Nice post Cord.
I have noticed that often times people that are well to do or in a position of power are more prone to being inconsiderate.
I used to be rather bitter towards a lot of homeless folks. After talking to a few of them you begin to see that some of them just had some really bad luck and are trying to get by. Some are batttling addiction and there are others that have just given up and seem to be waiting to be released from their shell. Never the less they are all people and should be treated as such.

A little story of my own in regards to homeless folks.
Last week I was doing a bit of forms work in a covered area at our local library. I heard someone walking toward where I was, playing a harpmonica. There are usually a few homeless folks that will stroll through here, I usually keep to myself and they keep to themselves. Sometimes they will say something to me or let out a big "HIIYYAHHHH" which usually cracks me up, and on a couple of occasions I have had them try and pick fights.
Anyways, this fellow walks by me and says "Hey, whats up brother?" in a slightly slurred voice. I replied with a slight nod as I was in the middle of an exercise. He walks past me a little ways and the kicks one of the pillars that supports the area where I like to practice. I said "Wow! That was impressive" I think that this guy thought I was being sarcastic when I said something about his kick, but I wasn't. Not often do you see a homeless dude wobbling along and then throw a kick at head height and remain standing. He replied with "Hey man, I was in Nam, I know whats up!" To that I replied "Tahnk you!" And I genuinely meant it. He had a puzzled look on his face for a second and then I repeated myself. "Thank you for your service sir". This definately took him by suprise. I visibly saw him perk up, he said thanks back to me and went on his way, walking with his head held high.

Sorry I wandered off there. Just wanted to share that...

Yesterday when I posted in this thread I was speaking out of anger due to the situation with the guy asking me for money. Today I have a more cool head, so I realize it was a little arogant for me to say that can't gangster wannabes are not tough. But even though they can be real a$$holes it's like gojuwarrior said we shouldn't blame them except for the parents who failed to raise them right.

Cord and Fisherman, excellent posts, both of you. I also have had a change of attitude towards homeless. There is a man who walks by my store fairly often, I usually see him a couple of times a week, but less in winter. I always acknowledge him if I see him, giving a wave and a smile, even if I am driving down the street, and he returns the same. When I have brought my lunch/dinner I will often give him some of it, he takes it and gives me a "God Bless You" in return.

not wanting to ruin my newly acquired halo on the subject, but my overriding opinion on homeless people is that for the vast majority they are there by their own hand. I say again, I have no sympathy for them. I just acknowledge that having to lie in the bed they have made for themselves must be a bitter experience, and it is sensible to not antagonise them on grounds of decency, and also your own safety.
Its not so long ago that one of these guys took a swing at me at work (I did a thread on it)despite me being polite and respectful. Who knows what could have happened if I had handled him with an attitude.
Self defence begins with avoiding confrontation. If that leads to treating people well, then the end truly justifies the means.