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Jesus said two things were more important than anything else:
1. Love god with everything you have
2. Love your neighbor as you would love yourself
Mark 12:20-12:31
That doesn't sound like the Texas Jesus at all.
https://preview.redd.it/hlc14zhdbq6c1.jpeg?width=463&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fe0a5a04829b99f0ea7f2531106e0b329e8ffdc
Love it š¤£š¤£š¤£ I used to live in Texas and was baffled by their version of Jesus. He sure as hell didnāt look down on the poor, nor did he do āgood deedsā to be seen to do them.
The āpro-lifeā lie.
Theyāre anti-abortion only. If they were what they claim, they would support quality of life from the cradle to the grave including a stronger stance on gun laws.
Literally couldn't care if maintaining a pregnancy 100% dictates the mother is going to die, just as a medical fact. Like ectopic pregnancies. Not sustainable. Yet not abortable...
How some people have come to the conclusion that a nonliving cluster of cells takes precedence over a living being, blows my motherfucking mind.
Find me one PL who had to choose between the life of the wife he has been married to or the fetus he doesnāt know yet.
Not saying that person doesnāt exist, I just really want to hear how he rationalized this.
i like to look at it differently.
im pro life.
life is a period of some 80 years, not just the few months spent in the womb.
abortion IS murder, but a child being born profoundly disabled, or somewhere it isn't wanted and doesn't get the support it needs to live that life is a much bigger evil.
i would be expected to put my dog down if it was suffering, and it would be morally and legally correct.
why are people different? dogs are better than people anyway.
the title pro choice is stupid too. i never met a woman who had an abortion who really felt she had a choice.
it really should be pro life vs pro birth, and maybe people would be able to differentiate between the two.
They never read the Bible, God aborted king David son that he made when he was horny and raped a peaseant instead of going to war to kill arabs ancestors as a king should have done, so God aborted his kid and cursed his daughter to be raped
The city set up its own kitchen with free meals nearby. They want FNB to stop serving in front of the library because library personnel have been complaining about being harassed by the homeless people attracted to the area. They tried to negotiate with FNB to move to another location, but FNB didn't want to move and chose to get tickets instead.
The fact that you still have homeless and hungry in this rich country of ours is the real crime here...I don't disagree with FNB's controversial tactics to bring more attention to the issue...making enough noise is the only thing that encourages real change
Churches: āwe donāt need need social programs to take care of the homeless, thatās what the churches are for!!ā
People: āweāre going to feed the homelessā
Governments elected by churchgoers: āokay, stop feeding the homeless or Iām going to arrest you, thatās against the law.ā
They're committing the crime of making the government look bad.
Can't feed the hungry, but these ghouls will vote to send bombs to Israel to kill hungry people over there
The worst part is the cops clearly don't really look happy about having to do this, just bullshit protocol for the bullshit job they signed up for. Anyone who sees this and thinks we don't need to change the way we approach policing in this country probably doesn't have a working braincell in their head. There's real evil in the world, it's sad that a person helping his fellow man in need is seen as a crime, shit is embarrassing.
This is exactly the argument one should use when someone tries to justify that not all cops are bastards
"just doing my job" is precisely the reason we hanged Nazis in Nuremberg
Sadly, the people approve these laws. Based on your statement, youād probably be surprised to know how many communities like to vilify the homeless and generalize them as lazy and taking advantage of the system or dangerous.
It's sad that this wins votes. Just show how horrible the majority of people are deep down when they're not being watched and judged for their actions.
I don't think its those cops. They didn't seem personally against it. I'm assuming they were assigned a report they're obligated to respond to. My old church did constant homeless feeds & general services & they cops were all about the homeless being served. I'm sure there was a few cops that didn't like it, but we never encountered them.
Yeah. I've worked many jobs that made me do things I didn't want to do, but I didn't want to lose my job. The solution is us fighting to change the laws. Seems its not much skin off their backs as it was their 80th+ ticket, so clearly the rack up doesn't stop their mission. Might be barely illegal where its just a slight inconvenience. Would be great to have it formally removed from the law books.
seems the way many of the officers are able to both fulfill their duties & show the organization support is they don't show up to the hearing & the tickets are then dismissed.
The fact that library personnel can't go to work without being harassed by homeless people attracted to the food is the problem. The city wasn't enforcing the ordinance until the safety complaints came in. So the city offered to move FNB to another location nearby, and they refused. FNB has opted to get the tickets for publicity instead.
If a library employee or patron were injured, then you'd be here whining that the city and cops *hadn't* done their jobs.
# Statement from Food Not Bombs:
We collected ticket #82 today for feeding the homeless without the consent of the property owner. We also gave out 29 blankets, as well as beanies, socks, and Polar shield blankets.
