Question

read the excerpt from the interview with e.y. (yip) harburg.

the prevailing greeting at that time, on every block you passed, by some poor guy coming up, was: \can you spare a dime?\ or: \can you spare something for a cup of coffee?\... \brother, can you spare a dime?\ finally hit on every block, on every street. i thought that could be a beautiful title. if i could only work it out by telling people, through the song, it isnt just a man asking for a dime.

this is the man who says: i built the railroads. i built that tower. i fought your wars. i was the kid with the drum. why the hell should i be standing in line now? what happened to all this wealth i created?

why does harburg feel that \brother, can you spare a dime?\ is a legitimate question, not just a plea from a beggar?

all of the wealthy had retained their riches,

Explanation:

The man asking for a dime (or help) is someone who contributed to society—built railroads, towers, fought wars, was part of national life (like the “kid with the drum”). He created wealth and now faces hardship, so his plea is about justice/legitimacy (why he’s in need after contributing) rather than just begging.

Answer:

The man asking for a dime is not just a beggar because he is someone who contributed to society (built railroads, towers, fought wars, was a “kid with the drum”), created wealth, and now faces hardship. His question is about the unfairness of his situation after his contributions, making it a legitimate inquiry about justice rather than a mere plea for charity.