The commons refers to public resources that are commonly owned. This could be land or food or .... And this week finds Missoula's Glorious City Representatives debating on whether or not, we as a City, should criminalize sleeping in Our commons. These changes are being considered for Missoula's "pedestrian interference" ordinance and they would limit the public places where people can sleep, lie and convene. The proposed rules would make it unlawful for people to lie or sleep on streets, sidewalks and public rights-of-way. It would also make it illegal for people to "walk, stand, sit, lie or place an object" where it obstructs walkers by leaving them less than 6 feet of room to pass. It makes some exceptions as well. For each unlawful infraction there would be a $100 fine. And get this, all these new $100 fines for people who Obviously, can not afford them, might even be able to be worked off through a community service program!
See Missoulian article: "Missoula City Council committee debates 2nd panhandling ordinance" http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_aec28efa-8d47-11de-ba3f-001cc4c002e0.html )
Why, it wasn't to long ago that the Nazi's instituted and profited from a community service program known as forced labor camps, and now the City of Missoula, has embarked on handing out $100 fines to people who can not afford them, and PRESTO! Free labor camps for Missoula! But wait, who among our Representatives is even considering or talking about this?
Really, if there are "problems" (during the summer months) with homeless people in Missoula's commons, then why NOT deal with the "problems?" If people are Forced to pee on sidewalks or in public alleys, IT'S because, the City does NOT have adequate restrooms downtown! If there needs? to be 6 feet clearance for pedestrians to pass (Missoulans don't like cuddies), then
close OFF the downtown streets to CARS, and make ALL that common space available to pedestrians! If homeless people (who are pedestrians also, after all) need a place to hang out, why set aside some space in some of the public places (like parks) for sleeping/tenting camps with rules of proper behaviors of course!
Please read Montana's Constitution ...
In it, Article ll - Section 3. Inalienable rights. All persons are born free and have certain inalienable rights. They include the right to a clean and healthful environment and the rights of pursuing life's basic necessities, enjoying and defending their lives and liberties, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and seeking their safety, health and happiness in all lawful ways.
Come on City Representatives, use your HEADS, instead of your other parts to think!
"The human race is unimportant. It is the self that must not be betrayed." "I suppose one could say that Hitler didn't betray himself." "You are right. He did not. But, millions of Germans did betray their selves. That was the tragedy. Not that one man had the courage to be evil. But that millions had not the courage to be good." from The Magus, John Fowles
As always, Think about it and I'd like to encourage your comments about this important topic. Please feel free to ask your City Councilor or Your City Attorney or Your City Employee (this could also apply to County or State) ...
Rick Gold
Missoula, MT
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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