Driving home a quick point

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).

Just trying to make my way home...

Well, as it so frequently happens here in Philly, I'm driving home from work when I hit a mile-long backup on one of the only main thoroughfares in the area, Bustleton Avenue (or, as no one affectionately refers to it - Rt. 532). And, as is so frequently the case, the cause of this backup during the rush hour drive is none other than one of Philly's finest pulling over a guy who may have been speeding on his motorcycle or something. There the motorcycle rider stands, between his bike and the police cruiser, which are both blocking the entire right lane of traffic off into the horizon.

Could the cop have pulled him off the main road, perhaps into the nearest side street, or maybe into the nearby mini-mall lot or gas station on the corner? I'm thinking "yes." Should he have done so, instead of creating a completely unnecessary traffic tie-up and adding to the number of commuters already contemplating acts of road rage? Again, affirmative. The only reasons not to do so would be - what? I dunno - the sheer joy of the power trip, a lack of simple reasoning skills, or the complete absence of giving a shit would be my guess. How about it, officers - with all due respect to those who don't get paid nearly enough to deal with criminals and put themselves in harm's way - while you're busy "protecting" and "serving," do you think maybe you could exercise a smidgen of common sense and courtesy for the benefit of all of us law-abiding folks trying to shake off another day of toil and just get home to our families, take-out dinners, or tv sets, and PLEASE STOP BLOCKING TRAFFIC JUST TO HAND OUT FRIGGIN' TICKETS? Thank you.