# A real-life handicap-parking story **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 23, 2011, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524 "2011-06-23T03:28:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Sierra\_Indigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/161 "2011-06-24T09:07:18Z")
> [@CitizenPained](#): > > You see it as a dick move. Others see it as sticking up to a bully. You see it as sticking up to a bully, others see it as escalating a situation that could possibly have been handled by other means. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/162 "2011-06-24T09:18:07Z")
> [@Sierra\_Indigo](#): > > This actually has a rather large parallel to the other handicapped parking space thread, in that what the OPs did was kinda dickish but nothing huge in the grand scheme of life, but when getting called on their dickish behaviour as a natural consequence (the other thread with someone pointing out it was a handicapped space, in this situation with the OP having their gym membership revoked), suddenly everyone around them is bitches and pricks and oh civil rights are being eroded. We should really get that OP and this OP and put them in a room so they can duke it out… ---
**Author:** ![Sierra\_Indigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/163 "2011-06-24T09:19:06Z")
> [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > We should really get that OP and this OP and put them in a room so they can duke it out… Could we sell tickets? ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/164 "2011-06-24T09:23:00Z")
Cripple fight! ---
**Author:** ![Sierra\_Indigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/165 "2011-06-24T09:24:45Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Cripple fight! You stop it. I’ve already laughed enough in this thread. I’m going to hell for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/166 "2011-06-24T09:24:50Z")
> [@Sierra\_Indigo](#): > > Could we sell tickets? As long as we put the proceeds towards developing a way for the disabled to urinate and defecate with dignity on airplanes, I think we’re good. ---
**Author:** ![Jinx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/167 "2011-06-24T09:30:15Z")
Kudos for the Poster! (Although, in this age, potentially dangerous, too.) Do you guys really expect a person in a wheelchair to be able to defend themselves otherwise? Like, they could run and get security in a blink? C’mon! I understand society does not want vigil antes, but this was a passive act to pen someone in until the authorites could be contacted. This wasn’t a show down at the OK Coral! The world doesn’t even try to understand the strife of the handicapped. Isn’t bad enough they never get a vacation from their afflictions? Dear Poster, the insensitive replies above are from objective people who have no clue what it is like to be inconvenienced let alone handicapped. They should try and function with a disability in a world that doesn’t give a crap. Their biggest inconvenience is when the AC goes out taking them out of their comfort bubble. We’ve been brainwashed to believe people are basically decent. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/168 "2011-06-24T10:31:58Z")
> [@Jinx](#): > > Dear Poster, the insensitive replies above are from objective people who have no clue what it is like to be inconvenienced let alone handicapped. They should try and function with a disability in a world that doesn’t give a crap. Their biggest inconvenience is when the AC goes out taking them out of their comfort bubble. We’ve been brainwashed to believe people are basically decent. :mad: Oh please. You really think the rest of us are unfamiliar with the concept of inconvenience? You really think people have no empathy for the disabled? You really think the world doesn’t give a crap about the handicapped, despite the existence of the ADA and accessible parking spots, bathroom stalls, etc? Being disabled is not a free pass to act like an ass. Blocking someone in and leaving your car in the middle of a parking lot (which is in no way ‘passive’, despite your description) is the behaviour of an ass. Sure, the other guy was in the wrong - nobody has argued otherwise - but two wrongs don’t make a right. If you read the other threads the OP has posted, it’s pretty obvious that he has a gigantic chip on his shoulder and a massively overblown sense of entitlement. In many ways it is that attitude that’s driving the responses here, moreso than this one specific incident. Since even other disabled people have disagreed with his stance and methods (more in the plane bathroom thread than here), you’re way off base with the ‘none of you have a clue what it’s like to be handicapped’ thing too. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/169 "2011-06-24T10:39:02Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > And I’ve also said that Ive only parked behind a car twice in my life. Jesus holy christ. And that’s twice more than 99.9999999% of the people in the world. And that’s because most of us aren’t smug, self-righteous, egotistical fucking assholes with gigantic senses of entitlement. