Handicapped in LA from Page 36
with handicap placards. I am convinced that they are just sim- ply mentally slow. And then I face the reality: These people are thieves!
Steal, verb (Oxford dictionary): “Take…without permission
or legal right.…” Later, at breakfast, it hits me.We are living in a world where
we place somuch value on success, status and beauty. Yet,we for- get that the true wealth is honesty and ethics. I climbed up a canyon today with my friend. He carried a handicap to even our abilities. Years ago,when itwas discovered that I had a herniated disc,
the doctor offeredme a handicap placard. I refused. I didn’t need it. I could get around just fine. It wasn’t that serious. The handi- cap placardwould be out of the question. Itwould equal stealing. There are people who need them. Those folks who use a
wheelchair and the peoplewhowalk on crutchesmust have them. Peoplewho haveweak hearts or lungs need themfor access. These people want the proximity of their parking only so
they don’t have to hike the Runyon Canyons of their world, to get to their pharmacists, dry cleaners, grocery stores or to their jobs. Most of them don’t care whether they have to pay or not to
have this access. They simply need that little bit of extra space, just as I needed Brian to carry a 30-pound backpack on our hike. He evened out the fact of my lack of fitness and allowed me to beat himto the finish line.
He chose to give. To giveme a simplemoment of satisfaction
and subsequently a validation that, yes, I can and Iwillmove for- ward. He offeredme respect.
Karma, noun (Oxford dictionary): “The sum of a person’s
actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.”
It is time for us to stand up for the rights of the disabled, the
people who need and should have the handicap placards. If you see aman fallen down on the street, you reach out and help him. Consider the “Barbie Doll” or the “NFL guy” fraudulently
using a handicap placard.We must speak up.We must confront themand notify the authorities. Steep fines are progress but not enough. The peoplewho dis-
respect thosewho need these placards ought to be arrested. I say, “No more handicap placard abuse. Let’s notify the
police and parking enforcement about these transgressions.”We cannot just stand by and be silent. Karma will get them eventually, but in the meantime, we
must speak up, instead of carrying the burden of guilt and non- action.Wemight need the assistance of an “umpire,” butwemust do our part in fighting this injustice.
Astrid Ambroziak is a part-time trainer, writer, philosopher and guru. She lives in Los Angeles and can be reached at
astrid@parkingtoday.com.
PT
See us at the IPI booth #536 38 Parking Today
www.parkingtoday.com
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