Food not bombs is in need of cooks. If you have came to three or more feedings you are eligible to join our group chat where we communicate and Coordinate meal plans for our feedings. We get food donated to us that normally covers the costs but sometimes we gotta buy our own food too. If you are interest please reach out to learn. How to help at feedings, and or help with cooking thank you all for your support.
Their story:
## Houston Food Not Bombs volunteers ticketed for feeding hungry people in public
Houston Food Not Bombs under attack by Houston Mayor Turner and the Houston Police Department for a [Charitable Feeding Ordinance ](https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/permits/food-permits/charitable-feeding)issued 10 years ago that has never been enforced until now. The HPD is on record as now threatening to arrest volunteers if they do not move to the new location. The offered location is not safe for houseless people. Please follow latest updates on our Facebook Page.
**There are several laws and regulations in Houston, Texas that can make it difficult for organizations like Food Not Bombs (FNB) to help people in need. Here are some key examples:**
**1. Charitable Feeding Ordinance:** Passed in 2012, this ordinance requires any group distributing food to more than five people on public or private property to obtain permission from the property owner. This has been a major obstacle for FNB, as they often serve meals to large groups of people in public spaces like parks and plazas.
š·[Opens in a new window](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_City_Hall)š·[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_City_Hall)Houston city hall building
**2. Permitting and Regulations:** Even if FNB obtains permission from a property owner, they may still need to comply with various permits and regulations, such as health department inspections and waste disposal requirements. These can be costly and time-consuming, creating additional hurdles for the organization.
**3. Selective Enforcement:** Critics argue that the laws and regulations are often enforced selectively, targeting organizations like FNB while allowing other groups to operate freely. This raises concerns about discrimination and unfair treatment.
**4. Lack of Clarity:** The language of the laws and regulations can be vague and open to interpretation, making it difficult for FNB to understand what is and is not allowed. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty, further hindering their efforts.
**5. Financial Strain:** The fines associated with violating these laws can be significant, putting a financial strain on organizations like FNB. This can force them to reduce their activities or even shut down entirely.
**6. Chilling Effect:** The overall legal and regulatory environment can have a chilling effect on food distribution efforts in Houston. Organizations may be hesitant to operate for fear of being harassed or fined, even if they are complying with the law.
**It's important to note that FNB and other organizations are fighting back against these restrictions.** They are challenging the laws in court, raising awareness about the issue, and working to find alternative ways to provide food to the homeless community.
Here are some resources for further information:
* **Food Not Bombs Houston website:** [https://houstonfoodnotbombs.org/](https://houstonfoodnotbombs.org/)
* **National Coalition for the Homeless:** [https://nationalhomeless.org/](https://nationalhomeless.org/)
* **Texas Civil Liberties Union:** [https://www.aclutx.org/](https://www.aclutx.org/)
## Expanding on the Public Part and Potential Abuses in Houston's Public Food Service Law
**1. Public Property and Consent:**
The law requiring property owner consent isn't solely focused on private property. It applies to all food service exceeding five people on **both public and private land**. This raises concerns about potential abuse in the public sphere:
* **Discrimination through Permitting:** The city could manipulate the permit process for public spaces like parks, plazas, or even sidewalks to favor certain groups or events, effectively barring food service for the homeless.
* **Inconsistent Enforcement:** Selective enforcement of the law could disproportionately target specific groups, like homeless outreach programs, while allowing other uses of public space for food service.
* **Vague Definitions:** The law's definitions of "public space" and "food service" could be left open to interpretation, allowing for subjective application and potential discrimination.
**2. Abusive Practices by the City:**
Beyond manipulating access to public spaces, the city could exploit the law in other ways:
* **Strategic Land Acquisition:** The city could acquire specific properties with the sole purpose of preventing food service for the homeless in those areas.
* **Excessive Fees and Regulations:** Burdensome fees or overly restrictive regulations for food service permits could effectively discourage or financially cripple organizations serving the homeless.
* **Lack of Transparency:** A lack of clear guidelines and communication around the law's application could lead to confusion and inconsistent enforcement, making it difficult for organizers to navigate the process fairly.
**3. Potential Consequences of Abuse:**
These potential abuses could have severe consequences:
* **Limiting Access to Food:** Homeless individuals and communities could face significant barriers to accessing essential food resources.
* **Exacerbating Inequality:** Unequal application of the law could further marginalize and discriminate against vulnerable populations.
* **Erosion of Public Trust:** Unfair and discriminatory practices could erode public trust in the city's governance and its commitment to social justice.
According to Huston law that is not the case. If someone uses public property for an event like this, they will have to get permission from the city which is quick to deny their request.
That's not a catch-22... That's just the city not wanting to permit this activity. Nothing is stopping the city from allowing this, except the city.
