As motorists walked to their cars Tuesday evening they might have noticed bright orange tickets on cars in the parking lot. They might have felt a bolt of fear that one may be on their own car. Oh no!, there was a notice under the windshield, but it wasn't the bright orange package, it was a friendly white envelope addressed to "Good Motorist". "You have crossed paths with Robin Hood", it says. The parking meter ran out but, my merry men put in more coins. Inside the envelope was self-addressed envelope to send donations to the Robin Hood parking meter fund.
Robin Hood of Cheshire Forest wont say how many donations he has received, but the response has made him happy to repeat his charity in the future. "People shouldn't be driven out of downtown by the parking fines. They just want to buy things and enjoy themselves, I say we let them", the unlikely twin of Errol Flynn says. I'm hoping make downtown as friendly to motorists as the big franchise stores on the edge of town by enforcing Ticketless Tuesdays".
;D 8)
Awesome. :D
Colorado: Parking Meter Samaritan Threatened with Arrest
A Denver, Colorado man is threatened with arrest for feeding an expired parking meter.
Parking meterA Good Samaritan in Denver, Colorado was threatened with arrest last Wednesday for the crime of putting coins in expired parking meters. Stanley Yaffe had been helping out fellow motorists on 18th Street when a meter maid confronted him, claiming she would have him arrested for "interfering with the collection of city revenue."
After asking whether she was joking, Yaffe apologized and said he would not do it again and was about to walk away. "What makes you think I'm letting you go?" the meter maid said.
"We use the services of the Denver Police Department if there is any interference with the parking enforcement staff," Public Works spokesman Patty Weiss told the Denver Post. There is no specific law against feeding meters. The meter maid eventually released Yaffe.
Like Yaffe, Mayor John Hickenlooper has been upset by overly aggressive meter maids in the city and is doing what he can to help. Currently, he is offering to personally pay the parking tickets of anyone ticketed while trying to vote on November 7. He also used video of himself feeding expired parking meters in a 2003 campaign commercial.
Source: Random act of kindness begets meter madness (Denver Post, 11/20/2006)
CINCINNATI - The latest super hero to grace Cincinnati with his presence is "Meter Man", here in honor of the "meter-feeding granny" who was arrested in 1996 for feeding someone else's meter. Meter Man appeared at City Hall Tuesday to urge that City Council declare every October 24th as "Random Acts of Kindness Day", a day when all local parking meters are free of charge.
Local FOX-TV affiliate WXIX showed the Meter Man feeding nickels into expired meters all over Downtown Cincinnati. He later admitted to reporters that he had been unaware of the new "10 minute button" feature, a button that could lead to a prison sentence of 6-8 months if pressed by the wrong person.
City Council was so moved by Meter Man's plea, that they have gone further, and budgeted every Sunday as "Random Acts of Kindness Day". On Sundays, parking meters throughout Cincinnati will now be free of charge, in honor of the meter-feeding granny.
"We were so inspired by the Meter Man's proposal of a bumper sticker theme day, that we decided to continue it for the rest of the week," said council member Chris Bortz, "In Cincinnati, Monday is now 'Think Globally Act Locally Day', Tuesday is 'Support Our Troops Day', Wednesday is 'Skateboarding Is Not A Crime Day', Thursday is 'Kill Your Television Day', Friday is 'Visualize World Peace Day', and Saturday is 'Don't Let The Car Fool You, My Treasure Is In Heaven Day'."
Photo:
Well put!
Quote from: neggy on February 13, 2009, 05:36 PM NHFT
Mayor John Hickenlooper has been upset by overly aggressive meter maids in the city and is doing what he can to help.
". . . doing what he can to help," my white bicycle! Did he fire the meter maid? Have her brought up on false arrest charges? The "What can ya do?" resignation is the biggest obstacle liberty has in once again gaining a comeback.
There's an episode of Jackass where a guy dresses up as the Meter Fairy and inserts coins into meters, expired or not. A parking enforcement agent threatens to arrest him.
Hey Pat K, how do you look in a pink tutu with a tiara and wand? ;)
Yeah! Robin Hood :)
Quote from: bigmike on February 14, 2009, 12:44 AM NHFT
There's an episode of Jackass where a guy dresses up as the Meter Fairy and inserts coins into meters, expired or not. A parking enforcement agent threatens to arrest him.
