On 16 Apr 2004 04:26:04 -0700, (Rob S.) wrote:
I learned that by law in this state, the
police can't
question someone about the legitimacy of their handicap if they have
a
placard, unless there's a complaint. But I sure as heck can! I've
been
known to park bumper to bumper behind one of these clowns, blocking
them in
with my car, then taking my time shopping. (I figure I'm not going
to die
from being overweight or any blood sugar related illness; you'll
more
likely see my body on CNN after I'm shot in a fit of road rage by
somebody I
****ed off who was parking illegally in the handicap spot).

My wife has MS. She'll often park in the handicap spot and go
"bopping across the parking lot" into the store, because, after 10 or
15 minutes in the store, she knows its going to be a struggle to get
back to the car.

She doesn't use a cane (yet), and on many days her condition is
invisible. I understand how you feel, because I know we get
frustrated when we can't find a disabled spot, or another close spot.
However, before you go blocking someone in, imagine how you would feel
after getting out of the store with your legs feeling like cinder
blocks only to find that some &$#**%! has blocked you in. Oh yeah,
then the stress exacerbates the MS symptoms, then the bladder urgency
kicks in.

I'm not singling you out, as I totally understand your frustration.
I'm just hoping that people use a little common sense and compassion
overall, and understand that not all disabilities are immediately
visible.

-Rob

Having an invisible disability was my main reason for NOT getting a
handicapped parking spot. I did not want to take a spot away from
someone who needed it more nor would I go blocking someone in who had
a handicapped sticker on thier car (if I drove) whether or not they
looked like they did not need it. That is just plain mean and
insensitive. Even the deaf can get a handicapped parking spot
because they cannot hear cars approaching like we can and it is safer
for them to park closer to the store.