Ferguson @ Home

So you think Ferguson, MO is the only community using strong arm police tactics to finance city courts and other functions? Wrong. Iowa City is apparently also in this reprehensible class.
With an array of health facilities here, Iowans, especially indigent ones, come from all over the state for medical appointments. Late last year, was stopped for not wearing a seat belt and fined an exorbitant $137. I contacted the court, provided it with proof that I am living on a fixed income below the poverty line and was given the choice to pay the fine or appear in court.
In court, a policeman with a fancy camera and computer and a lawyer made their cases about my criminal conduct.  I explained I did not attach my seat belt because I had to stop after a block as I was also picking up a loaf of bread for a home bound friend, but did not believe you could survive crash at highway speeds, so faithfully attach before getting on the highway.
Guilty as charged. Pay the fine.
When I complained about the cost, the magistrate replied, “You seem to think I have some discretion in these matters, but I don’t.”
I told him I thought was a court of law and should be fair, and this was not!

The Critical Eye of media has finally exposed the reality that government, which is supposed to be leveling the playing field is doing anything but!