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Journal Entry: June 29, 2009

Ezra and I were starved and had decided the day’s excursion into Hanover would begin with food. We were hungry. Ramunto’s pizza and garlic knots were on our mind. Though walking down Main Street we did stop and inquire if she would take a check at the hot dog stand. She said she would but we decided to move on and go with Plan A.
We walked into Ramunto’s and began surveying the selection. A woman behind the counter immediately came over saying, “No dogs are allowed in here.” I told her, “He’s a Service Animal.”
She retorted, “A Service Animal? I need to see papers saying that.”
I politely inform her, “I will happily show you my papers but realize that it is illegal, according to the American Securities and Disabilities Act to demand proof of a Service Animal.” and handed her the papers.
She looked at them and then me. She said, “Um, thank you for showing me the papers.” with a wavering smile on her face. I smiled reassuringly and said, “Your welcome.” then Ezra and I busied ourselves with deciding which pizza we’d be eating for lunch.
I suppose I could press charges, take advantage of another’s ignorance here in this situation. What she did was illegal. But really, what’s the point? Her ignorance of the details of the act, like the feigned ignorance incident of hot McDonald’s coffee being spilt, don’t deserve such pointless attention. Besides, her much mollified attitude and the very polite and friendly service we received afterwards…that was thanks enough.

Footnote:

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
[(2) Specific prohibitions
(A) Discrimination
For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, discrimination includes
(i) the imposition or application of eligibility criteria that screen out or tend to screen out an individual with a disability or any class of individuals with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying any goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations, unless such criteria can be shown to be necessary for the provision of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being offered;]

Measure for Measure – Act 1

An overview of a phone call at 7:10 a.m. Monday June 21, 2010 to the Hanover Police Department, Hanover, N.H.

I called in, identified myself and referenced the past Saturday’s ‘incident’ to the officer taking calls. I asked for the location of the keys to the Odyssey. The voice on the other end asked me for more information to reference the ‘incident’…the names of the officers involved. I told him that the officers never identified themselves to me so I didn’t know.
The voice then said the keys were at the station under the vehicle owner’s name and could only be picked up by them. I explained that the officers left the driver’s side window down, it had rained and it was a cloth upholstery interior. Also, anyone could reach in, unlock the door and steal the car and or its contents. I explained that the vehicle was not properly secured. I asked if they would please go and put that window up. The officer curtly said, “No.” My words were falling on deaf ears and when I tried to say a few something more he hung up on me.

An overview of the phone call at 7:12 a.m.

I called back asking to speak to the Chief of the Hanover Police. I was directed to his voicemail. I left a message referencing the call just a minute ago and also mentioned this was the second time I called. I asked for him to please return my call so I could speak with him about these matters, expressed thanks, and hung up.