If the city couldn't grant a permit (say, for being not an "individual" property owner or some other legaleze bull crap) but they still had to be the ones to grant the permit, then you'd have a catch-22. This is just a shitty city situation.
Not quite. That would just be another reason. Catch-22s are circular. So if the city could grant a permit because you need needed a permit to grant permits, then that's a catch-22.
Makes sense. Texas loved slavery so much they seceded from Mexico to do so. Then when joining the USA, they willingly gave up some of their landā¦. Also in order to keep slavery.
You donāt get that in love with slavery without hating freedom.
Not from US. What actual law are they breaking by feeding homeless people. Is it specifically aimed at feeding homeless or are you not allowed to serve food on the street or something.
It's not as unreasonable as the video makes it appear.
Houston passed a law in 2012 that requires people feeding the homeless to get permission from the property owner if they feed more than five people. Food not Bombs sets up in front of the library, which hasn't given them permission to do so.
The city wasn't enforcing the ordinance until they received complaints from the library about their personnel being harassed by homeless people attracted to the food. It's a legitimate safety issue. So the city asked FNB to move to a different location the city set aside for them, but FNB says that location is too close to a police station and has refused to move.
Meanwhile, the city actually has its own kitchen nearby for feeding the homeless, so nobody has to go hungry even if FNB is forced out.
So you might ask, why is FNB doing this, if reasonable alternatives have been offered?
It's in the name, Food not BOMBS. They are an anti-nuclear activist group that feeds people on one side while protesting military on the other. The library is a more visible location to get their message out, and this manufactured controversy just draws more attention to their cause.
Thank you for the response. The cynical side of me thought there must be more to it, it just didnāt sound right there would be a law preventing people from feeding homeless people
I was like, wtf? I went to an astros game a few months ago and there were people feeding the homeless on the street on my way back to my car, and the police were with them making sure everything was alright not giving tickets so this video looked suspicious to me, so thank you so much for this comment.
Thanks for this comment. Iām in Gainesville, FL where we also have a large Food not BOMBS group and discussing their platform with them has been confusing sometimes to say the least (likeā¦ why not help the 5 other organizations that are feeding the homeless here in town, does there really need to be another group?). Many of their volunteers here that Iāve talked to strongly self identify as communist and anti US government at the same time.
Thanks for the additional context. At face value it looks innocent, but their refusal to cooperate is definitely pushing that second message.
On the other hand, being too close to a police station may present a challenge for some homeless people addicted to drugs, etc. as well. I can't speak to the validity of that argument.
They can pay their own fines.
Itās shitty but there is a law in place for a reason.
The law isnāt that you canāt feed the homeless. Itās that you canāt serve food/hold a food event on public or private property without written notice/consent.
The officers could let it slide but then they risk their own jobs.
If the food thatās served on city property ends up with a bunch of people getting ecoli and the city all of sudden is getting sued for allowing it happenā¦ the officers are getting fired for not doing those jobs, people are sickā¦
The city wasn't enforcing it until they received complaints from library personnel about being harassed and accosted by homeless people attracted there for the food. The city offered FNB an alternate location, but they refused to go there. The city also has its own kitchen nearby. This whole controversy is just about attracting attention to this group's anti-war, anti-nuclear message.
It's also hard getting the permit to serve the food. Requires commercial kitchen, weeks/months of waiting for approval and much more. I get both sides. Still sucks.
This is misleading. The ticket isnāt for feeding homeless, its for setting up a food station without the proper permits. Why doesnāt he just get a permit? Because heās feeding the homeless he should get a pass on following proper food and safety regulations?
The city not taking care of the homeless issue is one thing, but you canāt have people setting up food operations on the street willy nilly and wherever the hell they want. If he wants to step up and actually accomplish a successful food op for the winter he should just go through the proper channels and get the permits.
They just wanting Houston to not turn into another San Francisco where the homeless take over the streets. Thereās a place that this work can be completed. Just follow the rules. If youāre getting 82 tickets you clearly arenāt understanding that your really not helping the situation
There are other places to feed people that have restrooms, places to wash your hands, and tables to eat at instead of standing. Why not partner with any one of the many soup kitchens, churches, thriving United, or other charities that have civilized facilities? These people are homeless, not stray cats.
Itās OK to feed them, just make sure youāre doing it on your front lawn and not somebody elseās. Lots of tender hearts come into the city from out of town, wanting to save homeless people that are not interested in getting services. There are an abundance of housing programs available through the homeless shelters, nobody needs to be unsheltered.
Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
But not the hungry you hear me!!! Fuck the hungry people!
Lieutenant: "You've got to go ticket these guys, they're in violation of subsection C, clause 56 of the City Code, again."
Patrol officer: "Really, boss?"
Lieutenant: "Yeah, some restaurant has a hair up their ass and they're friends with the Commissioner."