Hey Pat K, how do you look in a pink tutu with a tiara and wand? ;)
I don't think pink is really my color.
out of the many characters of the shire ... Robin Hood may be the most beloved
Awesome. 8)
Quote from: Pat K on February 14, 2009, 01:10 AM NHFT
Quote from: bigmike on February 14, 2009, 12:44 AM NHFT
There's an episode of Jackass where a guy dresses up as the Meter Fairy and inserts coins into meters, expired or not. A parking enforcement agent threatens to arrest him.
Hey Pat K, how do you look in a pink tutu with a tiara and wand? ;)
I don't think pink is really my color.
You should try Cerise
When Ian got his ticket, wasn't it for the parking meters? How much are the government people trying to extract for each ticket?
[Edit - http://freekeene.com/2008/03/01/parking-tickets-and-the-consent-of-the-governed/ found it, $5]
That's so cool! I wonder who Robin Hood could be?
Quote from: Kat Kanning on February 14, 2009, 02:54 PM NHFT
That's so cool! I wonder who Robin Hood could be?
It is revealed on the Free Keene Forum (http://forum.freekeene.com). 8)
It wasn't a serious question. ::)
Quote from: Kat Kanning on February 14, 2009, 05:51 PM NHFT
It wasn't a serious question. ::)
I know. I was just using it as an excuse to shamelessly plug the FK forum. ;)
I really like this idea, and as I was thinking more and more about it, it really IS competition to a so-called government "service".
As an Agorist, I figured I should spread this.
http://digg.com/world_news/Activists_Compete_With_Government_Motorists_Save_Money
I wonder if RH needs some venture capital?
Think of how much good publicity could be generated if we spent an afternoon feeding meters, and placing a little note under the wipers " your meter was fed by your friends at the Free State Project"
I'd toss a couple of rolls of quarters and a few hours of my time on a sunny afternoon just to PO the powers that be.
Does this happen every Tuesday?
Oh, I also wanted to ask, does this Robin Hood disagree with Ayn Rand's vision of Robin Hood?
Yep, every tuesday so far.
The pirate character in Atlas Shrugged wanted to kill Robin Hood because he stole from the rich, and most of the good guys in A.S. are rich. If this Robin Hood sticks to the parking meter thing, I don't think he'll be stealing from anyone but the rich and gluttonous city government.
will any of his merry men want to be photographed for the paper? should we show their faces are just them in their outfits and doing their good deeds?
I can guarantee a photo of a blur of green running between meters.
Sounds perfect!
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on February 28, 2009, 05:13 PM NHFT
The pirate character in Atlas Shrugged wanted to kill Robin Hood because he stole from the rich, and most of the good guys in A.S. are rich.
My understanding was that Robin Hood was fighting a corrupt sheriff who was rich off of taxation in a time of serfdom where "ordinary people" weren't allowed to own land. Maybe my version is wrong or maybe Ayn Rand didn't bother to look into it and was just going off of pop culture slogans about Robin Hood.
Quote from: dalebert on February 28, 2009, 10:32 PM NHFT
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on February 28, 2009, 05:13 PM NHFT
The pirate character in Atlas Shrugged wanted to kill Robin Hood because he stole from the rich, and most of the good guys in A.S. are rich.
My understanding was that Robin Hood was fighting a corrupt sheriff who was rich off of taxation in a time of serfdom where "ordinary people" weren't allowed to own land. Maybe my version is wrong or maybe Ayn Rand didn't bother to look into it and was just going off of pop culture slogans about Robin Hood.
Nope your right , Dale, Ayn didn't look into things very far some times.
I think she mentions that the idea of Robin Hood she hated so much was not the original idea.
Robin Hood was one of my favorite books when I was a mere stripling. We used to make bows and arrows and try to shoot one arrow into the other to see if we could split it...never happened...never even got close. I think for awhile we even employed some of the Robin Hood lingo too...knave this, varlet that. We drew the line at the green tights though, honest.
I think I like the parking meter Robin Hood more than the Atlas Shrugged version. Thank you Robin Hood and merry (wo)men!
You should see the Underground President shoot...I think he could split an arrow ;D
It's true that Robin Hood lives in the great north woods...
When freemen are chased off their land and hunted as outlaws, there is a place for you here.
We'll share tankards of ale and the king's venison.
(http://politicalgraffiti.com/nhfree/images/IMG_0502-Robin-Hood.jpg)
I can see that young man swinging from a tree and hijacking a load of booze headed to the nh state liquor store.
Quote from: Free libertarian on March 01, 2009, 08:22 AM NHFT
We drew the line at the green tights though, honest.
