Psychics & Fortune-Tellers BANNED (by law) in Philadelphia (beliefs, mission)

[yuvgotmel]

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_..._psychics.html

From The Philadelphia Inquirer on Fri, Apr. 27, 2007

Who knew? An old law shuts psychics

Alerted to a forgotten state ban, Phila. authorities have closed at least 16 storefront fortune-tellers. One alleged discrimination.

By David O'Reilly and Michael Vitez

"What we do is entertainment," said the owner of this fortune-telling business at 2401 Walnut St. "Shouldn't they be cracking down on rapes and murders, not palm readers?" A city official, however, said most psychics were con artists who prey on vulnerable people.

Philadelphia's fortune-tellers didn't see it coming.

Suddenly they're facing a very unhappy future.

Alerted to an obscure state law banning fortune-telling "for gain or lucre," the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections is closing storefront psychics, astrologers, phrenologists and tarot-card readers who charge money for their services.

Inspectors had closed 16 shops since Tuesday, Deputy L&I Commissioner Dominic E. Verdi said yesterday.

"We were not aware it was a crime," he said, "but the Police Department came to us a few days ago and showed us where the crime code prohibits psychic readings. ...

(more at link above)

[MaddLlama]

While I think it's a little silly, you have to realize it has always been against the law in that city, the law just wasn't being enforced. So, technically by choosing to operate as a psychic there, you're already breaking the law. They're just mad because so many people complained about getting ripped off that now the city is actually enforcing a law already on the books.

Personally, I think people should be smart enough not to waste their money on psychics, and the people who need to make money by misrepresenting a parlor trick as supernatural advice should get some real job skills.

[yuvgotmel]

Well, from what I have read of your posts, you aren't open-minded to metaphysics in general. However, there are some of us who do comprehend that there is a code within (our existence)and practice divination.

[yuvgotmel]

As far as this case goes, I would tend to argue religious discrimination here. What is the difference in these "fortune-tellers" than say the fundamental Christians that speak in tongues and ask for huge offerings?

[MaddLlama]

Originally Posted by yuvgotmel

As far as this case goes, I would tend to argue religious discrimination here. What is the difference in these "fortune-tellers" than say the fundamental Christians that speak in tongues and ask for huge offerings?

Ah, but see you can't argue that its religious discrimination, because even the psychics admit that what they do is just "entertainment". Some psychic practices are associated with religion, but even the most fluffy of New Age religions doesn't dictate that you must practice a psychic art and charge for the service. These people are not being stopped from reading tarot cards or doing astrology readings completely, they're just being told they can't take money for it. Capitalism is not a religion, sad to say. I know plenty of people who do readings for free.
And also, this law has been on the books for a number of years, so who's to say why it was first created. And, it is true that there are a great number of con artists who work as psychics that can end up emotionally and financially damaging their clients.

And, as far as my personal feelings on the subject of metaphysics, you should know that even though I am a skeptic, I do still have some belief in metaphysics. However, my beliefs, my research, and my practices on the subject are far more academic than most things you'd find in a new age belief system, and I don't delude myself into thinking that the answers from a tarot reading come from some spirit guide who can see into the future. I consider myself a Pagan and I do believe in magic. But, as a skeptic at heart I don't believe in everything.
So, I'm not being hostile because I have something against metaphysics, I'm simply stating my opinion on the subject you posted a thread about. I just don't happen to like street corner psychics.

[yuvgotmel]

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

Ah, but see you can't argue that its religious discrimination, because even the psychics admit that what they do is just "entertainment". Some psychic practices are associated with religion, but even the most fluffy of New Age religions doesn't dictate that you must practice a psychic art and charge for the service. These people are not being stopped from reading tarot cards or doing astrology readings completely, they're just being told they can't take money for it. Capitalism is not a religion, sad to say. I know plenty of people who do readings for free.

What is the difference in those psychics telling the future and getting paid than say...Tim LaHaye of the "Left Behind" series?

What is the difference in those psychics than say the school of prophecy called the Morningstar Ministries in Charlotte, NC which took over the land and buildings of the former PTL? (It's preacher is Rick Joyner.) That church "practices" so-called prophecy at each service. And they even have after-service readings. Of course, as usual, it's a church--there's a lot of money involved.

One of the biggest differences that I see is that the psychics in Philly are at least admitting that they might not be fully correct. Yet, many Christians (as named above) are clearly claiming that they have the whole truth and nothing but the truth...

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

And also, this law has been on the books for a number of years, so who's to say why it was first created. And, it is true that there are a great number of con artists who work as psychics that can end up emotionally and financially damaging their clients.

And, as far as my personal feelings on the subject of metaphysics, you should know that even though I am a skeptic, I do still have some belief in metaphysics. However, my beliefs, my research, and my practices on the subject are far more academic than most things you'd find in a new age belief system, and I don't delude myself into thinking that the answers from a tarot reading come from some spirit guide who can see into the future. I consider myself a Pagan and I do believe in magic. But, as a skeptic at heart I don't believe in everything.
So, I'm not being hostile because I have something against metaphysics, I'm simply stating my opinion on the subject you posted a thread about. I just don't happen to like street corner psychics.

Ok.. Thanks for clearing that up.

By the way, I'm not some nutcase either.


...Additionally, the Benny Hinn show is paid-entrance only. ...He's the one who claims to be a healer and a psychic too. Why isn't what he does considered illegal?

[MaddLlama]

The difference is that it's not illegal where they're doing it.

Crappy answer, but Philly is apparently the only town you can't get swindled. At least not by someone claiming to be psychic.

[yuvgotmel]

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

The difference is that it's not illegal where they're doing it.

Crappy answer, but Philly is apparently the only town you can't get swindled. At least not by someone claiming to be psychic.

Wonder if Benny Hinn has performed in concert there?