A Rare New York Story

I live in Brooklyn, NY and I can attest that for those who believe that the party goers should have followed the rules even if the sign was not there they are mistaken. It is not unusual in NY for parking rules to change unexpectedly, without warning and then to be changed again--You have to go by the signs! What is unusual is that the police officer was willing to tear up the ticket. The usual response is that the citizen will have to fight the ticket-not because the officer is trying to be difficult, but sometimes once they begin writing it they have to finish it! (Strange, but those are the rules!) G-d was certainly on the side of the worshipers.

For those who commented that the drivers "should have realized", I had to read the comments twice and still said, "huh"?! We don't make up parking rules; we look to the signs to get the rules for that area. If there's a "no parking" sign, we don't park. If there isn't one, somehow the driver is supposed to think that maybe there SHOULD be one?! Eh? How does that make sense to you? There are hundreds and hundreds of blocks that have different rules for opposite sides of the street. That is NORMAL, and it is beyond absurd to think a driver is supposed to engage in a guess every time he parks: MAYBE there really SHOULD be a no parking sign here?!!

Anonymous makes a very good argument, as do the other commentors. In light of this week's news, this week's theme could be take responsibilty for one's actions and/or justifying one's actions.

I think the lesson here should perhaps instead be that we shouldn't forget our responsibilities just because the signs aren't so clear. Our responsibilities don't stem from the sign always being posted and visible. They stem from the knowledge we gain, from learning about right and wrong. If your son or anyone knew the area and knew the rules, the sign is irrespective and a realization of the right and wrong was conveniently dodged. I can imagine a better story and lesson in which your son acknowledges that he knew of this issue and accepted the ticket regardless. Unfortunately, some might argue, rules and laws are can be strictly cause and effect (i.e. no sign, no law) and so we often must play the game or be consumed by it - I'm not certain where I stand on that generally (specifically is easier) and so I don't fault anyone who might play that game. By the way, I also understand that your son may simply not have known about the regulations and thus the above is moot, but you did not clarify in your message and so the above was worth noting. Wow, I usually don't type into boxes this small (fix that) but stumbled upon your video and went with it. :)

thanks for the insights. i always find myself dwelling on my mistakes and when i do i make more. thank you for sharing