RELIGION & ITS ALTERNATIVES

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PHILADELPHIA BANS FORTUNE TELLERS, PERMITS CHURCHES TO REMAIN OPEN

TIP TO PHILLY DEFENSE LAWYERS: We ran into this problem when publishing
an alternative newspaper. Should we accept ads from fortune tellers? We
finally decided to do so on the grounds that they were indistinguishable
in their unscientific prognostications willingness to take money for
them than most churches.

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER - Alerted to a forgotten state ban, Phila.
authorities have closed at least 16 storefront fortune-tellers. One
alleged discrimination. A city official, however, said most psychics
were con artists who prey on vulnerable people."

Fortune-telling for profit is a third-degree misdemeanor. The law has
been on the books for more than 30 years. . .

The owner of Psychic, a fortune-telling shop at 2041 Walnut St., sat on
his steps yesterday and complained bitterly about the police action. He
would not give his name or his lawyer's name. . . "They're
discriminating against Gypsies," he said, although he said he was born
and raised in Philadelphia.

Finally, he noted that critics "considered that Jesus was a psychic, a
fortune-teller, and they crucified him." He saw a certain parallel.
"Look what they want to do with the fortune-tellers," the man said. "We
might be coming to the end of the world."

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_stories/
20070427_Who_knew__Law_shuts_city_psychics.html


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