Yep, time for another brief rant about the state of the commute to and from work. Couldn't get out of my street for five minutes this morning, because two police cars decided to pull over a motorist and take up one of two lanes during the rush hour commute, as is their apparent penchant. In the one remaining open lane, the line of traffic simply ignored my ever-so-polite little turn-signal and pleading facial expressions. As I edged out in an attempt to gain access to the road, no one would stop or even slow down, even though less than 300 feet away loomed a rather obvious red light, and cars were already backing up. What has become of our society when people will no longer even consider relinquishing one car length in a gesture of humanity and simple civility? So, I did what any red-blooded American would do. I hit the gas, aimed straight for the taillights of one of the cars that had refused to let me in, and dared the next son of a bitch to hit me. No doubt, that driver cursed my very existence, and wished ill-will upon me. Good. That means, for at least a few seconds, they received karmic payback, if you will, for being an inconsiderate prick. Unfortunately, it probably didn't occur to them that I was not the asshole in the equation. Such is life.
Which brings me to a revelation which is also a melancholy sort of realization. The automatic transmission has helped ruin driving for those of us who are responsible, courteous motorists. Think about it - huge numbers of people who are rather incompetent behind the wheel to begin with would possibly avoid driving at all if they had to contend with a clutch and shifter. Car-pooling and public transportation use would likely increase. Yakking on hand-held cellular phones would definitely decrease. People would be forced to pay more attention to the road, and use both hands for their intended automotive purpose. Yep, let's go back to that ol' three-on-the-tree (crap, I am actually old enough to know what that is).
