The Etiquette of Charity

I was walking down Houston Street on Saturday night, and I came across a homeless man sitting on a chair. He did own a chair, which I thought was a nice luxury item for him. On top of everything else, to be on your feet all day must make being homeless a real drag.

Anyway, he was sitting in his chair, just hammered. And around his neck was a small bucket held up by a filthy string. On it was scrawled one word:

TIPS

It raises the question -- what do you tip for absolutely no service whatsoever? Is it like with waitstaff where they factor the gratuity right into the wage? You don't want to stiff the guy. (Not that they don't make out like bandits. Cash only? Are you kidding me? Like they report everything they get!)

I went with 20%. I mean, say what you will but that guy was good. I've had people do nothing for me in the past, but never less than this.