Well, this is a spin off of Gideon's blog about criminalizing poverty (found here: http://gideon-macleish.joeuser.com/index.asp?AID=135894)

This is kind of in the same vein, and if not for his article, I would not have thought to write about this.  BUT.  It is not about his article and I dont think it really is the same except in the eyes of the ACLU.

In the eyes of the courts, a Municipality can restrict pan handling around ATMs and restaurants.  My Town wants to do it in the Business district.  Given I work there, and given there is no lack of resources for the truly homeless, I support it.  And think the ACLU is picking a bunch of nits.

What is the difference between the ATM and a post office?  That the distance is but mere feet?  Not much.  The panhandlers are there every day.  Come on!  They are not indigent!  They are working!  Working a sob story for the soft spots that pass them by but once a month.  As I work there, I know they are there every day.  One, who does it from a wheel chair (hep me! Hep me!  I am a wounded duck!), I have seen CARRYING his wheel chair onto a bus to go home!  Another, has been there every day, and tries a different tack every day.

Ok, some are probably needy.  But Richmond is a very compassionate town and there are outlets for them to get real, non-booze, non-cigarette assistance.  Indeed, we have an over abundance of capacity (at this time) and the director of the main shelter (a Non profit organization) has asked that we not cater to the shylocks and drunks.

So what is wrong with the shysters plying their trade in business areas?  The ACLU says that is a restriction of Freedom of speech.  Really?  Why?  The SCOTUS has already ruled that restricting them from restuarants and ATMs is not.  So why restricting them from the Business district is somehow different?

But like the proverbial bull in the china shop, the ACLU is threatening to SUE!  Their only argument is not rights, just cost.  This time, they cannot play the race card (the Mayor is black) so they have to play the blackmail card.

But I think this city is not going to cave.  And I do applaud them.  You dont have gas and need some money?  Show me your empty gas gauge.  You are crippled and cannot work?  How did you carry your wheel chair unto the bus?

Sorry, it may be free speech to sops, but to the rest of us, it is labeled "SUCKER", and there is no free speech that demands we allow you to make that statement to the rest of us.

Enough of the stupid.  Now for the good.

We had our marathon.  A Kenyan won The Mens (big gasp of surprise).  BUT!  A local lady won the Womens! (Roar of Cheers!).  Unfortunately, she was a lawyer.

But hey!  maybe she is not in bed with the sharks!  And is really a nice person? (actually she is, and I only kid her!).  I am very proud of Maureen Ackley!

And Justin Verlander!  Another local product who pitched very well for the Detroit Tigers!

And last and least, I am ashamed I know Jim Meunier.  A teacher, a father of 3, and a member of my church.  Who tried to commit suicide after being accused of statutory rape.  The accusation may be nothing (altho at the speed the local police worked, that is suspect), but his actions indicate a man undone.

All about town.  Some good, some bad, but life in the real world