Commentary

Squatters' bright idea

TODAY P AND I are asking those of you among us who are law abiding citizens if you don't feel that generally people who are law breakers are just better off? (Please, if you know you don't fit into this category of law abiding, read but don't even bother to comment).

Seriously, let's take my thorny issue about squatters. Law abiding citizens stress and sweat to own a home. We save, get suckered in by mortgage companies offering long term saving plans with low interest rates. We sacrifice much to put away whatever monthly amount will pay the eventual mortgage on our dream home. For the average law abiding citizen, it is often their only home. It is a struggle and when we get it there is a sense of achievement that most law abiding citizens feel.

But, check the squatter. First, they spot a piece of land that looks nice and unattended and capture it. Way, way back in the day when squatters were people in need as opposed to those who 'have up' the rest of the law abiding society today, the squatter used to hold the little space with a shack, a dwelling that was fairly disposable and implied temporary lodging when you saw it.

Today's squatter though puts up blocks, steel and mortar ­ permanent structures from day one. They have no intention of moving.

But guess what is the real rub? These people have utilities, water and electricity and are very comfortable. I often wonder, if these people don't have proper titles for their land, then how do they get these utilities? Ok, they are not legal connections ­ well if I can see them and THE STAR reporters can see them what is stopping the utility company from dealing with their case?

Disconnect light

In all of this, as a law abiding citizen, you could be sitting at your home and see a troop of men come by in a truck, ready to disconnect your electricity. You have paid your bill though ­ on time as well ­ but they are still there to disconnect your light. Be thankful that you were at home because if you weren't, you can bet your life that you would have come home to darkness.

And then you would have to go through the stress and indignity of dialoguing with a bunch of half brain twits at some far away office, twits who always want you to come in to see their unhelpful faces.

At the end of the day, the squatter seems to be coming up roses all round. There will not be a troop of men at their home getting ready to disconnect their illegal electricity connection. After all, they live with the privilege of no bill and hence no address. Then they are also saved the indignity of having to deal with the half brain twits at the offices. And most importantly, no mortgage woes, ever.

It really does not seem right. And it is no point asking the politicians to look into it, because if you squat long enough you can get rewarded with a land title.

As P laments 'woe is we ­ the idiot law abiders'. But you already know that is how our parents brought us up and we won't do wrong ­ even in the face of injustice. C adds 'stupid is we too!'

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