Florida Man Arrested For Feeding 30 Homeless Persons

In what is truly a microcosm of the current state of our national politics, the city of Orlando, Florida made it illegal to feed large groups of homeless people within 2 miles of city hall without a permit - "supported by local business owners."

Back in July of 2006, when this was passed, the group Food Not Bombs said it would continue serving weekly meals to the homeless in the area regardless, as it had done for over a year.

Which brings us to April 4, 2007:

"Police in the United States city of Florida have arrested an activist for feeding the homeless in downtown Orlando.

According to police, Food Not Bombs charity group spokesman Eric Montanez was charged with violating a controversial law against feeding large groups of destitute people in the city centre.

The Orlando law, which is supported by local business owners who say the homeless drive away customers, has been challenged in court by civil rights groups.

Mr Montanez has been charged with a misdemeanour." ABC Online

We should probably remove the plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty:

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.