Rep. Ayanna Pressley popped up on Twitter Saturday to urge Congress to pass her Freedom to Move Act, which would “grant Black and brown riders the freedom to navigate their community without fear.” Apparently, black and Latinx commuters are hardest hit by “fare evasion policies.” It was back in 2019 when fellow squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made a similar point, tweeting that “arresting people who can’t afford a $2.75 fare makes no one safer and destabilizes our community.” We suspect no one was arrested for not being able to afford subway fare; our suspicion is that the arrests had more to do with not paying one’s subway fare.
Black and Latinx commuters are disproportionately criminalized by fare evasion policies.
Congress must pass my #FreedomtoMove Act to grant Black and brown riders the freedom to navigate their community without fear.
— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) March 26, 2022
So is “freedom to navigate their community” code for “jumping the turnstiles”?
Simple solution…PAY YOUR FARE!!
— Ron Murphy (@GRIP2013) March 26, 2022
Which is the worse insult? Saying that black and latinx people jump the turnstile the most or calling them Latinx?
— Jitney Guy (@JitneyGuy) March 26, 2022
Another utterly ludicrous tweet. Bonkers. Embarrassed for you.
— John J. Lindsley (@JohnJLindsley) March 26, 2022
So you are saying what people pay should be based on race?
— Jim DeRonck (@JDRonck) March 26, 2022
Instead of having to change policies, how about the black and Latinx community change their habits and be better citizens so they are not discriminated against as you claim. 🤡
— ExposingYourIgnorance (@you_BS_artist) March 26, 2022
How is any person disproportionately criminalized by a policy that requires one to pay the fare before riding the train? Please, I’m truly interested in the explanation. . .
— Muss Muggins (@paulhboyd1) March 26, 2022
— Fed up !!! (@Fedup33387014) March 26, 2022
How racist do you have to be to think Black & Latino subway riders can't pay the fare? The truth is crime in public transit is disproportionately caused by fare beaters & they are the ones who cause fear as people of all colors try to navigate their community.
— Izengabe (@Izengabe_) March 26, 2022
Have they considered not evading their fare?
— Alvin (@AmericanAlvin) March 26, 2022
Soft bigotry of low expectations on clear display
— RIP Stinky T. Cat (@stinkytcat1) March 26, 2022
If they don't pay the fare, they are stealing, which makes them a thief and therfore a criminal.
How do you not understand how the laws work?
Also, your law is racist if you have carve outs based on the color of the offender.
— Battle for Republic (@battle4Republic) March 26, 2022
Everyone should pay the fare. Are you seriously saying that some people don’t have to pay for something because of their skin color?
— Elisabeth (@grizzlymamabear) March 26, 2022
To make this bill easier to enforce Congress will also mandate separate, clearly labeled entrances for riders based on race
— Jose Alvarez 🇻🇦 (@JoseAlv08942677) March 26, 2022
“Fare evasion policies”. Easy solution, pay your fare
— Awaiting my free stuff (@tesicram) March 26, 2022
Fare evasion is theft of a service. Either pay or don’t use it.
— Harry Johnson (@BigfanofBrandon) March 26, 2022
This is one of the most blatantly bigoted tweets I have ever seen. Congratulations.
— SaveMyNavy (@DonaldP34129855) March 26, 2022
We’re shocked to hear someone call Pressley bigoted.
Related:
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez seems to approve of protesters rushing the subway and not paying https://t.co/K5JQBhOu3N
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) November 3, 2019
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