When can you not be simply a spectator at a 'sport'? When that sport is illegal road racing in Sacramento. The city unanimously passed an ordinance making it illegal to be a spectator. I find this obscene, personally, and a violation of the First Amendment . . . . not that that ever stops lawmakers. The ordinance specifies a fine of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for for subsequent violations. Any conviction could carry a jail term of up to six months.
Laws like this seem especially absurb considering that no person can be convicted of any offense whatsoever if they were walking along and so a baby drowing in a pool of water. It's true. You can stand and be a spectator at the baby's death. There is no law that requires the person in that instance to affirmatively take action. I happen to agree with the law. But being a spectator at a road race, your doing, or in this case 'not doing', anything is punishable. What the hell!?
Posted by Apiarist at April 21, 2005 04:07 PM | TrackBack