He doth protest to much, methinks. ;)
Holy crap they cloned the president!
Right now I have the parking donation envelope picture in the paper, but would be happy to substitute for new robin hood photo or the President's robin hood photo, if that would be OK.
It is TTL's call... if they would like to use an outfit we can provide one. :)
Quote from: Pat McCotter on March 01, 2009, 03:23 PM NHFT
Quote from: Free libertarian on March 01, 2009, 08:22 AM NHFT
We drew the line at the green tights though, honest.
He doth protest to much, methinks. ;)
Yeah, I found his website: http://www.pixyland.org/peterpan/
(Caveat emptor--major creepy icks probable . . . !)
Creepy? He's so sweet!
I have no photos of Robin Hood in action, maybe I'll get one tomorrow. If the deadline is too near, use the president's picture.
OK :) I'm hoping to get an update in on the 3 court actions tomorrow and send it in by tomorrow night. If I can go tomorrow, maybe I can get a photo.
Will there be parking rescue happening after the arraignments?
Quote from: FreeKeene.com's Ian on March 02, 2009, 01:18 PM NHFT
Will there be parking rescue happening after the arraignments?
Yes, assuming I'm not incarcerated or still awaiting the court to arraign me at 4:00p, I plan to watch Robin Hood do his/her thing.
American Dad: Meter Made (http://www.hulu.com/watch/4900/american-dad-meter-made)
http://www.keenesentinel.com/articles/2009/03/19/news/local/free/id_348104.txt
'Merry Men' save those in danger of fines
By PHILLIP BANTZ
Sentinel Staff
Published: Thursday, March 19, 2009
Locals calling themselves modern-day Robin Hoods are taking to the streets of Keene to save drivers from city parking fines.
White envelopes from the Robin Hood Parking Meter Fund began appearing on vehicle windshields in mid-February.
An accompanying note reads:
"Dear Motorist, You have crossed paths with Robin Hood. Your parking meter ran out of time, but my merry men remedied the situation with additional coins. May your future travels be uninterrupted by the Crown of Keene and his many sheriffs."
Internet postings indicate that members of the Free State movement are behind the effort to save drivers from potential parking fines.
"People shouldn't be driven out of downtown by the parking fines. They just want to buy things and enjoy themselves, I say we let them," one blogger identified as Robin Hood of Cheshire Forest wrote. "I'm hoping to make downtown as friendly to motorists as the big franchise stores on the edge of town by enforcing Ticketless Tuesdays."
Instead of paying a $5 fine to the city of Keene, people are asked to donate $3 to the Robin Hood Parking Meter Fund. Donations are not required, though.
"I don't think it's a violation of law if someone pays for your meter," Keene police Lt. Jay U. Duguay said. "But if you're parked somewhere for more than two hours, then it could be a violation."
Phillip Bantz can be reached at 352-1234, extension 1409, or pbantz@keenesentinel.com.
;D 8)
"I don't think it's a violation of law if someone pays for your meter," Keene police Lt. Jay U. Duguay said. "But if you're parked somewhere for more than two hours, then it could be a violation."
Apparently the Lt does not know all of the laws, either!
robin hood and his men seek to do good not worry about laws
wouldn't the goal be to have cops ignore bad laws?
Quote from: Kat Kanning on March 20, 2009, 05:51 AM NHFT
http://www.keenesentinel.com/articles/2009/03/19/news/local/free/id_348104.txt
'Merry Men' save those in danger of fines
Once again the New Hampshire Free Press has scooped the Sentinel.
I wonder where they got the idea that Robin Hood asked for a $3 donation?
The windshield note only says what is quoted there. There is also a return envelope but it just has an address on it.
Did the photo have 3 dollars sticking out of the envelope?
(http://nhunderground.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17124.0;attach=5108;image)
Looks like you should send them a dollar back!
Robin Hood of Keene got a letter from Jason Gerhard. Jason's in fed prison in NJ for helping the Browns. Thanks NHFP!
QuoteTo whom it may concern,
After reading the article about your good deeds in the NHFP this month I felt inclined to write you a short letter. Unfortunately, I am unable to send money at this time but would like to thank you nonetheless. It is not often someone goes out and gives the government headaches while helping people in the process.
