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P.O.W. Parking

Every so often legislation winds its way through the Indiana General Assembly that leaves me scratching my head.

A House committee Thursday passed a bill that would give unlimited free parking at meters to former prisoners of war.  HB 1258 would give anyone with a former P.O.W. license plate carte blanche to park at a parking meter and not have to pay nor adhere to any time limits.

As a military brat I am the last person to have anything against a former P.O.W.’s, but I really don’t see what one has to do with the other.  Why not give unlimited parking to the soldiers or special forces who rescued a P.O.W.  or the families of former P.O.W.’s?   Or what about the families of those who were missing in action?

It’s legislation like this that contributes to the belief that instead of working on the budget or government reform, lawmakers spend their time pandering because they know no one would vote against a bill like this even though it makes absolutely no sense what-so-ever.

  • KarenK

    I agree, I don’t get the connection either. The sponsor of the bill, possibly knows some former POW who does not believe he should have to pay for parking in the town square or where ever. How many POW plates does the state issue anyway? Probably just a few. I can’t imagine too many POWs even believing that they are owed this….strange.

  • John Howard

    What, they forgot the disabled vets?

  • Jack

    A concern is that the state continues to take away local decision making. Maybe we just go to total consolidation and the governor and legislature runs everything. The “home rule” concept gets beat upon more and more.
    Many communities already have relaxed rules (often unwritten) on handling special plated vehicles—but to make it a law by the state seems to push a point too far. Agree with point—where should line be drawn.

  • Think Again

    Agree with all the above.

    And we should’ve drawn the line on Woody Burton’s state-sponsored religious plate, too.

    But we’re all about pandering these days. Can you imagne the outcry against any legislator who came out AGAINST this POW parking issue?

    Who sponsored this lame legislation? It sounds ripe for Woody, or Phil Hinkle, or Vern Tincher.

  • patriot paul

    More Sugar Cream Pie in the Sky Legislation from the Muppet Show. Can’t wait for next week’s act.

  • Greg

    This is not the same governmental body that is headed by Mr. Obvious (Bauer) is it? Thought so. What a champion. What a leader. How about free parking for families who have given the supreme sacrifice via a son or daughter? Why not free parking for any public safety official hurt in the line of duty? I am not against providing for those who have made these sacrifices, but I am against our so called legislative leaders wasting valuable time. But I will nearly bet all that 90% of them will be relected. Time for me to go look in the mirror.

  • Tom

    The country’s worst legislature could really pander up some votes by extending this benefit to all of those fat asses who have the disabled tags so that don’t have to burn a calorie walking across a parking lot.

  • Gene

    Don’t forget FREE COLLEGE for a Purple Heart. Not kidding. A third of all Purple Hearts are for accidents, not enemy fire.

  • Nick

    Free parking?

    What about Senator Delph’s bill extending FREE college educations (housing, books & fees included) to ALL military AND there famililies?

    This is on top of the federal “GI Bill for the 21st Century,” which ONLY covers military serving AFTER 9/11.

    PLEASE NOTE THAT SENATOR DELPH IS IN THE NATIONAL GUARD AND WOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS BILL.

    Indiana National Guard Supplemental Grant
    http://www.in.gov/ssaci/2339.htm

    GI Bill for the 21st Century
    http://ngai.net/index.php?main_page=page&id=17#NEW%20College-Bound%20Student%20Website%20for%20Federal%20and%20Military%20Families

  • Nick

    DON’T FORGET THE SPECIAL STATE INCOME TAX EXEMPTION AND PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTIONS THE POLITICIANS PASSED FOR MILITARY LAST SESSION.

  • Nick

    More vets would get free tuition under bill

    http://www.indystar.com/article/20090126/NEWS0501/901260344

  • Taxpayer 834512

    At the risk of disrespect to our POWs- I think the Assembly’s playing catch-up. The original intent was one bill with free sugar cream pies AND parking for all POWs. Maybe we’ll get tax caps, township gov’t elimination, K-S, immigration reform, etc., if we just tie them to POWs.

  • malercous

    Abdul: I understand why Republicans don’t care to assist anyone in the military. (They volunteered, were paid, they lost, suck it up.) But is it really going to be a big financial loss to the city? What, $22.00/year?
    Even if all 7 in the Indy area abuse it?
    How about those P.O.W.’s in WWII, Korea and Vietnam (6 of the 7) who didn’t volunteer, but were drafted?
    C’mon, I’m with you on not giving the volunteers a break, but the draftees ought to get some justice.
    As for you being a military brat, “Whoopee!” You’re damn near a hero, although you were never in the Armed Forces. Anything you say in re: military is to be taken in the same vein as Nixon going to China. I’d say more like Rumsfeld, Cheney & W. You didn’t “personally” serve, and you claim to “support our troops?” It’s kinda Alice-in-freaky-ZoidLand when a flaming Liberal takes the side of the Military against a Republican.
    I still love you Abdul, you big brown bloviator of the blogosphere.

  • Robert-NW Side

    Just doesn’t seem to be a proper role of government.
    -
    Besides, wouldn’t granting this ’special privilege’ violate our Indiana Constitution?
    -
    Article 1, Section 23. The General Assembly shall not grant to any citizen, or class of citizens, privileges or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens.
    -
    Article 1, Section 25. No law shall be passed, the taking effect of which shall be made to depend upon any authority, except as provided in this Constitution.

  • Silent Bob

    I think that we should wait for advice from the White Castle hamburger chain.

  • Silent Bob

    Talk about a slider.

  • Eugene

    Robert-NW Side – of course it violates section 23. There’s other laws under consideration that will exempt veterans’ income, and let them get hawkers’ licenses for free.

    The role of government isn’t fairness, it’s to mete out power and money.

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