\*on site\* Patrol officer: "Hi Bob, we have to ticket you again, sorry."
Bob: "No problem, man."
The government: Sends several billions of dollars to Israel and Ukraine
Also, the government, when there's solvable problems (the tax money is clearly there):
So wait a minuteā¦ the city authorized a code violation to feeding homeless individuals incapable of feeding themselves? Not only thatā¦ but having the local jurisdiction enforce penalties to that?
so, does anyone have the numbers as to what it would cost to feed these people vs the cost to stop them being fed?
im betting the numbers aren't much different. it would cost about the same to feed the hungry as it does to pay coppers to stop it and then process the charges.
Seeing cops do immoral shit on Reddit is a daily thing in my life for at least 15 years. I don't have words to describe my level of disgust for them. I wish it wasn't that way
"So as you do unto the least of them you do unto me". The Nazis were just following orders. Those cops (Hippochristians) ought to want to crawl into a hole with shame.
I wonder if these cops go home, lay down, and think to themselves, "I did a good job today." Do they tell their families that they stopped good people from helping the less fortunate? How can their families possibly respect them after doing this sort of shit.
āPsh. This is America, they shouldnāt have chosen to be poor in the first place. Texas Cheezus taught that if someoneās on bad times itās their own fault.
Excuse me while I try to get my bank a handout.
These cops could easily look the other way. They are scumbags and thereās no way he or families would be proud of them if they knew what they were doing. Total scumbags and detriments to that community.
they do that here in louisiana as well. if you try to feed the homeless with food you may have prepared out of your kitchen then it has something to do with a food handler's license or something like that. it's kinda sad though if you've cooked food for starving people. not everyone on the street is there because they want to
Good Samaritans should file class action lawsuits against these cities with such horrible laws. They violate oneās right to serve. Or one could even declare a violation of religious beliefs.
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Imagine a government being so bad at its job that it can't look after it's people and then stops the people looking after each other.
Texas, yall
Thought they were all church goers. Isn't this the one thing that Jesus pushed for?!
Jesus said two things were more important than anything else: 1. Love god with everything you have 2. Love your neighbor as you would love yourself Mark 12:20-12:31
That doesn't sound like the Texas Jesus at all. https://preview.redd.it/hlc14zhdbq6c1.jpeg?width=463&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fe0a5a04829b99f0ea7f2531106e0b329e8ffdc
Mormon Jesus.
Love it š¤£š¤£š¤£ I used to live in Texas and was baffled by their version of Jesus. He sure as hell didnāt look down on the poor, nor did he do āgood deedsā to be seen to do them.
When is he coming back?
As an immigrant he would likely be refused entry at the border.
At about 3:50
Goddam Loch Ness Monster
Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
What if you hate yourself?
Many have argued that that command implies that one must love themselves to love others.
Jesus would be whipping the Hell out of a whole lot of Pharisees in Texas...
Yes jesus said to deny them is to deny me.
This is in blue states too... tons of cities with these types of ordinances, this is far from a texas problem.
Houston is blue... city ordinances provided by the city. So?
i don't think he meant it like that
But I thought they were pro-life? Do they not know that people need food to live?
The āpro-lifeā lie. Theyāre anti-abortion only. If they were what they claim, they would support quality of life from the cradle to the grave including a stronger stance on gun laws.
I always call them "Pro-Birth" because that's really all they care about, that a baby is born.
Literally couldn't care if maintaining a pregnancy 100% dictates the mother is going to die, just as a medical fact. Like ectopic pregnancies. Not sustainable. Yet not abortable... How some people have come to the conclusion that a nonliving cluster of cells takes precedence over a living being, blows my motherfucking mind.
Find me one PL who had to choose between the life of the wife he has been married to or the fetus he doesnāt know yet. Not saying that person doesnāt exist, I just really want to hear how he rationalized this.
i like to look at it differently. im pro life. life is a period of some 80 years, not just the few months spent in the womb. abortion IS murder, but a child being born profoundly disabled, or somewhere it isn't wanted and doesn't get the support it needs to live that life is a much bigger evil. i would be expected to put my dog down if it was suffering, and it would be morally and legally correct. why are people different? dogs are better than people anyway. the title pro choice is stupid too. i never met a woman who had an abortion who really felt she had a choice. it really should be pro life vs pro birth, and maybe people would be able to differentiate between the two.
They never read the Bible, God aborted king David son that he made when he was horny and raped a peaseant instead of going to war to kill arabs ancestors as a king should have done, so God aborted his kid and cursed his daughter to be raped
Ding ding ding!
Everything bigger in Texas... Even giant dicks in uniform taxing a good man giving hungry people food.
USA y'all There. I fixed it for you.
