[OldDave]

I find this pretty interesting. I've had a permit for about 12 years since sustaining permanent spinal cord damage that makes walking very difficult.

It does seem that these permits are subject to state law. When I first got mine Kansas law required a signed application from a doctor or other health care worker. The law has changed and it is no longer required. Personally, I thought it was a good idea to require it. Of course we are a state with a pretty sparse population and it generally isn't too bad here. Although, if you get to Walmart early in the morning you'll find the parking lot almost empty, the handicapped spots full and all the electric carts in use. I guess us old folks like to get up and beat the rush.

I think one of the problems that might happen is having a legitimate reason for getting one, but then getting better and continuing to use the permit. I do know that happens and I wonder how many people would turn it back in or just stop using it. It certainly has been a godsend for me, and I can see how it would be hard to go back...although I'd sure trade it to be able to walk normally again.

I also wonder in TV if the high concentration of older people puts much more of a burden on the restricted parking places. I'm guessing like most state the percentage of parking places is dictated by law. It probably should be higher in concentrated retirement areas. Of course, there really isn't any place as concentrated as TV.

In the end, it's like anything else, common courtesy helps a great deal; some people have it and some don't. When I pull in if there is a normal spot fairly close and only one handicapped spot left, I'll take the normal one to leave a spot. But on the other hand if there is a single normal spot open and several handcapped, I take the handicapped to leave that spot open for some mom with several little kids.