He ain't heavy; he's my brother (or Fight the forces of EVIL TODAY)

It was the 8th of November a few days ago. I had to double-check to make sure that it was not April 1st after reading a News story.

There is a song that goes with this post, and here is the LINK.

Meet Arnold Abbott, who provides food to homeless people

Unfortunately this post is not about Mr. Abbott providing food to the homeless. One of the reason Mr. Abbott gives as reason for his actions is:  "He ain't heavy, he's my brother" .Unfortunately, this post is about Mr. Abbott NOT providing food to the homeless and the reasons.

Mr. Abbott feeds homeless people in Fort Lauderdale

Seems that in the current world, a lot of people are saying " He too heavy, cause he ain't my brother", especially in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where 90 year old Arnold Abbot was arrested for serving food to homeless people.  Because that is illegal in Fort Lauderdale.  Bad for business in their quaint shopping streets or some other heartless business-bullshit like that.

90 year old Arnold Abbot being arrested for providing food to homeless people.

One would think that world-wide news attention to this story would have let the "No homeless in my neighbourhood" faction know that their ways might be erroneous.  Apparently not so.  Arnold Abbolt was arrested for the second time.

I was taught (in German schools!) that "I was just following orders" is not a valid excuse

What a nice world to live in!  If any of this blog's readers find all this very disturbing, here is something to do to beat the situation using it's own means. It's YOUR chance to FIGHT EVIL! Tell everyone you know to consider where to spend their travel dollars. You might also mention Fort Lauderdale because it is a place where there is a law against feeding the homeless.  

But if only for a moment you think that the homeless are treated better by the general population in Vancouver, have a look at this ARTICLE (Careful, it might change your perception of this cities 'human beings' forever.

Anyhoo, I invite you to tell the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce that you're have heard about the feeding-ban and that you're thinking twice about where to spend their tourist dollars.   Here is their Contact Web-Page.
I filled in their submission form and they were kind enough to reply by automated e-mail. A few days later I received a reply from a live person:

Thank you for your comments and concerns.  We will continue to work on ending the cycle of homelessness with every means at our disposal.
Sincerely,
Dan

Dan Lindblade, CAE | President & CEO
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

I don't doubt Dan's sincerity, but a few more concerned e-mails might have him consider increasing the number and type of means at his disposal ;-)