A Beg Issue

The other day I was approached by a young man outside Westminster Cathedral. He was carrying "The Big Issue" magazine and had he not called out to me I'd have been off like a shot. He asked if I could spare some change so he could get something to eat. I was so relieved at not being asked to buy the wretched magazine that I dug deep into my pocket and found some money for him. I have to admit that although I have never read that magazine it always gives me the creeps when I see people selling it. I wonder why?