I don't mind so much when perfect strangers ask me for money on the streets. My first couple of trips to New York City in my teens weened me of that real quick-like. Also, I've certainly been poor myself - not sure where my rent money is coming from, and finding myself in the uncomfortable position of borrowing money from a friend. But on the occasions when said friend(s) have politely declined the offer to divulge themselves of some cash for my benefit by saying "I'm sorry," I have not reacted with consternation. I personally would rather receive an affable denial, as opposed to say, responding with a fiery "how dare you accost me!" or a cold, hard, snubbing that implies, "why don't you just get a job and make your own damn money?!"

Since we're all living in a civilization here, I would've thought that most people would also prefer a cordial response, as to a rude one. Mind you, I certainly don't expect a "God bless you" to follow "Hey, you got any spare change?", yet I don't understand why a polite, "Sorry, no" incites ire. On a few occasions (and only in Portland), I have either witnessed or personally experienced a whiny/angry "Gaaaaaaaahd! DON'T ever say you're SORRY!!!" to this response. Hey, guess what? When you respond thusly, that makes me glad that I/they didn't give you money. Take note - if you ask someone for a favor, you don't get to choose how they react to the inquiry. If I wanna be courteous, smile and say sorry, I WILL be courteous, you assholes - so fuck you!