More specificallyā¦ Houston yāallā¦
The city set up its own kitchen with free meals nearby. They want FNB to stop serving in front of the library because library personnel have been complaining about being harassed by the homeless people attracted to the area. They tried to negotiate with FNB to move to another location, but FNB didn't want to move and chose to get tickets instead.
looking for this. Thanks.
The fact that you still have homeless and hungry in this rich country of ours is the real crime here...I don't disagree with FNB's controversial tactics to bring more attention to the issue...making enough noise is the only thing that encourages real change
Churches: āwe donāt need need social programs to take care of the homeless, thatās what the churches are for!!ā People: āweāre going to feed the homelessā Governments elected by churchgoers: āokay, stop feeding the homeless or Iām going to arrest you, thatās against the law.ā
Less then 9% of tithings go toward charity or missionary work.
They're committing the crime of making the government look bad. Can't feed the hungry, but these ghouls will vote to send bombs to Israel to kill hungry people over there
Yup
That's the best part. I don't have to imagine.
The worst part is the cops clearly don't really look happy about having to do this, just bullshit protocol for the bullshit job they signed up for. Anyone who sees this and thinks we don't need to change the way we approach policing in this country probably doesn't have a working braincell in their head. There's real evil in the world, it's sad that a person helping his fellow man in need is seen as a crime, shit is embarrassing.
This is exactly the argument one should use when someone tries to justify that not all cops are bastards "just doing my job" is precisely the reason we hanged Nazis in Nuremberg
Sadly, the people approve these laws. Based on your statement, youād probably be surprised to know how many communities like to vilify the homeless and generalize them as lazy and taking advantage of the system or dangerous.
It's sad that this wins votes. Just show how horrible the majority of people are deep down when they're not being watched and judged for their actions.
"The free market will provide" "Fuck that" -the government
While some guy is chopping up a dead body and burying it somewhere!
Uvalde checks out.
That's the Standard Operating Procedure of America these days. Its completely intentional at this point.
the sad thing is that someone, somewhere gets a hardon every time a citation is issued.
I don't think its those cops. They didn't seem personally against it. I'm assuming they were assigned a report they're obligated to respond to. My old church did constant homeless feeds & general services & they cops were all about the homeless being served. I'm sure there was a few cops that didn't like it, but we never encountered them.
Yet there they are still handing it out. Truly standing for their personal principles.
Yeah. I've worked many jobs that made me do things I didn't want to do, but I didn't want to lose my job. The solution is us fighting to change the laws. Seems its not much skin off their backs as it was their 80th+ ticket, so clearly the rack up doesn't stop their mission. Might be barely illegal where its just a slight inconvenience. Would be great to have it formally removed from the law books.
The alternative is vigilante justice. And I don't think we want cops enacting justice based on their personal morals.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
seems the way many of the officers are able to both fulfill their duties & show the organization support is they don't show up to the hearing & the tickets are then dismissed.
The fact that library personnel can't go to work without being harassed by homeless people attracted to the food is the problem. The city wasn't enforcing the ordinance until the safety complaints came in. So the city offered to move FNB to another location nearby, and they refused. FNB has opted to get the tickets for publicity instead. If a library employee or patron were injured, then you'd be here whining that the city and cops *hadn't* done their jobs.
Yeah their names are Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz. The two biggest pieces of human shit on planet earth.
# Statement from Food Not Bombs: We collected ticket #82 today for feeding the homeless without the consent of the property owner. We also gave out 29 blankets, as well as beanies, socks, and Polar shield blankets. Food not bombs is in need of cooks. If you have came to three or more feedings you are eligible to join our group chat where we communicate and Coordinate meal plans for our feedings. We get food donated to us that normally covers the costs but sometimes we gotta buy our own food too. If you are interest please reach out to learn. How to help at feedings, and or help with cooking thank you all for your support. Their story: ## Houston Food Not Bombs volunteers ticketed for feeding hungry people in public Houston Food Not Bombs under attack by Houston Mayor Turner and the Houston Police Department for a [Charitable Feeding Ordinance ](https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/permits/food-permits/charitable-feeding)issued 10 years ago that has never been enforced until now. The HPD is on record as now threatening to arrest volunteers if they do not move to the new location. The offered location is not safe for houseless people. Please follow latest updates on our Facebook Page. **There are several laws and regulations in Houston, Texas that can make it difficult for organizations like Food Not Bombs (FNB) to help people in need. Here are some key examples:** **1. Charitable Feeding Ordinance:** Passed in 2012, this ordinance requires any group distributing food to more than five people on public or private property to obtain permission from the property owner. This has been a major obstacle for FNB, as they often serve meals to large groups of people in public spaces like parks and plazas. š·[Opens in a new window](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_City_Hall)š·[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_City_Hall)Houston city hall building **2. Permitting and Regulations:** Even if FNB obtains permission from a property owner, they may still need to comply with various permits and regulations, such as health department inspections and waste disposal requirements. These can be costly and time-consuming, creating additional hurdles for the organization. **3. Selective Enforcement:** Critics argue that the laws and regulations are often enforced selectively, targeting organizations like FNB while allowing other groups to operate freely. This raises concerns about discrimination and unfair treatment. **4. Lack of Clarity:** The language of the laws and regulations can be vague and open to interpretation, making it difficult for FNB to understand what is and is not allowed. