Yup a Gypsy
Not sure what the defination of Gypsie is in North America but here is Europe it is probably very different.
The Gypsies tend to belong to an ancient tradition of traveling people. They have a strong sense of identity and generally behave well.
Now-a-days, most Gypsies live in conventional caravans, (trailers), or Residential vehicles. Most are not short of a bob or two.
Gypsies are recognised as a legitimate national group in society. Laws exist providing all local authorities to make provision for them. They have a council and are generally well organised.
www.gypsy-association.com/gypsycouncil.htmlwww.grtleeds.co.uk/information/GypsyCouncil.htmlThe Tinkers mostly come from Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland they are part of an ancient group which is generally outcast from mainstream society.
They are not Gypsies. They are a left over from the ancient Irish clan structure.
They usually arrive quite suddenly, camping on some public land or some farmer's field.
They tend to keep themselves to themselves except then they are breaking into empty homes, stealing cars or conning old people to do unnecessary work.
They generally vanish quite quickly after a few days. Generally leaving behind huge amounts of garbage.
Tinkers are sadly, a social disease. They are so cut off from society. Their culture makes it very difficult for them to integrate anywhere. While it is very difficult for the authorities to catch any of these people, let alone find any evidence againt them, their involvement with petty crime is widely accepted.
The New Age travelers are the successors to the hippies of the 60s. They tend to wander around in clapped out vans and trucks, occasionally a caravan. They generally try to avoid trouble. They beg, busk and sometimes collect social security when they can get it.
They claim to seek a natural existance. But frequently are joined by psychopaths who can cause enormous amounts of trouble for them and others.
Most are young, under 30. Many have reasonably to very wealthy parents, but some are from comparitively poor backgrounds.
The authorities generall leave the travelers alone. As young people they eventually grow up and lead normal lives.
The biggest problem for the authorities is the decision of the Gypsie Council to recognise Tinkers and travelors as being almost on a par with them socially.
