Drive

I'm car-free, right? Well, guess which 80s band is my all-time favorite. That's right: The Cars.

And what was my favorite song of theirs? "Drive."

Ironic, huh?

A little over a month ago, when I was riding home with two friends from dinner after a MN Atheists meeting, I was trying to join in the conversation and joking as usual, but inside I was really miserable. At the same time that I was headed west toward northeast Minneapolis I knew that someone else was headed east, far away from me again, and maybe this time for good, and I kept thinking, I wish things were different, I wish things were different... The radio was on, and this song came on, and as I rode and listened I remembered when the song first came out and how much I always loved this song, and how lonely and sad I was back then because I did not think I would ever find love. And now it is especially poignant because Ben Orr, who sings it, died in 2000.

Aside from their emissions, I don't hate cars, really - I hate their ability to divide people and to harm people. But I would never pass up any opportunity to let a car bring people together. I would never say, "Well, I hate cars, so I can't ride with you." There has to be some give-and-take, because if you fight something too hard, you become your enemy.



UPDATED: Here's my favorite video from The Cars, really their sweetest.

Stop! In the Name of Love!

Since this thread has been hijacked by the "How can you say that about Dr. Egnor" brigade, here's a link about doctors behaving badly.
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UPDATED: If you liked the "granny's revenge" video below, you'll love this oldie: "The world's most patient cop." My hero. (Get a load of what he says at 1:53!)
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The Vatican issues a “Ten Commandments” for drivers of motor vehicles.

Actually, I don’t think this is a bad idea (although, once again, I object to the mentality of “commandments” and finger-waving, and their attendant implied shame and perfectionism). Inasmuch as prayer, or meditation, or just plain having a good attitude, causes a chemical and mental/emotional change in a person, it makes a difference. I’ve often thought that religious believers were better off praying before they climb into their cars than before a football game. It’s not supernatural, just good mental exercise.

However, I am disappointed that the Vatican left out rules for how drivers should treat pedestrians! (Not everyone rides a donkey into Jerusalem.)

I would add to drivers: Don’t yell out the window at pedestrians (we can never hear what the hell you’re saying, anyway!).

Don’t honk your horn and make a female pedestrian jump out of her skin for no reason. (What are you trying to prove there, Bub?)

Don’t rev your engine and make impatient faces at pedestrians crossing legally at a crosswalk, and/or with a walk sign. You’ll get to where you’re going. You’ll get there faster than the pedestrian will. You have a vehicle. (And an old lady may bonk you with her bag.)

When the sign says, “No turn on red,” no turn on red.

When the sign says, “Stop,” stop! (Bill Janklow!)

Someone I know uses the time at the stop light to meditate. Just a suggestion. (Not unlike that of the Vatican's, although I'm not sure I want people "praying as they drive." Keep your eyes on the road! Please!)

Please go ahead and turn or cross the intersection if I wave at you to do so. In some situations it’s better for a pedestrian to let one car go ahead out of turn so as not to disrupt the larger flow of traffic. (And thank you for being so considerate.)

Don’t get so impatient when you cannot go as fast as it pleases you. You share this world with other people. Their lives are not an inconvenience to you. Take a deep breath. You’ll get there. You have a vehicle, after all! It will be fine if you’re late. And if it’s not fine, maybe you should think about reorganizing your time and your life so that you’re not rushed.

I can help with that. I used to drive. I quit cold turkey but you don’t have to. All it takes is remembering not to use the car to “snack” (running to the bank, grocery store, etc. when you could walk). Use the car for “meals” and, gradually, cut those down, too. You’ll feel better. You will.

It’s all about gradually accumulating small change! (C’mon, you knew I was going to sneak that in there, didn’t you?)