Oh, Stacey, you are my hero!

Wow, that really takes guts! Do you have a physical reaction at all like heart racing or sweating? I do sometimes when I stand up for myself, which makes me dread it. Total adrenaline reaction. But I really really admire you and it makes me want to do it more often.

Good for you!!!!

If I were you I'd make a trip to the local police department. Tell them about what happened and ask that they patrol that particular lot a little more paying special attention to the Starbucks side of the lot.

Then I'd go talk to Starbucks management. Ask them if they would be willing to put a sign on their door that indicates that they do NOT support able-bodied people parking in those handicapped spots when they are running in for a quick mocha.

What Jen said AND what Kathy said. You are totally the bravest being able to confront people about it like that. I'd be blubbering all over. I'm sure it's different actually needing the spots and not having them because of the pricks who are parking there. I love the idea of Starbuck's putting out the sign. And they love YOU, so I think they'd do it. At least they SHOULD. Try them.

Like the others said. Perhaps they need that fix of caffeine so desperately......

What a horrible incident you had to endure and the name-calling was disgusting. I agree with Kathy - take it further. You have to endure so much in your life, you certainly do not have to put up with such treatment. (((hugs)))

I like the "No, YOU are." comment, but that's probably because I have teenagers. (*snort*)

You could make stickers that say, "Handicapped? No, I just park in those spots because I'm a lazy, inconsiderate idiot." Then, when an offender comes in to Starbucks you can go up to them when they're at the counter (and who wants to offend the barista?) and gently place it on their shirt/sweater/jacket. Send Bill out to tape a similar sign onto their back window. If you're lucky, they won't see it and will drive around all day spreading the shame.

..and I'd call the police, and suggest that a great way to make some quick revenue for the city is to quietly hang out at the local Starbucks and nab all the idjits who park illegally. Go to a city traffic and parking committee meeting and complain that the laws aren't being enforced. Go to several. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

In other words, go get 'em!

Three words Stacey, Smith and Wesson!

Seriously though I admire what you are doing here. I am a gutless wonder and would never be able to confront people this way!

I SO like the way you handle this. Polite, asking them to explain, then, POW! My best friend has a severely disabled child who uses a wheelchair. My friend has been abused twice by people who saw her get out of their van, didn't check for a placard, and then screamed at her until they saw her getting her daughter's wheelchair out of their van and then getting her daughter. Neither apologized. You have such class.

I cannot believe there were so many people doing this. I have nevered parked in a handicap spot. There was a Seinfeld I saw recently about this.

I am with Lucy, if you have the energy for it. The government always responds to opportunities for creating revenue.

I especially like the bumper sticker idea. It reminds me of a work by Adrian Piper.

thanks for all your nice comments and suggestions. bill's been wanting to do a STICKER for these cars. i like the idea of the sign better. AND i do think i am going to write a letter to starbucks asking them to post another sign. dammit. it's so frustrating. i hate going around itching for a fight all the time. it's not REALLY like i'm itching for a fight -- it's just that i get so pissed off when i see this. and people feel just fine about doing this -- especially in a place where they think it'll "just be a couple minutes." i really am frustrated. the times i've gotten the police involved have been frustrating, too; as the officer will act as though it's no big deal and warn the people off -- if you even get a response. i don't know. i TRY to be polite -- i'm not always successful. why do these people deserve my courtesy anyway?? it's not like they don't know what they're doing. hrmph.

I love my little digital camera, yes I do. Why? Take a photograph of the car showing the license plate AND the no placard/hangtag (here in California you can get a temporary handicapped thingy that goes on the dash) and

PRINT THAT SUCKER OUT with a label for each one:

"The driver of this vehicle illegally parked in a handicapped space because he or she is a lazy, inconsiderate narcissist."

oh god. i love the bumper sticker idea. just stick it RIGHT ON THEIR DAMN BUMPER!!!! something tough for them to get off that they won't notice right away. hehehe. booya. you rock stace.