What "Ownership society" looks like

[undergroundpanther]

Firefighters idly watch as blaze destroys non-member's property

February 17, 2006


MONETT, Mo. -- Rural firefighters stood by and watched a fire destroy a garage and a vehicle because the property owner had not paid membership dues




http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-rural17.html

WE need to STOP this Pay up or suffer bullshit invented for the rich to profit off others misfortunes ,accidents or misery.It is sociopathic.This"ownership" mentality will destroy humanity.

[liberal N proud]

1. I would bet that all those standing around watching were god fearing

Christian Fundamentalist
Southern Missouri is strong part of the bible belt

[Dr.Phool]

11. Bill Mahr nailed it last night on "New Rules"

With all the church fires in Alabama.

New Rule- If you don't pay taxes, you don't get to use the Fire Department.

I pay taxes. They can put out my fire...You get to pray for rain.

[kitkat65]

2. Sounds like extortion to me.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

3. Don't we all pay enough taxes for everyone to get firefighter services?

I guess not. And now Bush-shit and his cronies have taken all our money for themselves and left our kids a horrific financial future in this country.

[Lars39]

4. What the heck is his taxes going towards then?

If those firefighters or the firehouse receive one penny of support from the county or state he needs to sue.

[rodeodance]

5. It is not clear if this is private fire-firefighting --but at first glance

it appears to be.


..Fire Chief Ronnie Myers defended the no-pay, no-aid policy, saying the membership-based organization could not survive if people thought the department would respond for free. The department said it will fight a fire without question if a life is believed to be in danger.

[Cassandra]

6. Just listening to Thom Hartmann replay...

from yesterday discussing this. This was the norm throughout our history and reflects a decision made by the local community that if you want the services, you have to pay for them. It sounds un-Christian, but it is a way to have a tax for services without calling it a tax. In cities, this sort of thing is impractical because properties are much closer together, so they gave up the membership dues for taxes for services available to all many years ago. It seems barbaric but can actually be a step towards enlightenment for the community if they have a debate over what services they want and how best to fund them.

[niallmac]

7. I wonder how some people can live with themselves. n/t

[cornermouse]

8. Look a little further into other sources and you'll find that he's mexican

There's a lot of prejudice toward hispanics in that area.

[dusmcj]

9. means everyone's ass is owned by someone - slaver mind.

yessum massa, you owns me. Right after you kiss my ass.


They can fuck they mammas like they's used to doing.

[Dees]

10. I lived in the country in south central Missouri for many years.

My home was, shall we say, a sizable investment. I gladly paid the dues for the rural firefighters. These men and women are all volunteers. They work for nothing but their equipment is not cheap. For instance they have to bring the water to you. The dues are not that much to begin with. In my area you had to be current with your dues. If not, the department would come and do the work and send you a bill for services performed. Not cheap. People think these firefighters are paid enormous salaries and that the dues pay for the parties. Most of these departments are very frugal and are constantly having fundraisers to survive. The standing by and watching a house destroyed because of non payment is something that would not have happened in the area I lived in.

[AnnInLa]

12. more here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=455539&mesg_id=455539