What a Message from Portland, Oregan … City Shuts Down 11 Year Old Madison Root Selling Mistletoe to Fund Braces, But OK to Beg for Money

WELCOME TO A LACK OF COMMON SENSE FROM PORTLAND, OR … 

All 11 yer old Madison Root wanted to do was help her dad pay for her braces that were going to cost $4800 by selling  mistletoe. It’s Christmas time, what better gift to sell than freshly picked mistletoe in a cute package with a red bow? Well, one would think. That was until she decided to see her mistletoe next to the Skidmore Fountain in Downtown Portland, Oregon and a private security guard asked Madison to stop selling because city ordinance bans commerce like that without proper approval. UNREAL … papers, where are your papers!!!

I am sure this was the intent of the ordinance and it was meant for 11 year old’s. More so, I am sure this is what Our Founding Fathers had intended when forming this great nation. But in this day and age government interference and regulation have increased so much that they would squash a little girl’s efforts and entrepreneurial spirit to help her dad pay for her braces. Especially, in this day and age when we hear stories of so many young kids that just expect things, Madison wanted to help. Oh yea, did we tell you that Madison Root was not allowed to sell her mistletoe without approval, but it would have been OK for her to beg. There is a message to teach the young.

From KATU:

She’s hoping to raise money to chip in for her braces. The dentist says they’ll cost $4,800.

“I felt like I could help my dad with the money,” she said.

Madison and her dad bagged up the mistletoe and started selling them next to the Skidmore Fountain in Downtown Portland on Saturday morning.

That’s also where the Portland Saturday Market holds its weekly venue.

A private security guard asked Madison to stop selling because city ordinance bans commerce like that without proper approval.

“I wouldn’t think I’d have any problems because people are asking for money, people are selling stuff, this is a public place,” said Madison.

And she’s right — to a point.

In fact, we saw people protesting, hold signs, playing music, and begging all over the area on Sunday morning as well.

The Saturday Market is incredibly diverse.

You can buy whistles, order crepes and sign a marijuana petition all without walking more than ten steps.

But you can’t open a business without going through the market’s formal application process. The market sets rules for vendors which Madison agrees make sense.

Begging is different.