Ladders are OK! If used properly, they are a safe way for small children to enjoy the parade. They're even good for not-so-small people. I have many fond memories of standing on ladders as a teenager ostensibly in charge of one or another small child seated in a ladder box. Ladders are useful and can be fun. Nobody is denying that.
BUT
Ladders should not be used as de-facto barricades with which one family or group of families cordon off their "private" section of public space. There is no private property on a parade route. Other people attending may need to pass through or (gasp!) even share space with you. It's a public event!
City ordinances require that ladders be set back away from the curb at a distance equal to their height. This makes sense, not only for safety's sake, but also for the sake of people who will occupy the ground-level space between the ladders and the floats. These folks need room to view the parade too.
City ordinances also require that no ladders or structures be allowed to block intersections along the route. This allows police and emergency vehicles easy access to and across parade routes... a purpose whose reasoning should be self-evident.
Unfortunately, enforcement of these laws has become inconsistent and lax in recent years to the detriment of everyone's safety and enjoyment. Can't we do something about this this year? Isn't it time to remind ourselves that Carnival is a time for mutual enjoyment and respect?
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