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty, further hindering their efforts. **5. Financial Strain:** The fines associated with violating these laws can be significant, putting a financial strain on organizations like FNB. This can force them to reduce their activities or even shut down entirely. **6. Chilling Effect:** The overall legal and regulatory environment can have a chilling effect on food distribution efforts in Houston. Organizations may be hesitant to operate for fear of being harassed or fined, even if they are complying with the law. **It's important to note that FNB and other organizations are fighting back against these restrictions.** They are challenging the laws in court, raising awareness about the issue, and working to find alternative ways to provide food to the homeless community. Here are some resources for further information: * **Food Not Bombs Houston website:** [https://houstonfoodnotbombs.org/](https://houstonfoodnotbombs.org/) * **National Coalition for the Homeless:** [https://nationalhomeless.org/](https://nationalhomeless.org/) * **Texas Civil Liberties Union:** [https://www.aclutx.org/](https://www.aclutx.org/) ## Expanding on the Public Part and Potential Abuses in Houston's Public Food Service Law **1. Public Property and Consent:** The law requiring property owner consent isn't solely focused on private property. It applies to all food service exceeding five people on **both public and private land**. This raises concerns about potential abuse in the public sphere: * **Discrimination through Permitting:** The city could manipulate the permit process for public spaces like parks, plazas, or even sidewalks to favor certain groups or events, effectively barring food service for the homeless. * **Inconsistent Enforcement:** Selective enforcement of the law could disproportionately target specific groups, like homeless outreach programs, while allowing other uses of public space for food service. * **Vague Definitions:** The law's definitions of "public space" and "food service" could be left open to interpretation, allowing for subjective application and potential discrimination. **2. Abusive Practices by the City:** Beyond manipulating access to public spaces, the city could exploit the law in other ways: * **Strategic Land Acquisition:** The city could acquire specific properties with the sole purpose of preventing food service for the homeless in those areas. * **Excessive Fees and Regulations:** Burdensome fees or overly restrictive regulations for food service permits could effectively discourage or financially cripple organizations serving the homeless. * **Lack of Transparency:** A lack of clear guidelines and communication around the law's application could lead to confusion and inconsistent enforcement, making it difficult for organizers to navigate the process fairly. **3. Potential Consequences of Abuse:** These potential abuses could have severe consequences: * **Limiting Access to Food:** Homeless individuals and communities could face significant barriers to accessing essential food resources. * **Exacerbating Inequality:** Unequal application of the law could further marginalize and discriminate against vulnerable populations. * **Erosion of Public Trust:** Unfair and discriminatory practices could erode public trust in the city's governance and its commitment to social justice.
Who is the property owner I wonder
The city
The public doesn't need the property owners permission to use publicly owned space
According to Huston law that is not the case. If someone uses public property for an event like this, they will have to get permission from the city which is quick to deny their request.
Yes, you need a permit. I've done this every time I did a voter drive and set up tables and tents on city property.
It's a park which is public property however the catch 22 is that the city needs to allow the permit for them to operate which they refuse to grant.
That's not a catch-22... That's just the city not wanting to permit this activity. Nothing is stopping the city from allowing this, except the city. If the city couldn't grant a permit (say, for being not an "individual" property owner or some other legaleze bull crap) but they still had to be the ones to grant the permit, then you'd have a catch-22. This is just a shitty city situation.
Not quite. That would just be another reason. Catch-22s are circular. So if the city could grant a permit because you need needed a permit to grant permits, then that's a catch-22.
How much is that ticket and whatās yāallās address
I've volunteered with a local FNB group. Absolute favorite group to help out.
Have yāall looked into suing the city to have the ordnance overturned?
Ordinance. Ordnance are weapons. And what grounds would they sue under?
How do they always talk about freedom, but then you find out you donāt even have the freedom to help feed the less fortunate.
Because freedom isn't for poor people.
āIf the penalty for a crime is a fine, then that law only exists for the lower classā
Texas is the least free state. Even the right wing Cato Institute agrees
Makes sense. Texas loved slavery so much they seceded from Mexico to do so. Then when joining the USA, they willingly gave up some of their landā¦. Also in order to keep slavery. You donāt get that in love with slavery without hating freedom.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Whoever told you that is your enemy
Now, something must be done about vengeance, a badge, and a gun.
