May First

Here is the true story of an average guy’s brush with death and how it changed his life: In 1973, I boarded the plane from Los Angeles International Airport to go to Boston University to continue my education on the G.I. Bill. I emerged with a degree in City Planning. I traveled to various places where I held various positions, but I ultimately returned to New York. ¬ In 1989, I found myself unemployed and because of a New York State law targeting veterans, which dates back to the post-Civil War era, I started my own business. I became a street vendor and never looked back! The law allows disabled veterans to hawk and vend on any street in New York State uninhibited by local law. But wouldn’t you know it, shortly thereafter, the city of New York, at the behest of big business, decided to put street vendors out of business. I am taking this opportunity to thank Captain Joseph Kaswan, US Air Force, for saving my liveliehood. He challenged the city of New York’s move to remove veterans from street vending. Captain Kaswan also started my involvement with the Disabled American Veterans Association. The DAVA, along with the Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion, stands up for rights of all veterans. Little did I know that my street vending business would put me seven blocks from the World Trade Center’s rst bombing attempt in 1993, and then, present again on 9/11/2001. Now, that brings me to May First, 2010,¬an unforgettable day at the crossroads of the World: Times Square, 45th and Broadway-42 miles from my home.¬ ...the day my life changed forever.