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/170 "2011-06-24T11:04:43Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > The “blatant hostility” was not simply in his parking action. It became evident during our exchange, which began with me doing nothing more than politely asking him if he was aware of where he had parked (that was the one issue I took with the reporter’s write-up of the story, he didn’t accurately portray this exchange in the article). And you didn’t expect that kind of reaction? I admit I unintentionally glossed over the fact that you talked to the guy before you boxed him in. But a parking lot is pretty much the last place in the world I’d take the law into my hands (people get crazy about parking) and there was more than enough time for the guy to go after you if he’d been a nut. And that’s just the time you were in the car. That’s why I’m suggesting you find a way to pursue your crusade that doesn’t involve extended face to face meetings that can turn into angry confrontations. > [@](#): > > And I did NOT “try to get the gym to penalize him.” I dont even know what that means. All I was doing, pay attention, was attempting to get THE SECURITY GUARD. You know? The proper authorities? The gym staff itself could do nothing on the matter. Then substitute “security” for “the gym.” Same deal. You were trying to get the guy in trouble. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that on its own, but it’s something that is going to provoke hostility. > [@](#): > > And I don’t care if most people laud me. Just the right ones. And that is definitely not anyone on an online message board. I’m always skeptical when people say this on a message board. > [@](#): > > And after exchanging dialogue with a person for several minutes, I believe I MOST CERTAINLY CAN gauge with a decent amount of certainty if there are in control of their faculties or not (i.e. under the influence). Punching somebody in the face takes a couple of seconds, not several minutes. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/171 "2011-06-24T11:11:18Z")
I’m starting to wonder at the motives at the OP. Every thread is about the difficulty of being in a wheelchair and how he wants to change the world. Fair enough, but I doubt if you are the only disabled person on this board. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/172 "2011-06-24T11:51:06Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > I have no sympathy in this situation. A placard is still needed. As a man living with a permanent disability, regardless of his driving status, it is his responsibility to obtain that placard. Having a valid license is NOT necessary for obtaining one. If you are kind hearted enough to taxi him around, make the next trip to the Secretary of State. There is simply no excuse for this other than laziness. No sympathy? Isn’t that an example of exactly the sort of person a handicapped spot is for, regardless of official documentation? > [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > And you insist on framing this as a pattern of continuing behavior on my part. I’ll continue repeating myself for you, since you seem to enjoy it: I have parked behind illegally parked vehicles TWICE in my life. There was this incident at HHFC and the incident at Planet Fitness. The PF incident, as I have already stated, multiple times, was one borne out of necessity. And the HHFC incident was rather unique in it’s blatant hostility. That being said, I do not take the possibility of future incidents occuring completely off the table, this is my life 24/7. But let’s have a little perspective here. Two times in eleven years is not exactly a pattern of behavior. And finally, I have also already stated that I use my judgment in doing the things I do. I would never do such a thing to someone who appeared intoxicated or otherwise not-in-control of their faculties. The point I am making is I am well aware of the risks and responsibilities inherent in all my actions. If I ever did park behind someone again, and if that person decided to fight with me, hey, there’d be no one to blame but myself. So, it’s ok to be an ass and break the rules when, in your own personal judgment, you need to, or you just really feel like it? ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/173 "2011-06-24T11:55:56Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > Well thank goodness im in MI then. Because no police officer has EVER even brought up charges towards me, felony OR misdemeanor. In fact, in the PF incident, the police officer was sympathetic and friendly towards me. So if law enforcement turns a blind eye for whatever reason, then it means your actions were right actions? > [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > We should really get that OP and this OP and put them in a room so they can duke it out… No, really. I think this thread must be some sort of weird intentional parody of my thread. ---
