This is Bennie Volkens, a blind organ grinder in front of the New Church at Dam square in Amsterdam. He is there for more than 25 years always in the same place. In December 2010 he was suddenly arrested by police because he had no licence and had a knife in his pocket. He was given a ticket of 235 euro. The public opinion was furious about this. He does no harm, makes no noise and everybody knows him. Police said they had to execute new rules for public outings at Dam square. After a lot of protests and actions of Amsterdam people the city counsel made a rare exception for him and he is allowed to grind his organ again at the same place.
Tja, Nederland en regeltjes.. Helaas wordt er niet altijd eerst goed over nagedacht.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThe poor guy. Councils and police can be so harsh at times. Its not as if he is doing any harm.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGreetings from the UK
I am glad the good people of Amsterdam stood up for their organ grinder! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenben blij dat de man weer zijn gang mag gaan
BeantwoordenVerwijderenSometimes public servants have no common sense, RAH for the people,s protest.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWell done to the people of Amsterdam for standing up to the law. It must be good to see him back in his usual place.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWell done to the people of Amsterdam for standing up to the law. It must be good to see him back in his usual place.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThat would have been so awful if just like that his life as he knew it was thrown into turmoil. Bureaucracy is a strange thing, but how wonderful to know that when the people speak up en masse they are heard, bravo citizens of Amsterdam! I like a story with a happy ending Marianne, hope you're having a lovely weekend.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThat is a happy ending. I actually can see both sides. It is just nice that there can be exceptions! And he should be one. I have always thought that the Dutch have the kindest of hearts and this story proves it! Janey
BeantwoordenVerwijderenCommon sense should take preference over rules.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThank goodness there is one governmental body in this world that is willing to reconsider a decision and make a change to it when the people ask. We do not seem to ever be able to do that here in the US. We have NO government...bust a bunch of selfish and shallow politicians whose only interest are to save their jobs. Our country is falling apart at the seams and shooting itself to death. Your post of this precious old man says so much. May be continue to live a long and happy life making music for those who walk by. Sorry about the rant. I usually keep my mouth shut and keep these thought to myyself. Guess I am just getting old! genie
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI am happy to see the citizens protested and Bennie was able to return to his corner. We had a gentleman here that would stand on a 4-way busy street corner every morning for probably as long as your Bennie and escort the ladies across and smile and tip his hat. When he passed away, that corner was never the same for the "Icon" was missing. This is a nice, happy ending.
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