Anyone run the Shamrock Shenanigans race in Ann Arbor yesterday? If so, that was me spread-eagled on the ground, with a jackboot pushing my face into the pavement, on the corner of Main and Madison. Apparently, arguing with a race official is a really bad idea, even if you're not participating in the race.
The more important lesson that I learned is that police will will use reasonable force when provoked, such as when the police tell you to pull over, and you try to jockey into a legal parking space.
The upshot? Even though I was released without charge a couple hours later, I still need to pay $300 in processing fees (think of Halpern on TV in the movie Brazil) and towing/storage fees to get my car back. If I were charged, and found not guilty, the judge could return my car and/or reimburse me. However, my only recourse is to sue the City of Ann Arbor in civil court ($100 filing fee). And on top of that, almost all funding for legal assistance prohibits civil suits against any government entity.
Regardless of other circumstances, losing your vehicle during economic stress makes a bad situation much much worse. For many, the result is an immediate loss of income and even housing. And it's astonishing how easily this hardship can be capriciously imposed with impunity. There are so many indignities when you hit bottom. And while I've been aware of this one, it's easy to overlook.
Only recourse now is to take up a collection among friends and acquaintances. Let me know if you care to donate. Anyone else go through a similar experience? Any advice?