A Homeless Man is Honored For His Honesty

Several news agencies have been reporting the story of a NYC homeless man who returned a credit card. Evidentally, the man, Jay Valentine approached an advertising executive and asked her if she would give him some money. He told her that he wanted to buy a bottle of water and a pack of cigarettes from the Bodega down the street.

The woman didn't have any cash on hand, but she wanted to help him out. So, she lent him her American Express card and told him to use her card for the items and return it when he was done. Her friends, however, thought her decision to lend out her card was just plain stupid and that she was setting herself up to be ripped off. Fortunately, the man returned a short while later with his purchases and her card.

Being impressed with his honesty, a Texas man offered a $5,000 reward to Valentine in appreciation of his honesty. Also, Air Wisconsin, who sends flights out of LaGuardia Airport, has offered him a job. The New York Times has received over 100 emails offering to reward the man.

Is it just me, or does this sound silly? People are basically good and we all choose to do the right thing many times, every single day. Just because someone is homeless doesn't mean that they are liars and thieves. Of course, it isn't a good idea to hand over your credit card to anyone you don't know well and trust implicitly, but the idea that not exploiting the kindness of a stranger is reward worthy irritates me.

If you or I were to borrow someone's credit card, make some purchases and then return it when we were done, there wouldn't be a line of news reporters flocking to cover the story. Somehow, because this man is homeless, his actions show moral fortitude and incredible integrity. Because, you know, all homeless people are drug addicts and thieves. Except for this guy. Maybe if other homeless thieves see how he is rewarded, they too, will start behaving honorably when they are trying to panhandle cigarette money.

So, what about all the other homeless people out there? What do they have to do to get job offers and cash gifts? As it is, the man lucked out by getting one person to help him out with the water and smokes. In the city, a pack of cigarettes is around $10. And a bum would have to ask several people for a dollar or two to earn the $13 or so that was needed. Who is going to give the other homeless people jobs and money? Oh, that's right, all of the other homeless people are dishonest and don't deserve any help because, you know, they will just spend the money on booze and drugs or cigarettes and water.

What do you think about the media attention this story has received? Let me know in the comments.

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