Super Power.

Aw, jeez, if Sylvain is gathering his thoughts it probably means I’m about to get a smack down. ;)

(Then again, that was 3 hours ago… So it’s either going to be a HUGE smack down or he’s forgotten.. *grin*)

Alyson, first and foremost, you do not need to apologize to ME for not agreeing with me, regardless of whether you like most of my other posts (or not)! Let’s make sure that’s really clear. And that goes for any subject. It’s my blog, yes, and so I get to say whatever I want, but I definitely like hearing other people’s opinions and ideas and feelings about things – especially when it provides me with an angle I hadn’t considered, info I didn’t know, or just helps me to ‘get’ someone else’s side of things.

My tongue-in-cheek super power is, obviously, not feasible or realistic and is completely unlikely to come true. And, were I given the chance to actually manifest those powers, I’d certainly want to take some time to plan things out a LOT more and make sure I had figured out all the ‘right’ ways to make things happen.

That, and I’d probably choose the super power of a faster metabolism and the ability to eat more chocolate. Or not needing sleep to be sane and functional. Or.. well, yeah.

I also admit that I do not require the use of the handicap/disability parking space – so my hostility about it is not personally applicable other than my personal feelings of ‘right’ vs ‘wrong’.

And, also – I don’t know where you’re from, so I don’t know if the laws, bylaws, rules, etc. are the same where you are and where I am. So I’m only able to speak to where I live.

I can’t speak to your parents’ feelings or actions, either. I don’t know what their motivations were/are.

First – I strongly feel that the criteria for obtaining the placard, in the first place, should be a doctor’s note stating that it is medically necessary. Right now, there are very specific criteria for that doctor’s note – certain disabilities or illnesses, for example – and I disagree with that. I think that if my doctor and I agree that it would be appropriate for me to have one, it’s no one else’s business why that is. I don’t think the permit people (government) need to have that explained – just a doctor’s note stating, “This person needs a placard permanently/temporarily”, depending on the situation.

Part of why I stated that I’d like the power to identify people who ‘need’ the spaces is because I recognize that many, many disabilities and illness are invisible. I have no urge to simply persecute anyone and everyone parking in those spots – and, in fact, I have never once made a comment to someone in those spots without a placard (even when I’m fairly certain that they don’t need to be there – I don’t know.) I generally only confront people when their behaviour is confirmedly awful – in any capacity – and even then, I’m cautious about how I do it, just in case my perception is wrong. I am sorry that people have been awful to you.

Around here, if you don’t have a placard, you are technically eligible for a fine of up to $300 and to have your car towed at your expense.

Here’s where we agree, I think – if you are someone who NEEDS that spot, shouldn’t it be available to you when you need to use it?

I have witnessed, very often, people using the handicap spaces as a loading zone – the driver waiting in the car while the passenger runs in for a quick item or two. The theory, I suppose, is that “if someone who needs it comes along, I’ll move then..” The thing is, I’ve been seeing it more and more and more in recent years – either because I’m looking for it more often or, perhaps, because people are doing it more. After all, those two or three PRIME parking spaces are quite often EMPTY and, well, it’s just stupid to leave them empty.. I’m just ONE person and there are a few other spots and I’m not being a jerk, I’m just using it for a few minutes!

Again, if that placard is in place, I’m not even batting an eyelash if you park there.

For most people, it is NOT a hardship to walk across the parking lot to get to the store. Oh, sure, it sucks when it’s cold out (and that’s when I ask Sylvain to please come to school with me so we can get that prime parking space) and when it’s raining and when I’m tired and when I’m carrying three extra bags. But really, it’s doable.

And THAT is where I get mad.

I am not wandering around my city (or anywhere else) yelling at people who park in those spaces without a placard. But if I had a super power that would let me see who was parking there without a legit need? I would. I’d use my “Mom Voice” and everything.