Envelopes and Rubberbands and the widespread economic impact in San Francisco

I was in San Francisco two weeks ago when I came across a man groveling for cash. I briefly read his sign as I was passing. I had to take a double take. Here’s what the sign said:

I HAVE NO MONEY BECAUSE YOU ARE UNSING ENVELopes AND Rubberbands. fold THE CASH

I don’t exactly know what it means but apparantly it has caused this man much hardship. I questioned the man and he asked me if I saw him on television. I told him I was from out of town. He then mumbled something under his breath. I gave the man a dollar and asked if I could snap his photo. He seemed happy to oblige.

The sign was interesting but not as good as the one I saw last year in San Francisco. An African American man was holding a sign that read:

I am collecting money for the U.N.P.F.
(United Negro Pizza Fund)

As I walked by I stopped, did a double take, and laughed. He said “You like that?” “It’s worth something” he grinned. I agreed and promptly whipped out a buck. He said thanks and I went about my business.