Dear Busybody People: Yes I Am Disabled

[tapati]

Stop glaring at me when I park in a handicapped spot. No I don't have a wheelchair and I'm not 90 years old. I'll never BE 90 years old. My parents weren't, either. They both died of heart disease at age 50 and 54. I am 53 and I've had heart disease for over a decade. You, too, can get a shiny new handicapped placard if you have open heart surgery

Comments

[litlebanana]

I think this is another instance of how people who abuse the system ruin it for everyone. If everyone "played fair", a legitimately disabled person such as yourself wouldn't get dirty looks and would be able to find parking spots at festivals, etc. There are too many people using a relative's disabled sticker or whatever. It's sad that it's gotten to the point where we can't even give people the benefit of the doubt.

But I'm sure if the people who give you dirty looks actually knew your situation, you wouldn't get the dirty looks. The dirty looks are on behalf of people like you who can't find parking because of non-disabled people who take the spots.

[mariadkins]

But I'm sure if the people who give you dirty looks actually knew your situation, you wouldn't get the dirty looks.

not always. not even half the time.

[tapati]

So true.

[mariadkins]

thing is, and i know you know tapati, is that some people just don't give a damn. period. they just don't care.

[ext_1358519]

While there is an element of being against the system-abusers who misuse disabled spaces, I firmly believe that anyone who wants to get all white knight about it (even to the degree where they believe their withering glares will shame abusers into behaving) should do their research first. There is far too much belief that disabled people should look handicapped, and, even worse, that some disabilities 'don't count' because you chose to be overweight or whatever

[tapati]

Well said!

[carmy_w]

I love it when you get pissy like this! My sympathy to you for having to deal with the assholes, though....

[tapati]

Haha, thanks. I don't lose my temper often enough. :)