To Pee or not to Pee, that is the question.

When faced with the urgent need to urinate in public, individuals find themselves caught in a distressing dilemma, they are left with three unenviable options:

Pay the price.

Prepare for prison.

Piss your pants.

This article explores the political dimensions of this basic issue, shedding light on the escalating costs associated with using public restrooms and the underlying injustice that disproportionately affects the poor; or the most economically disadvantaged.

The Price to Pee: A Growing Burden

Imagine finding yourself in a situation where nature calls, and you seek refuge in a public restroom, only to discover that the cost of answering that call has skyrocketed to a staggering $1. The increasing fees associated with public conveniences place an undue burden on individuals who are already struggling to make ends meet. For many, the rising cost to access basic sanitation facilities poses a significant financial challenge, further exacerbating the disparities between the haves and the have-nots.

The Criminalization of Nature's Call

Peeing in public is not an option for those who cannot afford the steep price or simply choose not to pay it. The act is criminalized, subjecting individuals to prosecution and potential imprisonment. This leaves them with the unsettling choice of either paying an exorbitant fee or risking their freedom. The criminalization of a biological necessity reveals a system that prioritizes punitive measures over empathy and compassion, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities who lack the means to comply with these strict regulations.

The Justice Divide: Punishment for Poverty

When society punishes individuals for their economic circumstances by denying them access to a basic human function, an inherent injustice emerges. Those who cannot afford to pay face the inhumane choice of wetting their pants, which further strips them of their dignity, or facing incarceration. This creates a distressing cycle of punishment for poverty, reinforcing the divisions and inequities that plague our societies. The poor are left grappling with the question: Where is the justice for those who cannot pay?

Toward a More Just Society

A truly just society should ensure that the most vulnerable among us have access to basic necessities, including the ability to relieve themselves without fear of retribution. Rather than perpetuating a system that penalizes the economically disadvantaged, it is imperative to shift our focus towards solutions that foster compassion and inclusivity. This may include providing free or low-cost public restroom facilities, implementing policies that alleviate the financial burden on marginalized communities, and working towards a society that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their economic status.

 The plight of having to pay for a bodily function reveals the underlying injustices present in our societies. The escalating cost of using public restrooms and the criminalization of peeing in public disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized. It is essential to recognize the urgent need for systemic change, where access to basic sanitation is seen as a fundamental right rather than a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. It is only through dismantling these unjust systems and striving for compassion, empathy, and equality that we can create a society where no one is forced to choose between paying to pee or facing the consequences.

The time for change is now.  VOTE LOONY!