Pedestrian push-back
Posted on | June 8, 2009 |
When I walk down to my local post office I usually pick up litter along the way to dispose of it properly later. Today I was trying to cross the road at a designated pedestrian crossing - you know, the kind with a day-glow florescent bollard in the middle of the road and a sign that says 'State Law: Cars Must Stop For Pedestrians'. The cars didn't stop, no, not even the police cruiser, and one vehicle came so close it knocked the bag of litter I had collected out of my hands. So this was not good news. Actually it's very bad news if you happen to be a human being and not a 2000lb hunk of metal with a semi-comatose driver. It's even worse news if, like the lady beside me, waiting patiently, you happen to be over 80 and a bit less agile than you once were. So I began to wonder about this. Perhaps a paintball gun would be useful. That way I could use it to 'tag' all these dangerous drivers - would be killers every one - so other pedestrians could be wary. I imagine I'd get away with it for a while and then be arrested, charged with assault with a colorful weapon, and probably exiled to Alcatraz forever. Yet if someone assaults me with a deadly weapon (such as a car) I am, in law, allowed to defend myself with deadly force - such as a real gun. This much more vicious and dangerous response would, therefore, be legal, whereas at the moment I can't even lob a rotten tomato at those who would deprive me of life, as well as of liberty and the pursuit of, well, everything else. Gandhi would have known what to do. Any suggestions?Category: Uncategorized
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June 10th, 2009 @ 9:30 pm
I think “Defense with a colorful and harmless weapon” is almost justified in this case. I walk a lot, and I have also driven a lot around Greater Boston, and I understand what it’s like to be on either side of that equation. I am always baffled as to why it is so hard for people to follow simple rules which would make it easier on everyone if followed. Such as, if you’re a pedestrian, don’t enter the crosswalk if the walk signal is telling you NO. Wait your turn. If there are no cars coming, fine, you have my blessings to cross against the light. Likewise, if you’re a driver approaching an non-signaled crosswalk, and someone is entering, or in, the crosswalk, stop and let them go through it. It’s so darn simple. If only I ruled the world.
June 11th, 2009 @ 12:40 am
Dear Paula,
I do hope you will rule the world, and soon. We could use your excellent and sensible approach!
big smile, Allan