There is one thing I'd like to bring to your attention and that is bringing more publicity to it. This could be a problem if secrecy is an issue, but doing so may encourage others to spread the idea across N.H. Back in the day there was a comedian who went ahead of a metermaid and filled all the expired meters. This was on MTV I believe. Anyway it was funny as hell, because the metermaid was gong crazy. Having a town employees blow up on camera is always entertaining. Something to consider if it is possible.
Keep up the good work and maybe throw a NHFP under the wiper with the self addressed envelope :)
-Live Free or Die - -Jason Louis Gerhard
Excellent! Last week I saw Robin Hood going ahead of the meter maid putting coins in meters she was about to ticket. He even called out to her and told her to stop writing her ticket (she hadn't started to write, she was just getting out her pen) because he was going to put coins in the meter for that car. The meter maid said "OK" and did not write the ticket, but did warn Robin Hood not to put his envelope on the car (he did anyway). It was great. I saw him precede her down a long stretch of Main Street and back up the other side. And I was told by a friend that the meter maid was overheard calling the cops! No one "came to her rescue" though, and Robin Hood continued saving people from parking tickets. Too bad Jason can't hear of that. However, Robin Hood and his Merry men are working hard to make the parkers of Keene safe from parking tyranny and perhaps they will make the news again. :)
;D
I hear that she also declined an interview opportunity to explain herself.
I think someone I know might look into this and see if there might be some sort of Robin Hood type event down at Hampton Beach this summer. The Meter Fairy!
wheels spinning. Anyone care to see a fat man in a leotard with frills, a cigar hangin' out of his mouth, and saving people from the evil parking demons?
You should definitely get photos! :o
Quote from: AntonLee on March 29, 2009, 11:47 AM NHFT
I think someone I know might look into this and see if there might be some sort of Robin Hood type event down at Hampton Beach this summer. The Meter Fairy!
wheels spinning. Anyone care to see a fat man in a leotard with frills, a cigar hangin' out of his mouth, and saving people from the evil parking demons?
Sounds more like Portsmouth. ;)
I've been thinking that a bathrobe with wings might be better.
Bathrobe with wings? Nothing says, "Don't mess with me... I'm people.", like a pink tutu and a cigar.
I'm not afraid to wear pink. . . my girlfriend is all about trying to design this suit now. I've gone past the point of no return now. ;D ;D
Quote from: AntonLee on March 29, 2009, 10:04 PM NHFT
I'm not afraid to wear pink. . . my girlfriend is all about trying to design this suit now. I've gone past the point of no return now. ;D ;D
;D >:D I would encourage you to use the Robin Hood name. Make it a franchise. ;) Steal from the 'rich sheriff' and give to the poor. ;D Good luck on the coast.
Maid Marion! :love1:
Quote from: AntonLee on March 29, 2009, 09:27 PM NHFT
I've been thinking that a bathrobe with wings might be better.
I prefer bleu cheese and hot sauce, myself . . .
I wouldn't think about stealing the Robin Hood of Keene gimmick. After all, I would be copying their idea in the first place, I might as well bring a smile to someone's face as I do it.
Quote from: AntonLee on March 30, 2009, 04:40 PM NHFT
I wouldn't think about stealing the Robin Hood of Keene gimmick. After all, I would be copying their idea in the first place, I might as well bring a smile to someone's face as I do it.
How about a glittery/sparkling magic wand? You gotta have one of those!
totally
Hehe. I did this in Dallas for someone. Only to realize that the meters don't apply at 6pm. Oh well, left them a nice note in hopes they'd return the favor(even if it was botched) for someone else.
Would this be Robin Hood Reverse ?
Getting A Parking Ticket
The other day I went downtown to run a few errands. I went into the local coffee shop for a snack. I was only there for about 5 minutes, and when I came out, there was this cop writing out a parking ticket.
I said to him, 'Come on, man, how about giving a retired person a break'?
He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. His insensitivity annoyed me, so I called him a 'Nazi.'
He glared at me and then wrote out another ticket for having worn tires.
So I proceeded to call him a 'dough nut-eating Gestapo.' He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first.
Then he wrote a third ticket when I called him a moron in blue.
This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I talked back to him the more tickets he wrote.
Personally, I didn't really care. I came downtown on the bus, and the car that he was putting tickets on had one of those bumper stickers that said, 'Obama '08.'
I try to have a little fun each day now that I'm retired.
The doctor tells me that it's important for my health.
That's a cute story. It would have been cool if, just before walking away, the retired guy told the cop what an ass and idiot the cop had been by ticketing an innocent person for the harmless name-calling the retired guy had done.
But, not as funny.