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- In Orlando there's a law prohibiting large group feedings in parks, a law that some say is meant to keep homeless people away from expensive neighborhoods and tourist areas. According to the Orlando Sentinel, jurors acquitted Eric Montanez of a misdemeanor charge for violating this ban. He is also part of a constitutional court case, calling for the Constitutionality of the ban with the ACLU. What do you think of this ban on large group feedings?
Man charged for feeding homeless acquitted
Posted by: njensen
Date: Mon, 2007-10-15 20:19
Date: Mon, 2007-10-15 20:19
Teen Homelessness
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ban on group feedings
i think the ban is wrong .i mean whoever thought of this should think about being in those ppls shoes .if they were starving and homeless that theyd want help,right cuz i know i would.
From Another Point of View....
Picture it in the eyes of a homeless person- by law, it is banned that anyone can host a group feeding and how does that have an impact on you? I'd say a pretty big one, considering you might not know where your next meal comes from. Why make it inconvenient for those already inconvenienced?
Ban on Group Feeding
I can look at this in a couple of very different ways. I feel the same way bmillard does. Give me a reason why helping someone or many someones is harmful, hurtful or against the law even if it is done in a very public place. If my father, mother, grandmother or myself were homeless, I would be grateful for anything society has to offer.
There are many homeless people in this world who have been homeless and are homeless for very different reasons. Many reasons are out of the individuals control.
Many children are born into homelessness and do not know any other way.Or struggle to find a way.
Regardless of the issue and circumstances surrounding the issue, these individuals are people in need of help.
If one person gave another person a meal at a park and you share your wealth, how is that a crime?
Why is it then not against the law to feed dogs, pigeons and other living things in the park. Maybe it is and I do not know it.
On the other, less meaningful, aesthetic hand, there are so many individuals who look at homeless, rather do not want to look at homeless around the area where they reside or may visit. This area includes parks.
Many people would rather sweep the homeless under a rug and forget about "them" whoever "them" are. Again, it could be their child, mother, cousin, father etc.
There seems to be a need for a group gathering in the area the meals took place and someone has decided to take action. I would be so lucky to be so bold and take a stand for what I feel and think.
Since no one wants to get arrested, can there be a place of compromise? A church willing to open their doors for meals down the street? A person willing to give their garage up for two hours a week or once a month?
Yes, the last one may be of last resort because neighbors again may get upset but who else is willing to put the effort? The issue will still be an issue regardless if it is across the street or across town.
I believe there will be someone who will affect another individual(s) life in their time of need or lonliness. Connections are made everywhere and can last a minute or forever. Connecting with a homeless, wealthy or not so wealthy person can only enhance one's experience or knowledge.
Maybe if someone donated blankets to sit on and brought balloons to the ocassion with the word Happy Birthday or better yet, CELEBRATE, that would make the affair a much more acceptable "outreach program". Now that is a thought!!!
Ban on Group Feedings
If there were some compelling reason for the city ordinance, such as a documented increase in violent activity in the area during times of feeding than I could understand it, but as it stands now it seems to be a direct violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution...I wonder if the Court will grant certiorari in the case and if the ACLU will stick with it