Maybe he'll grow a new leg

The one constant in all forms of government is the bureaucratic mentality. This is a truly bizarre example of bureaucracy run amok in Newark, Notinghamshire, The UK Daily Mail brings us the story of Lance Corporal Johno Lee an Army hero who lost his right leg in an explosion while serving the cause of freedom in Afghanistan in 2008.

After being severely wounded in an explosion in Helmand Province, Lance Corporal Lee suffered heart failure twice during his ordeal, once on the evacuation helicopter and the second time on the operating table at Camp Bastion. Lee's right leg was so badly injured that it had to be amputated. He was returned home to England where he was given rehabilitation and a prosthetic leg.

Most days Johno is able to get around fairly well despite his disability, but there are times when he experiences severe pain and swelling which makes is impossible for him to wear his prosthesis so must use a wheelchair. Even on those difficult days Johno carries on and is able to drive to work and live as normally as possible.

Lance Corporal Lee has applied for a disabled parking permit (blue badge) with the Notinghamshire County Council, but was informed that his application had been rejected. Lee was told that he was still young and "may get better." The disabled war veteran said "I replied that they possibly did not quite understand the situation and I thought it unlikely my leg would grow back."

Lance Corporal Lee's applications are being supported by the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association.

In a statement, the Council's Service Director Mr. Paul McKay said: ‘we are looking into the matter and have arranged for a member of the staff to meet Mr. Lee to review the situation. We will urgently assess whether he meets the criteria for a disabled parking badge as laid down by the Department of Transport.'

Mr. Lee, a charity worker for the Armed Forces, added ‘A lot of people are coming home from Afghanistan severely wounded and are deserving of recognition rather than to be disrespected by the bureaucrats.'

Isn't it amazing that after serving his country and fighting for his very survival that Johno Lee should have to weave through a minefield of bureaucratic indifference just to get a disabled parking permit? Even more amazing is that after being shamed into action by the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association and the Daily Mail, Service Director Paul McKay could only say that they would look into the situation and "assess whether he meets the criteria for a disabled parking badge." The bureaucratic mentality never ceases to amaze us.

paboehmke@yahoo.com
　