No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

 

It’s gotta be the Florida water. I mean – what else can explain the rash of absurdities and insanities passing for official actions happening in this state?

 

Here’s the latest pinnacle of mind boggling stupidity.

 

A Miami septuagenarian (meaning someone who’s survived over 70 years on this earth) decided to do some food shopping. He drove to the local Winn-Dixie, walked in and was approached by a woman.

 

It seems this damsel in distress needed a ride home. The gentlemen in question said he’d gladly help her out - after he finished shopping.

 

She waited.

 

He kept his word and drove her home.

 

She asked how much. He said “ anything you want to give.” (Hey – you see the price of gas nowadays!) She then said he had to give her a specific amount.

 

I guess the guy said something like a couple of bucks would be fine.

 

That’s when it turned ugly. The hairball in distress was an undercover government agent looking for illegal taxi cab operators. The guy’s mini van was then surrounded by police.

 

He got tickets for fines amounting to $2,000. Then they confiscated his wheels, just to make the point very fine and sharp.

 

Another $400 bucks to get it out of official hock.

 

Lest you’re thinking “entrapment” the Florida consumer affairs spokesperson Sonya Perez said no! You see, the guy didn’t have to offer the woman a ride.

 

He could have told her to pound cake instead.

 

So, for being a good Samaritan, this 78 year old man got screwed, blued and tattooed – by the police and Department of Consumer Affairs . All for giving help to a person saying they were in need.

 

Listen… this is why when people say “I have nothing to hide” or “I have nothing to fear from the police or the government” they’re being naïve at best, dead wrong at worst.

 

When an elderly man can’t drive a person home without facing fines and vehicle impoundment, when he can’t trust people at their word, and when a governmental agency has so little to do but to have UNDER COVER AGENTS trying to screw average citizens out of their money and their cars – then the police and agencies involved shouldn’t wonder why they just aren’t respected.

 

The reason is simple: When they act like this - they don’t deserve it.

 

How is this protecting us from anything? It’s was done for one reason – and one reason only – to instill fear. To let us know – the poor peons who pay taxes and try and be honest citizens – Big Brother can be anyone, anywhere, anytime.

(OK - I'll be fair. That isn't the only reason. The other is money. The State can't get its cut if individuals are allowed to make money without all the "legal" imprimaturs being affixed.)

 

Even the simplest of common courtesies can be construed as doing something illegal.

 

So in Florida, next time a lady asks for a ride home, just tell her to call Sonya Perez at consumer affairs. I’m sure she’ll be glad to assist.

 

Or better yet – ask her if she’s an undercover agent. Then tell her to go to Hades.