D.C.: The Begging vs. Choosing Debate

On the streets of Georgetown, I once had a conversation with a homeless man about tuna fish sandwiches. I was carrying a large box down the street, and he quite logically thought there was a good chance I had a tuna fish sandwich inside, or perhaps many sandwiches, hence my need for a large container in which to carry them. When he inquired as to the existence of the sandwiches, I was forced to inform him, with regret, that I had none. But we continued talking for a little while, and eventually came to the conclusion that tuna fish sandwiches are quite tasty. And it's those kinds of conversations that make us love living in the city.

Quote of the Week

Outside Marvelous Market, Dupont Circle:

Homeless Man (chanting repeatedly): "Come on, everybody, help the homeless, help me get something to eat, just a little something to eat..."
Girl comes out of store, offers man a sandwich: "Here, I got you a chicken sandwich."
Homeless Man: "Oh no, man, I don't eat chicken."
Girl, confused: "Are you sure? It's really good--maybe one of your friends might want it?"
Homeless Man: "No, man, my friends don't eat that shit neither."

After the jump, more selective panhandlers, swimming upstream at the airport, and the wrong way to offer someone chocolate.

There's a chill in the air, but it's not quite earmuff season yet. So listen while you can, and send us what you hear at overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

Photo by Flickr user a nameless yeast.