More on snow removal

[srakkt.livejournal.com]

We're all probably sick of shovelling already, but if you haven't yet taken a few minutes to dig out any fire hydrants and storm drains near your place of residence or business, please consider doing so. Thanks.

Edit: ron_newman also points out that clearing a pedestrian path at the crosswalk if you live on a corner is just darn nice.

Comments

[ron_newman]

I shoveled out my corner last night. It took all of about five minutes. Had I not done it, it would have frozen into dangerous ice.

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

And we pedestrians thank you for this.

[on-reserve.livejournal.com]

Good, your corner was easy. That does not mean everyone else's is -- there is a snowbank on the corner of my street that is over my waist. Not to mention -- why does living on a corner make you more responsible than your neighbors? How is that fair?

The more you post, the more I am really disgusted at your ableist dismissals. Aside from the people who just plain don't want to (which is their right) there are people who CAN'T physically do what you are asking. Your flippant, "well I did so you can too" replies are really insensitive and you might want to consider checking your able-bodied privilege.

Edited to add: I don't live on a street corner but I don't feel like people who live on corners should be more liable for that corner than everyone else on that street who needs it. I find it wrong for the burden to fall on the one corner-dwelling person.

[cutieperson]

actually, based on this and previous discussions, i think he's suggesting able-bodied people do it since not everyone can. as a disabled person i find it charming how many people would rather walk over a waist-high snowbank than help out their fellow human beings. OH WAIT, charming's not the right word there!

[ron_newman]

Right -- if I didn't dig out that corner, how would a wheelchair user, or even someone who uses a cane (like my upstairs neighbor), get through it at all?

[on-reserve.livejournal.com]

I didn't walk over a waist-high snowbank. I saw it on the end of my street and saw it. Having seen it, I don't know how anyone could be expected to clear that.

Read his posts, he never says do it only if you are able. Instead he basically says "I did it just fine which means you should be able to do it too."

His responses and attitude really irk me.

[ellf.livejournal.com]

Ron is asking that you think beyond what's easy for you, and help out your neighbors. You might consider whether that's really so unreasonable.

[on-reserve.livejournal.com]

And I'm asking Ron to consider that not everyone is physically capable of doing what he's asking. And being asked to do something that you would like to be able to do, but can't -- feels crappy.

I don't see how it is possible to clear a snowbank that high -- I would not have any expectation that my neighbors, who live on the corner, would be able to do it.

[ellf.livejournal.com]

And I'm asking Ron to consider that not everyone is physically capable of doing what he's asking. And being asked to do something that you would like to be able to do, but can't -- feels crappy.

It's an LJ post. It shouldn't be necessary to qualify every possible exception so that someone reading a post that could not apply to them doesn't feel even slightly uncomfortable. The trend of doing everything possible to avoid ever offending anyone muddles communication. It is the burden of the reader to say, "Oh, well - that doesn't apply to me. Nice idea, though."

[on-reserve.livejournal.com]

Also - hello, I am recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon tear. No, it is not reasonable that I could clear a snow bank that high. I consider it a feat that I was able to shovel a path down our stairs, the sidewalk and just enough to be able to get my car out of the driveway.

And I resent having to "explain myself." For some people, yes, what he is asking is an unreasonable expectation.

How would you feel about being asked (nay, guilted) to do something you can't?

[icecreamempress.livejournal.com]

Then you're not the person who needs to do that. However, I bet that, as someone who's recovering from a serious injury, you'd appreciate it a lot if someone else in your neighborhood did it, yes?

[ellf.livejournal.com]

I would say, "I can't." I would move on. In my experience, LJ comments directed at the population in general don't induce guilt.

[cutieperson]

park the persecution train for a second.

just make sure to do it on the odd side of the street to avoid a ticket!

[komos.livejournal.com]

But it's a long-standing tradition to park it on the evens!

[ellf.livejournal.com]

Well said. :)

[on-reserve.livejournal.com]

Oh goody! A lecture! Because this post hasn't been pedantic enough. Thank you kind sir!

[elements.livejournal.com]

As someone who is friends with both of you, I think it's just a really, really talking around each other miscommunication. I saw Ron today so I chatted with him a bit about where I know your perspective and intentions come from, and I feel confident that he really does get it. I know you get it too. I think this is one of those things where neither party's sincerity and fullness of meaning come across well online.

Also, if you want me to come over and help shovel some (including that nasty corner) I'll make you a trade - you pick me up & bring me there, I will totally shovel. Presuming we can then have hot cocoa when I am done. <3