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Welcome to Madison — Now Get Out of Sight

To address issues with the homeless in Madison, Wisc., Mayor Paul Soglin is proposing some new regulations for the downtown area. “Madison’s transient, drifter population is growing every week,” Soglin said. “We’ve created a circus atmosphere where anything goes.” But his new proposal doesn’t include words like “homeless” or “transient” because the city’s “posture of compassion” requires not singling them out in laws. Thus the proposed law prohibits everyone from “sitting, lying on or occupying a public bench” for more than hour, and bans anyone from “sitting, lying or lodging” on sidewalks or streets. Exceptions include medical emergencies, people watching parades, and people with disabilities — but only if they require “more than an hour’s rest.” (RC/Wisconsin State Journal) ...So since they’re too “compassionate” to harass the homeless, they’ll harass everyone.