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MyPE

MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

How I got Caught

31 July 2012 By Alan Straton

One of my more idiot savant tendencies is to stand up for the disabled by preventing people not authorised to do so from parking in spots reserved for disabled people.

Today I am still kicking myself for realising that I am a bleeding heart liberal prejudiced white male – although I am not too sure which word I should place my ‘ist’ at the end of.

On occasion the Longhair, her Apprentice and I like to stroll to the shops with the hairy four legged monsters in tow. Last night we popped along to the new Acres Complex and, upon exiting, I noticed a vehicle pulling into a disabled parking. I have noticed that these miscreants are like vampires and become more numerous as the dusk exterts it’s influence. I strolled up to the driver as he got out of his vehicle and politely addressing him as Sir (don’t you hate it when some idiot addresses YOU as Sir?) pointed out to him that he did not have a disabled sticker on his vehicle. He slowly walked to the rear of his vehicle, opened the hatch and pulled out a Walker for his rather large passenger. Flabbergasted I double checked that his vehicle didn’t display a disabled sticker, stammered an apology, watched my tough words splinter on the ground and walked away.

BUT, on the way home I realised that I had been played and caught by a player of note because the mere possession of a walker and a rather large walking challenged passenger STILL DOES NOT grant anyone the right the right to park in a disabled parking. Lets face it – an unattended vehicle in a disabled parking HAS TO have a disabled sticker, even if the person using that parking is disabled, as it demonstrates to vigilant citizens such as I that it has a right to be there.

So, the jury is still out on what type of ‘ist’ I became last night – you choose and let me know: non-disablist, fatist, walkerist, idiotist, playerist, caughtist, or cowardist?

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.
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Filed Under: Editorial Tagged With: disabled, metronews, parking

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janine Meyburgh says

    31 July 2012 at 10:16 am

    Where does one apply for a disabled sticker? Perhaps the company could fill you in on the finer details.

    • Alan says

      31 July 2012 at 10:43 am

      You have to apply for a sticker from the Traffic Department, providing a supporting affidavit.

  2. TheKing1 says

    31 July 2012 at 10:17 am

    Agree 100%

  3. Roy Booyens says

    31 July 2012 at 11:38 am

    Obesity is not a disability… A disadvantage or handicap, esp. one imposed or recognized by the law. (Wikiphedia)

    • Alan says

      31 July 2012 at 11:51 am

      Just as Stupidity is not a Disability – but that doesn’t galvanise the morons to move their vehicles either!

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