Under Mao?s reign in China, citizens were encouraged, if not ordered, to inform on one another.
Thank goodness that is not the case in Baltimore. But a city law requiring residents to move their cars every 48 hours is turning neighbors into informants, reports The Examiner?s Stephen Janis.
The scarcity of parking in certain neighborhoods makes people who can?t find parking upset. They call the city to report neighbors whose cars sit in the same spot for days. The city then tows those cars and fines its owners.
How rude. To think that neighbors used to be known for picking up mail or watering plants while you?re out.
The city must not foster such incivility. More importantly, it must not include such an inane law on its books.
To reduce traffic congestion, shouldn?t the city encourage people to leave their cars at home and walk or bike to work? And in neighborhoods where most people do not have garages or off street parking, where are people supposed to park?
To classify a car that is registered, insured and parked next to its home for more than two days as abandoned is ridiculous. City Council Member Keiffer Jackson Mitchell introduced a bill last month that would ensure that cars with the right registration and tags won?t get towed.
The City Council must pass Mitchell?s bill for neighborly relations and good sense.
