Toss the Cellphone and other Digressions - Unapologetic Thoughts from an Angry Cyclist

As of January 1, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Washington State. I don't know if this includes using hands-free kits, but if not it should. If you are caught using a cell phone while driving you will receive a $124 ticket (why didn't they round it to $125?). I'm fully aware that the drones will not obey this new law and it really is a shame since most people do not possess even the most basic ideo-motor functionality required to navigate their giant vehicular machines without regular negative occurrences, so when you add a cell phone to the mix things go down hill fast. Studies have proven that cell phone use while driving essentially lowers one's abilities to the level of a drunk driver, but we are a nation of Americans, how dare anyone infringe on our conviences.

I've had a number of close calls caused by cell phone wielding drivers which has bred in my psyche nothing but utter contempt for anyone who uses a phone while driving; a $124 ticket is not enough for these blow-hards, the fine should be much higher and include some kind of mandatory license suspension. Whoa boy that would get their attention wouldn't it? It'd be like taking a pacifier away from a baby; just imagine the unintelligible whining and excuses would be sure to follow.

But the attitude isn't new right? People who drive while cell phoning do so because they have important business. Thats why they speed, and break traffic laws too; their lives are important, more than everyone else’s safety even. How else would they be able to know, while driving home from work, what their fat kids want from McDonalds? IMPORTANT BUSINESS! Right?

Wrong.

This self righteous arrogance is the reason why change comes so damn slow in this country, hardly anyone is ever willing to openly examine what they are doing and make the changes necessary for the good of the group. This is why I can never be a libertarian; humans are way too selfish to be granted much influence. Its in our genes; selfishness was great 50,000 years ago on the Sahara when food was scarce, but these days it just makes life miserable. Obesity, copious car usage, self-righteous arrogance, and blow-hardiness... We all want to play our music loud, drive wherever we please, and fly wherever we want. If someone says we should conserve, well to hell with them! We are Americans, God's people, the blessed nation of Consumerism. We are so smart and forward thinking we elected Bush not just once, but TWICE. Go figure.

I have immense pride in the secular vision of our founding fathers, but no pride in what we have become as a country