Luck of the Irish has run out in San Antonio

[TexasTowelie]

St. Patrick's Day is Saturday, but for the first time in 44 years no street parade will celebrate Irish heritage in San Antonio.

“What it comes down to, we can't afford it,” said Terence Peak, president of the Harp and Shamrock Society, which organizes the popular downtown event.

Its absence once again raises irksome questions about a controversial parade ordinance passed by City Council in 2008.

The law, challenged by critics but upheld in courts, adds fees for police and barricades for most processions except for a few.

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/news_columnists/article/Luck-of-the-Irish-has-run-out-in-San-Antonio-3407986.php#ixzz1pAXCP0vA

[font color=green]It is sad that the city can't find a way to assist the non-profit groups with the waiver of certain costs when events arise that emphasize cultural diversity. There will be plenty of money spent to dye the river green along the Riverwalk to observe St. Patrick's Day. The alcohol and dining establishments throughout the city will also have increased offerings to observe St. Patrick's Day. However, with the absence of the parade, the opportunity to enjoy the Irish heritage and traditions diminishes the day itself. [/font]

[Ken Burch]

1. What was the purpose of this ordinance? Was it just to stop THIS parade?

If not...who else was it aimed at(I can picture this being used to stop the Gay Pride parade if San Antonio traditionally has one and the local God-squadders can't handle it.)

[fasttense]

2. Fees are nothing more than hidden taxes.

Instead of taxing the rich, RepubliCONS like to tax through fees. I remember a time when I didn't have to pay anything for my driver's license. Now it costs me $35. I have to pay a $50 a year "fee" to drive on the awful roads. I got a fee when I had to get my birth certificate. I paid a fee to renew my car registration.

Anytime I interact with the government, I end up paying a fee.

[sonias]

3. You got it

That's the exact truth about republican rule in Texas. Oh they raise revenue all right - they just don't call it "taxes". Oh and they also don't try to tax the rich. Revenue raising in Texas is always regressive. There are more non-rich people to pay "fees". And then they can get away with their lie of "we never raised taxes".

[ceile]

4. That's too bad.

Met some nice NYC police at the parade in 2001. They had traded places with SAPD and were marching in the parade. Good times...