Post B7ZFNPDZv0HkDpTFPE by MissConstrue@mefi.social
 (DIR) More posts by MissConstrue@mefi.social
 (DIR) Post #B7ZFNOv91XXXIeqWfo by MissConstrue@mefi.social
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       So, for those outside the US, #Ohio is a  state, sharing Lake Erie with Canada. (It's considered the midwest, but damned if I know why.) Anyway, apparently, you can go to jail in Ohio if your grass is longer than 8".  Now see, this story came across my feed as a "feel good, look how people came together to help this lady" story...but this is such an indictment of the political class and the rules we've allowed ourselves to submit to that...I'm just furious, and want various people ridden around on rails for their own good. I tell you that story, so I can tell you this one: 1/3
       
 (DIR) Post #B7ZFNPDZv0HkDpTFPE by MissConstrue@mefi.social
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       So, 79 year old Beverly Thomas, a retired nurse with limited means, got cited 2x for violating #Willoughby Ohio's Codified Ordinances § 521.051, “Noxious Weeds, Uncontrolled Growth, and Accumulation of Certain Materials Prohibited.”A second violation can result in a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail.A judge (who has remained unnamed in ALL the news stories I can find) dragged Ms. Thomas into court, and told her he was going to put her in jail for not mowing her yard. Did he look at her walker and her swollen joints and think, "Perhaps there's some way the city can help this taxpayer of 50 years?"  He did not. Queen of Hearts, Off With Her Head Justice in Willoughby, I tell you what. 2/3
       
 (DIR) Post #B7ZFNQTvDix88o7oWG by MissConstrue@mefi.social
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       Well, Beverly only had 5 days to comply before I guess they were going to drag an octogenarian off to the hoosegow, and the local news covered it, and some good Samaritans stepped in and cleaned up her yard....And that was supposed to be the feel good part.  And yes, good Samaritans are awesome, I hope we all find that in ourselves.But the bigger point here is that:1.) It was allowed to happen in the first place. 2.) The city responded with threats of violence to get compliance about freaking weeds.3.) We're supposed to feel good that the mercy of strangers saved a woman from a Kafkaesque government. Just. Grrr.  Here's the news stories in chronological order from the local channel. https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-lake/a-79-year-old-nurse-helped-others-for-decades-now-she-fears-going-to-jail-over-her-yardhttps://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/we-follow-through/retired-nurse-summoned-to-court-over-her-property-gets-surprise-help-from-northeast-ohio-neighbors3/3 fini