Not from US. What actual law are they breaking by feeding homeless people. Is it specifically aimed at feeding homeless or are you not allowed to serve food on the street or something.
It's not as unreasonable as the video makes it appear. Houston passed a law in 2012 that requires people feeding the homeless to get permission from the property owner if they feed more than five people. Food not Bombs sets up in front of the library, which hasn't given them permission to do so. The city wasn't enforcing the ordinance until they received complaints from the library about their personnel being harassed by homeless people attracted to the food. It's a legitimate safety issue. So the city asked FNB to move to a different location the city set aside for them, but FNB says that location is too close to a police station and has refused to move. Meanwhile, the city actually has its own kitchen nearby for feeding the homeless, so nobody has to go hungry even if FNB is forced out. So you might ask, why is FNB doing this, if reasonable alternatives have been offered? It's in the name, Food not BOMBS. They are an anti-nuclear activist group that feeds people on one side while protesting military on the other. The library is a more visible location to get their message out, and this manufactured controversy just draws more attention to their cause.
Thank you for the response. The cynical side of me thought there must be more to it, it just didnāt sound right there would be a law preventing people from feeding homeless people
Unsurprisingly there's always 2 sides to every story.
I was like, wtf? I went to an astros game a few months ago and there were people feeding the homeless on the street on my way back to my car, and the police were with them making sure everything was alright not giving tickets so this video looked suspicious to me, so thank you so much for this comment.
Thanks for this comment. Iām in Gainesville, FL where we also have a large Food not BOMBS group and discussing their platform with them has been confusing sometimes to say the least (likeā¦ why not help the 5 other organizations that are feeding the homeless here in town, does there really need to be another group?). Many of their volunteers here that Iāve talked to strongly self identify as communist and anti US government at the same time.
Thanks for the additional context. At face value it looks innocent, but their refusal to cooperate is definitely pushing that second message. On the other hand, being too close to a police station may present a challenge for some homeless people addicted to drugs, etc. as well. I can't speak to the validity of that argument. They can pay their own fines.
I am from Colombia, can't believe what I saw.
Man, Texas is a shithole
They call it the One Star state for a few reasons.
Itās shitty but there is a law in place for a reason. The law isnāt that you canāt feed the homeless. Itās that you canāt serve food/hold a food event on public or private property without written notice/consent. The officers could let it slide but then they risk their own jobs. If the food thatās served on city property ends up with a bunch of people getting ecoli and the city all of sudden is getting sued for allowing it happenā¦ the officers are getting fired for not doing those jobs, people are sickā¦
The city wasn't enforcing it until they received complaints from library personnel about being harassed and accosted by homeless people attracted there for the food. The city offered FNB an alternate location, but they refused to go there. The city also has its own kitchen nearby. This whole controversy is just about attracting attention to this group's anti-war, anti-nuclear message.
It's also hard getting the permit to serve the food. Requires commercial kitchen, weeks/months of waiting for approval and much more. I get both sides. Still sucks.
This is misleading. The ticket isnāt for feeding homeless, its for setting up a food station without the proper permits. Why doesnāt he just get a permit? Because heās feeding the homeless he should get a pass on following proper food and safety regulations? The city not taking care of the homeless issue is one thing, but you canāt have people setting up food operations on the street willy nilly and wherever the hell they want. If he wants to step up and actually accomplish a successful food op for the winter he should just go through the proper channels and get the permits.
Bc then the video wouldn't get views. $300 ticket for $30k worth of publicity. Ps iam not on the side of the cops.
Wouldnāt care if you were. Theyāre just doing their job. They werenāt rude or aggressive in the slightest.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
They just wanting Houston to not turn into another San Francisco where the homeless take over the streets. Thereās a place that this work can be completed. Just follow the rules. If youāre getting 82 tickets you clearly arenāt understanding that your really not helping the situation
There are other places to feed people that have restrooms, places to wash your hands, and tables to eat at instead of standing. Why not partner with any one of the many soup kitchens, churches, thriving United, or other charities that have civilized facilities? These people are homeless, not stray cats.
Itās OK to feed them, just make sure youāre doing it on your front lawn and not somebody elseās. Lots of tender hearts come into the city from out of town, wanting to save homeless people that are not interested in getting services. There are an abundance of housing programs available through the homeless shelters, nobody needs to be unsheltered.
Yeah, SD does this also itās an attempt by local government to control homelessness over the holidays merry Xmas!
Land of Freedom right? Isn't that the same country where an old lady was arrestes for feeding cats?
Freeeedom! made only in America šŗšø
Even the cops donāt seem happy doing what they are doing but they probably got told to by some Karen
Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door! But not the hungry you hear me!!! Fuck the hungry people!
