There was an article in the L.A. Times today about a crack down illegal handicap parking.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

3. Good.

Several years ago a friend gave me a ride and we needed to stop at the post office. He pulled into a handicapped space and put up his placard. I made him take it down and move the car, because I was the one who'd be going inside, and I'm quite able-bodied, thank you very much. He needed it and deserved it, but I would not let him use it inappropriately.

I'm as lazy as anyone else, but I also understand that I do not have any mobility issues, for which I am extremely grateful. Especially as I get older and I'm genuinely horrified to see how many people my age cannot get around easily, are in ill health, need oxygen, and so on. If ONLY those who need to use the handicap parking would do so, it would be much better.

Although I will say I sometimes have an issue with an excess of handicapped spaces. At my local bank, some years back, there were three handicapped spaces directly in front of the bank, and in all the times I went there (over 18 years) I doubt I saw someone with the handicapped placard or license more than two or three times. It was overkill. Okay, so I'd mutter a bit as I walked an extra 20 feet. I would still never park in those spaces.