[houstonchronicle] In first trial for feeding homeless outside Houston library, jury finds Food Not Bombs not guilty - eviltoast

Food Not Bombs, a volunteer group that feeds the homeless, was issued tickets by Houston police for distributing meals outside the Central Library in violation of a city ordinance. At the first trial for one of the volunteers, Phillip Picone, the jury found him not guilty. The city claims the ordinance is meant to connect homeless people with social services, while Food Not Bombs argues it violates their freedoms and rights. During the trial, the police officer testified that he issued the ticket but that he also likes feeding the homeless. In his closing argument, Picone’s lawyer argued there was reasonable doubt since the group had been feeding people there for years with the city’s permission. The jury unanimously found Picone not guilty, which his lawyer saw as confirmation of his faith in doing good for the poor.

  • sadreality@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    Are they tho… Just because there is no income tax doesn’t mean they don’t fleece you else where lol

    • darvocet@infosec.pub
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      1 year ago

      Ya my property taxes suck. Time will tell, i am soon to move states to one with an income tax - but it’s supposed to be less taxed in total.

      • sadreality@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        I respect the appreciation of the nuance. People need to start doing holistic calculations instead of just going off propaganda.

        These things are too personal for over generalized political points to work. I am sure for some Texas is lower tax state tho, just likely have to be upper income brackets with cheap property for that scenario to pay out.