this post was submitted on 17 Apr 2024
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Funny

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[–] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 21 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I lived in a small town and there was a guy who'd ride his bike everywhere, with big metal panniers usually filled with soda cans. He'd be out in all weather, with high-visibility gear on, and would travel all miles outside of town with hundreds of cans piled on his bike.

When I asked people about him, they said he had a learning disability and lived with his mom, and would sell the soda cans for a little spending cash. Everybody loved him, especially the town government who paid him a stipend to clean up the town and let him keep anything he found. Since I helped at the local farmer's market I met him quite a few times and he was always cheerful and friendly.

[–] ToyDork@sh.itjust.works 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

And people in high places would say he's "useless" far too often. Oh well.

Glad the municipality at least recognized his efforts, I just mean that in general that doesn't happen. Really shows that town had better priorities than most.

I hope the guy is still doing okay?

[–] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago

AFAIK he's still doing okay. And the town definitely had its priorities straight. They kept out a Walmart and two chain restaurants because they didn't want to change the character of the town.