**Author:** ![Azeotrope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/0ea827/32.png) [@Azeotrope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Azeotrope)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/174 "2011-06-24T12:49:36Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > I’m starting to wonder at the motives at the OP. Every thread is about the difficulty of being in a wheelchair and how he wants to change the world. > > Fair enough, but I doubt if you are the only disabled person on this board. He’s not. In the OP’s airplane thread **Canadjun** (who is also a paraplegic) made some good sensible posts about how he has to put up with the same rigmarole as the OP on airplanes and that he doesn’t seem to have a problem with them, which as far as I remember all went ignored. I’m very sympathetic to the problems disabled people have getting around. My brother-in-law’s brother was wheelchair bound from age 11 to 57 when he died. My sister broke her leg in 6 places and was in a wheelchair for a month, and after that needed a walker and then a cane. My mother has severe rheumatoid arthritis and athsma and can’t walk more than about 20 feet without tiring. The guy who parked in the handicapped spot was a 100% complete dick, but reacting dickishly to people like that only makes the situation worse and IMO hurts rather than helps. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/175 "2011-06-24T12:51:17Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > Fair enough, but I doubt if you are the only disabled person on this board. He certainly is not. Remember **blinkie**? Not that he’s driving himself around. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/176 "2011-06-24T13:09:15Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > You said you didn’t confront him in this situation. The truth is that you provoked a confrontation and it easily could have become a physical fight. You also said you blocked the guy because you “simply could not let it go” even though (despite the guy being a jerk) there were four other handicapped spots available. So you have a situation in which you’re at least somewhat emotional and you’re doing something that can infuriate other people. Two things, actually- you’re boxing him in and trying to make sure he gets a parking ticket. If you keep doing this, you will probably wind up in a fight at some point. You most definitely are going to get your ass kicked if you keep this up. I believe, as I think you do, that disabled people should be treated exactly the same as able-bodied people, or whatever the PC term is. As such, I am in favor of you getting your ass kicked. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/177 "2011-06-24T13:42:53Z")
> [@Jinx](#): > > the insensitive replies above are from objective people who have no clue what it is like to be inconvenienced let alone handicapped. They should try and function with a disability in a world that doesn’t give a crap. Their biggest inconvenience is when the AC goes out taking them out of their comfort bubble. This isn’t a “comfort bubble,” it’s a sterile isolator I have to stay in because of my rare immune disorder, you insensitive _fuck_! (And yes, when the A/C goes out it gets quite uncomfortable.) ---
**Author:** ![42fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/4/b487fb/32.png) [@42fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/42fish)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/178 "2011-06-24T13:45:40Z")
Has the OP considered the possibility that the guy in the handicapped space needed to move a _keyboard_? Show some sensitivity, ya heartless bastard. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/179 "2011-06-24T14:01:55Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > Go around and ask people at random if they would allow someone to carry them and place them on a toilet (all under 40yrs old and with at least similar functioning abilities as myself). I thought we were talking about a handicapped parking slot in this thread. WTF? Hey, I don’t know anyone \*90 \*years old who wants to be carried a put on a toilet. On the other hand, I’ve had to lift, carry, and toilet-assist quite a few disabled relatives over the years and while no one enjoyed the experience they bitched a hell of a lot less than you do. Is it really going to chap your ass to say “Thanks, but I don’t need that kind of help”? Obviously, you’re strong/able enough that I doubt anyone could _force_ you to submit to such a thing against your will. > [@](#): > > And ok, yes, the small possibility of getting shot existed in that situation. True. But that possibility was small enough that I felt comfortable in my actions. It’s about assessing each situation independently for what that situation is presenting. OK, fair enough. It’s just that if you get yourself into enough confrontations, either verbal or physical, sooner or later you’re going to get hurt. But, it’s your life and your choice. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524/180 "2011-06-24T14:07:20Z")
> [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](#): > > This bitch yelled at me that if I was going to ferry a handicapped person around, I should still have a tag, and I guess technically she was correct. But he had no car and no license, so he had no tag or license plate. My state will issue hang-tags to people who can’t drive or don’t own a car to specifically cover such situations. This gentleman really should look into that, as he’s putting everyone doing him this favor at risk of penalty. For that matter, even people _with_ a car in my state can get hang-tags - my spouse has one that can travel with him to any vehicle, including those of friends doing him a favor by giving him a lift. Really, he should look into that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-real-life-handicap-parking-story/586524.md?page=10)