WHAT THE??

The Center of Controversy

Just when you think you've lived long enough to think that the old saw " there's nothing new under the sun " is true you wake to find something that's not only new but outrageous.

This morning's Chicago Tribune covered a local story of an elderly Polish couple who had emigrated to America from Russia and settled in the northwest suburbs because of its countrylike setting . They set up a wildlife sanctuary for the birds and kept five feeders going .

There's a creek that runs near their property and brings all sorts of critters such as racoons, geese, etc. Sometimes they left a bowl of bread crumbs out for them to eat.

Much to their surprise they received a $100 fine for " feeding the birds " and were ordered by the local court to cease their activities or there would be a $500 a day fine. Seems a neighbor reported their bird feeding activites as a nuisance and possible health threat.

They came from Russia where freedoms are curtailed only to be dealt a blow to the most basic of rights, which, they declared was allowed in their native land. I can imagine how puzzled and frustrated they must be over this ridiculous heavy handed ruling by a local judge.

Knowing the many numbers of bird lovers and naturalists in the Chicago area I somehow have the feeling that we've not heard the last of this story. We Americans love fairy tale endings and I'm hoping to pick up the paper and read a happy conclusion to this disturbing news.