Adventures with Panhandlers

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Because I'm a downtown sort of guy, I get hit up by panhandlers all the time. Usually, they either want money or cigarettes, although sometimes, they actually ask for pot. One night, I was eating and getting loaded at a Downtown Colorado Springs bar. I went outside to smoke on the patio, when I was approached by a fellow who was walking by. He struck up a conversation, during which he found out that I'm a veteran. Suddenly, so was he. (But knew absolutely nothing about the military.) Eventually, he asked me for ten bucks. Not spare change, not a dollar, but ten dollars. I don't give to panhandlers, no matter how much they ask for, so I wished him good luck and went to drink some more. On the way back to my place, I encountered a homeless guy pushing his bike, loaded with all of his possessions, up the sidewalk, minding his business, not begging for money at all. I gave him a buck. A few of my friend's were, in no certain terms, against my generosity. "He's just going to spend it on booze," they said. Well, yeah, I hoped he would buy food with it, but if not, I WANTED him to buy alcohol. That has to be a tough life, and if it were me, I'd want some booze once in awhile too. Was I wrong? Do you ever give to panhandlers? Even if they don't ask? What about street musicians, who are usually very talented and at least trying to earn their money? I'm just curious, is all.