Arrested for Feeding the Homeless?
June 9th, 2011
Don't they know private charity requires a city permit?
Go into any major city in the country, and chances are you’re going to run into a couple of homeless people on the street. While many people may just walk past them, one group of people in Orlando, Florida wanted to be pro-active, and organized a free buffet for the homeless in Lake Eola Park, serving nearly 40 people.
What was the thanks they got? They were arrested and could face 60 days in jail or a $500 fine.
The three men who ran the event, who were part of the international group “Food Not Bombs”, were arrested for violating a city ordinance limiting the amount of times a group can legally assemble in public parks, as well as the amount of people that can be involved in group activities. Although this was challenged in the courts, it was upheld by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, stating that it was constitutional for a city to limit the number of times large groups can gather in city parks. Despite this legal setback, the group decided to break the ordinance, claiming it was absurd to regulate when and where people can gather together to share food.
It was a peaceful demonstration of good will and private charity that ought to be commended, but instead these people were treated like hoodlums trying to start a riot. What kind of example is this setting for those who want to help those less fortunate? Private charity is one of the very cornerstones this country was founded upon. While the city may have the authority to limit large gatherings, the police’s reaction to the event was completely uncalled for, and people shouldn’t be forcefully deterred from being charitable on their own accord. Such crackdowns as a result of this law will continue to be more prevelant in the days and years to come, if the gross reaction to a free food event is any indicator.
Our rebels openly defy the authorities to help the needy, maybe that’s why they’re hounded constantly.
