I have to share this. Years ago, I need a typewriter for school - that's was a way back. So they are expensive. My uncle says - hey, I can get you a great one, cheap (hmm!). He was a shady guy from NJ. So he and my dad (both reasonable tough guys in their time) plus moi, get in Uncle's car to get the typewriter in some East Side of NYC warehouse district at night. We get the typewriter.
At an intersection, a bum (as called in those days) comes up to Uncle's window. He asks for a handout. Unk says - Get out of here you bum. I work for a living. This makes my Dad crackup. SO - condition Orange - the bum reaches into his coat. He pulls out an old
-------------- FISH. Then he rubs it all over the windshield and runs away.
You can't get fish off with the wipers. Dad is laughing and yelling tough guy over and over.
So, when do you draw - at the furtive movement or fish attack?
Now seriously, after taking Insights' SVT and some others, I catch the gaze of the ongoing dude and shake my head NO. If he continues and verbalizes, I say - Sorry, I can't help you. I keep moving if possible.
It has worked in various iffy downtowns. Portland, San Antonio, DC, KC, etc.
No need for other options. As I strolled away, I've seen the same bum up in the face of the clueless.
I will give a buck to fun street musicians.
On another day, I will deal with crazed saxophone plays with no legs on the NYC subway.