Bee Cave bans people of colour from door-to-door solicitations after dark

Texas City Takes a Hard Stance Against the Working Class with Drastic Decision

In a deplorable move, the Bee Cave City Council has unanimously voted to ban door-to-door solicitations after dark, effectively criminalizing a means of survival for those less fortunate. The ordinance, which takes effect on September 1, requires solicitors to provide proof of a permit, which can be revoked based on complaints. This discriminatory policy is a blatant attack on the First Amendment rights of those engaging in legitimate solicitation, including political canvassing and religious groups like Jehovah's Witnesses, who are legally protected.

The city's justification for this draconian measure is a supposed increase in after-dark solicitors, with Mayor Kara King calling it "a big problem" and "excessive." However, this so-called "problem" is likely a result of the city's own failure to adequately address the economic needs of its residents, leading to desperation and alternative means of livelihood.

As if the ban weren't oppressive enough, the city is also transferring the power to issue permits from the police department to the Planning and Development Department, allowing for background checks and further barriers to entry for potential solicitors.

A Disturbing Trend in Local Politics

What's more, Bee Cave residents will also vote on seven regressive charter amendments in November, further restricting the rights and freedoms of its citizens:

• Prop A gives the City Council unjust power over city boundaries, allowing for annexation or dis-annexation without proper citizen input.
• Prop B is a pathetic attempt to control the pay of City Council members and the mayor, hindering their ability to serve the public effectively.
• Prop C is a power grab, giving the mayor unauthorized influence over financial matters, signing bonds and warrants.
• Prop D is a sneaky way to avoid financial accountability, attempting to skirt around the state law regarding budget adoption.
• Prop E is a ridiculous proposal to designate an "official paper," a clear attack on freedom of the press and a way to control the narrative. Its liability clause is also a concerning way to discourage claims.
• Prop F is a cowardly move to stifle citizen petitions, giving the City Council unjust control over the process and allowing them to make changes as they see fit.
• Prop G is a thinly veiled attempt to control public opinion by requiring voter approval for any changes to city-owned real estate, creating unnecessary red tape and hindering progress.

It is disturbing to see a city government blatantly disregard the rights and needs of its citizens in favor of control and repression. The people of Bee Cave deserve better than these authoritarian policies masquerading as progress.

Sources:

• URL
• URL