Best thing I've ever seen on tv...watch and share

[Atman]

#shutdownthefuckbarrel

[Electric Monk]

1. I saw it Sunday night, so here's a big K&R to start you off

Shut Down The Fuck Barrel

#shutdownthefuckbarrel

[Electric Monk]

2. I just noticed, it's also in V&M

here http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017253895

[SheilaT]

3. I cannot believe -- even though I know it's true --

that people can be put on payment plans for a fine where the monthly charge is as great as the fine, and must be paid first. How despicable.

I will say that it's hard for me to imagine not being able to pay a $41.00 fine, which simply shows to what extent I've forgotten what it's like to be that much on the edge. The courts themselves should be able to take monthly payments on the fines, not put people into a system where they pay thousands of dollars for small fines. Is there any chance this sort of thing can be fought in the courts?

[Moonwalk]

4. I cannot believe that the government can give over their responsibility to private companies...

...and totally ignore the fact that these companies aren't doing that job. Just bilking people out of their money. That means double irresponsibility. They're not doing their job (they're paid to take care of delinquent tickets; they were voted in to take care of them, the private companies were not). AND the private companies are abusing people and the government isn't taking care of the people. Just the companies.

Not, mind you, that any of this surprises me. I find it infuriating and appalling. But, sadly, not surprising. This is what comes of something like forty years of making taxes seem bad. Everyone votes for those who promise not to raise them, and they get leaders who keep that promise by giving over their responsibilities to assholes who abuse those they ought to be serving and protecting.

[Binkie The Clown]

5. K&R n/t

[mountain grammy]

6. I just watched this.. wow.

all I can say. I have a friend who got caught up with a private probation company. What a nightmare. We took up a collection and got her paid off. We also got the judge voted out last November.

#shutdownthefuckbarrel

[marlakay]

7. Just watched tonight

I had no idea they had privatized collecting for fines, but didn't surprise me. I got a $35 parking ticket in Santa Rosa CA for being 5 min late picking up my car.

By the time I got home from my trip there was no time to mail check so had to pay extra $5 to pay online.

I was able to use credit card as I bet most people not struggling would...but it got me thinking. If you didn't have credit card...this really hurts the poor.

I am glad he brought it up.