Viewpoint --
Handicap spaces so labeled for a reason
by Diana De Leon, reporter

    Parking in a handicap space is a privilege some people want more than others, and it’s amazing some people think a handicap sticker restriction does not apply to them.

   What kind of people park in the handicap space without a sticker? Are they jerks, idiots, morons, lowlifes or just plain stupid people?

   I get mad when I see people park illegally when they know they are wrong and breaking the law.

   Texas law states that to park in a handicap space legally, one must have a handicap license plate or card hanging from the rearview mirror.

   Parking illegally in a handicap space carries a fine of up to $200; I think this fee is too low for such idiots.

   I have walked up to these morons and told them they had to move, and, yes, I have called the cops on them too. I know this action is dangerous.

   I am dealing with idiots, and they reason differently from us.

   Let’s look at this reasoning for a minute. Those who want the privilege of parking in the handicap space need to be handicapped; cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, stroke or any other health problem guarantees people a privileged space in front of the store.

   Few people want such health problems just to park up front. It is not hard for able-bodied people to park where they are supposed to and walk a few extra steps. This issue is very personal to me.

   I have family members in wheelchairs and another who cannot walk without a cane. Therefore, it upsets me when perfectly healthy people park in the handicap space without a sticker or card.

   My niece has been confined to a wheelchair her whole life. She cannot stand, walk, run, skip, hop or jump.

   My niece would gladly trade her condition to anyone wishing to live in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

   I know what it is like to have a child in a wheelchair because my niece spends summers with me.

   A trip to the store goes like this: first I pick her up and put her in the wheelchair; then I wheel her to the truck. Next, I pick her up and put her in the seat of the truck. Next, I must take the wheelchair apart and put it in the back of the truck and drive to our destination.

   Upon arrival, I put the wheelchair together and place her in the chair. We are now ready to go into the store.

   On paper this sounds easy, but in life, it is a real chore to do something as simple as going to the store. My niece is 18 years old now, and going to the store is harder. She is only 10 pounds lighter and just as tall as I am.

   The painted area around the handicap parking space is necessary, and don’t get me started on the handicap stalls in the bathroom.

   I feel blessed or lucky that I can stand, walk, jump, skip and hop anywhere I want to go. I do not mind parking out in the north 40 and walking, because I can.

   This issue upsets me even when older people park in these spaces without a sticker. I know it will take them longer to walk because they are slow, but they can still walk. My niece can’t.

   Those who can walk should consider handicap spaces off-limits, even for a quick run into a store. In fact, those who can make a quick run should never use a handicap space.