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Poverty in the Community Poverty has always been a major problem In Florida, and feeding the homeless have been a common solution that churches and organizations use to make sure that every mouth Is fed. In 2006, the City of Orlando passed a law banning public feeding In public parks. Protesters see It as an act of kindness and compassion while residents and business owners see It as an act of disruption. Each Individual have a different outlook on the situation from the city clerks to the business community and hearty/organizations that provides the food the homeless.
Everyone insist on practicing their constitutional rights, but City of Orlando Ordinance has really emplace a restriction on the act of humanity and kindheartedness. The cities government has based their decision on the complaint of the community of Lake Lola Park. The intentions of the law was to prevent abusive use or overly excessive use by anyone in the community, being that an organization called “Food Not Bombs” gather at the park and feed homeless people, has caused an issue tit the parks area and maintenance.
So, the law enforces charities and organizations to have a permit two per user per park In a 12 months period (The Dally). Business owners and citizens feared for their safety of being robbed or harassed for money and crime rates rising In the area. They demand a safe place for them to run their businesses and to bring their families. Mr.. Shooter adds on to say “It’s a safety issue, and the public deserves a safe place to be” (McKay). In addition, Orlando city government based their decision on the people’s implants, the law is being perceived as anti-homeless when majority of the Commissioners are advocates for the poor.
Some believe that the ordinance is nothing more than a cover up for a critical problem in the city, while other commissioners, support both parties and what them to come to an agreement to solve the situation. The Organization who provides the food for the homeless seem to see the gatherings at the park a right that they have as a citizen. Feeding the homeless Is not a disruption; It’s what the people choose to do after the feeding that rates a problem.
To elaborate, The Organizations view the ordinance as a restriction on the civil rights as an American. Are they really being able to put the first amendment into practice? I believe that the homeless people as well as the charities are being restricted to practice the freedom of assembly. There’s no noise or loud protesting going are so technically there not disturbing the peace. The homeless have a right to be where ever they want Just as much as the joggers, walkers and people Just wanting to be in the park.
If people have the right to feed the birds, pigeon and squirrels, then why can’t we feed people? In Conclusion, the ordinance should have been better proposed to the people and fairly resolved. People need to be able to exercise there’s right as Americans. I can understand the concern of the homeless, business owner and commissioners about their well-being. But we must be equal and opened minded to everyone as are founding fathers made this land to “First Amendment Rights. ” First Amendment Rights [statutory. Org].