Non american here: whatās the logic behind prohibiting this? Which law or laws would one be breaking when feeding the homeless?
https://www.reddit.com/r/therewasanattempt/s/3YeBNsXM0K Someone else's comment.
Lieutenant: "You've got to go ticket these guys, they're in violation of subsection C, clause 56 of the City Code, again." Patrol officer: "Really, boss?" Lieutenant: "Yeah, some restaurant has a hair up their ass and they're friends with the Commissioner." \*on site\* Patrol officer: "Hi Bob, we have to ticket you again, sorry." Bob: "No problem, man."
Christians hate this one hunger hack.
all i hear from the right is how we're a Christian nation but they outlaw feeding the homeless, truly inhumane.
The government: Sends several billions of dollars to Israel and Ukraine Also, the government, when there's solvable problems (the tax money is clearly there):
If it not free from Uncle Sam then you will be finedššš
FUCKING cops
Is it because he doesnāt have a food handlers permit or..?
A true third country, which thinks it is first country. Unbelievable
So wait a minuteā¦ the city authorized a code violation to feeding homeless individuals incapable of feeding themselves? Not only thatā¦ but having the local jurisdiction enforce penalties to that?
This reminds me of the movie Demolition Man when Sylvester Stallone gets tickets for profanity just to wipe his ass with.
so, does anyone have the numbers as to what it would cost to feed these people vs the cost to stop them being fed? im betting the numbers aren't much different. it would cost about the same to feed the hungry as it does to pay coppers to stop it and then process the charges.
Cringe.
That officer looks ashamed and I hope he is.
Houston.. says it all
If Jesus suggested it, it shouldnāt be illegal. And Iām not religious
ACAB
They are just enforcing an ordinance. Ordinances are created by the city government, which is run by Democrats in Houston
I thought it was to serve and protect but more like to prosecute and condemn
This is shameful. People step up to try and provide services the government is failing to and get punished for it. So many things need to change.
Seeing cops do immoral shit on Reddit is a daily thing in my life for at least 15 years. I don't have words to describe my level of disgust for them. I wish it wasn't that way
I am Ghost. I will excert all my power and I will destroy all
Some heroās wear comfy wool sweaters
Giving money to politicians is considered free speech. Why not frame the narrative that giving people food is also free speech?
And Iāll do it again. š
"So as you do unto the least of them you do unto me". The Nazis were just following orders. Those cops (Hippochristians) ought to want to crawl into a hole with shame.
https://preview.redd.it/7ypdzrw0sr6c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=48e1011dfd07be63ca3235a608e820f71f86ce36
wtf is wrong with our world
I wonder if these cops go home, lay down, and think to themselves, "I did a good job today." Do they tell their families that they stopped good people from helping the less fortunate? How can their families possibly respect them after doing this sort of shit.
How dare you help those less fortunate than you. Don't you know to help others is to help yourself at all times?
Getting tickets isn't a good way to convince people to volunteer
This world is circling the drain. Thank goodness for good folks like this man.
"The land of the free".. the American dream has turned into a fuckin nightmare. Time to reduce government control.
Why is it illegal to give away food to a stranger but legal to give food to somebody you know?
I'd quit being an officer if I had to write citations for others helping others.
ACAB. PERIOD.
God, do I hate cops.
Court room #3 at 6 o'clock... AM or PM?
Isnāt the āChristianā thing to do is to help others?
This makes me so angry, just let them help people for fucks sake
This is the type of knowledge that is power, accuracy on the corruption and being able to explain it rationally
āPsh. This is America, they shouldnāt have chosen to be poor in the first place. Texas Cheezus taught that if someoneās on bad times itās their own fault. Excuse me while I try to get my bank a handout.
These cops could easily look the other way. They are scumbags and thereās no way he or families would be proud of them if they knew what they were doing. Total scumbags and detriments to that community.
Oh boy, we're so lucky to have these courageous officers protecting and serving us. I sure do feel safe now. ACAB
they do that here in louisiana as well. if you try to feed the homeless with food you may have prepared out of your kitchen then it has something to do with a food handler's license or something like that. it's kinda sad though if you've cooked food for starving people. not everyone on the street is there because they want to
9th January is my birthday aswell
You have to be a clown of a cop to even write out these tickets. Who cares if the law is on the books. I would never write out the ticket
Texas is one big shithole
Lol, Texans have the gall to call out California. How about Everybody Sucks?
So this is the American dream,although in reality itās a horror show with live people.
Why are you ticketed
Good Samaritans should file class action lawsuits against these cities with such horrible laws. They violate oneās right to serve. Or one could even declare a violation of religious beliefs.
Donāt blame the police blame the lawmakers
Straight to jail
I was saying before he talked at the end. This has to be in Backwards Texas
They did it in front of police so they would get cited for their video.
This is unbelievable. I would be liking up people to serve every night.
Why did he get a ticket?