Handicap Parking.

Sorry to disagree with you but I have a handicap parking permit, it was given to me because I have had one major heart attack, I also have COPD from the factory work that I did, and have a real problem breathing when I have to walk a long ways. So they gave me the parking permit so that it would be a bit easier for me to get into the grocery or where ever and not be tired out before I make it to the store. And if there was not a law enforcing people not to park in these spaces with out such a permit, then you would never be able to find one empty. Not long ago I was at Wal Mart and waited while a very crippled man got his car out of one of the spaces, so that I could pull in. Another car pulled up on the other side with no permit showing, he immediately pulled into the spot leaving me sitting there. It was a young person and he jumped out of the car and started for the store. When i told him he was in a handicap space he told me to shut the hell up he was in a hurry and wasn't going to be there that long. I did report him to the guard there and he did notify the local police. We can not depend on people to not park in these spaces on their own. If there was no law then why park way down the line when you could park by the door. some people need to be treated differnetly because they are different. When I go with my daughter to the store she has to park way down the lane most of the time and by the time I get to the entrance I am all ready out of breath and makes it real hard to continue to shop. And we already know that there are many people who could careless about other people. You are talking bull when you say we should trust them to not park there. Is it you are mad that you don't have such a permit, it seems that way. From what I see you say you have nothing against handicap people but let them walk like you have to. Sorry you are wrong on all counts but then eveyone is entited to their own opinion. Believe me if I had my way I would rather be able to wald from the farthest space than to have the problems I have and I think most handicap will tell you the same.

I myself is in a position where I really need a handicap parking pass. I have not gotten it yet. I do want to be treated equally with well people, but by making me live by the same rules I am treated unweually. I have an illness where I do not tolerate much activity, not much light and not much sound. I have a wheelchair because when i do not use all my energy and consentration on walking i am able to use it for other things. I have a limited pot of energy to draw from. If I cab park right by the door I can manage to stay that much longer in the store. If I get exhausted I can go right outside to my car and rest. I could go on about the advantages, but I will stop here. My point is that sometimes we need diffeent treatment in order for us to have equal oportunities. with no HC parking I can go shopping, or do anythng really, less often than I would if I had access to HC parking. If my life improves drastically by getting this why should that not be enforced by law? I think well people do not suffer much by letting me have this. I would gladly trade with you in one second

Stores owners would not have the parking spaces anyway. That is why they was law was created. Most people ignore handicap people and avoid them like a plauge. If a law is in favor that is benefiting a handicap person I see nothing wrong with it. If your not handicap and one day it could happen to any of us, then one would appreciate the convenience for the disabled.

Well, I can see your point.. however on streets where handicap parking would be available would be a different story. I dont think it could be up to the store owners to create those positions. So, while I think your idea would be a good one, I dont think it would work in all situations. I think it would make people realize what shops and stores in their area care about all people and accessibility. I think there are alot of shops out there that arent easily as accesible. From a personal experience, my dad needs a handicap tag but he refuses to get one because of how people judge others. He's too proud for that.

It is nice that you believe store owners can be trusted to put in handicapped parking but given their fight against it now and prior to the Americans With Disabilities Act, it is unlikely that you would be correct in your assessment. I d not believe that the business establishments can be trusted as they have proven themselves for many years to be untrustworthy in this area. We have got some distance away from the thought that those with disabilities should be hidden away from the public but there are still stores and restaurants that would rather not see them come into their establishments and even today they fight against making their restrooms handicapped accessible or insuring that their are curb cuts and ramps that make wheelchair access possible... I think that perhaps the laws that are in place were and still are needed because when it comes to business there is no big gain to businesses in treating the disabled individuals fairly and there is in fact still a monetary cost in doing so. As long as they perceive the costs outweighing the benefits from a monetary perspective, the rules will be needed to insure those spaces in front of the stores are reserved for those who need them and the laws which forbid non disabled individuals from using them will continue to be needed.

ok well while most of the time i watch the people walk to and from the handicap spot i cant help but thinking...why do they need it they dont seem to have a problem walking. I however have no clue of there medical issues maybe they have a heart condition and long walks can create a problem. Now if i know someone who needs to cut in line at the store because i see they are having problems or they have 4 kids boucing on their cart and i notice the look of exasberation cross their eyes i would be more then happy to let them cut in line ahead of me if i am not in a hurry to get to work or something important. However kindness is a rare thing now in this day and age. How many people would you know that when seeing the elderly or other in trouble would go out of their way to help them? I would but know few other that would. Hence why the government had to step in and require handicap access a law.

Being one of thosse needing hanicapped parking..I must say yes I need to be closer to the store. Since last August I have not been able to walk with out a cane and I can't walk very far. I have 3 herniated discs, arthritis and spinal stenosis. The pain is incredible, believe me. If I had to walk from the other end of the parking lot, I wouldn't make it. I then need an electric cart to get around in the store or not go. I do think that it is often an abused privilage. I do want to be treated eaqually but if you are able to park further away then that's great...those of us that can;t get around need it.