Woke this morning to hear Mr. Peterman say 'scofflaw,' which gave me a NEWMAN-sized grin. Then read the 'uproar' link, because who can resist a little early morning revolution? And then I got to hear a politician call himself a "bonehead."

Very good note on which to begin the day.

Will be back with a thought. Must first go clean out my glove box and head to the courthouse. Would not feel right about commenting until then. Something about glass houses . . . and rocks.

As a regular bicyclist, as in I don't own a car and bicycle as many places as possible, I notice a lot of these kinds of laws being ignored.  They tend to stand out to cyclists, though, as ignoring the law can actually kill us much more easily than it will drivers. 

Speeding is the big one, and is the most dangerous.  Running red lights or doing rolling stops is the next most, followed by distracted driving.  Many bicyclists do these, too (with the possible exception of speeding), and they are just as dangerous to themselves and other cyclists. 

But the real problem most certainly is police who don't enforce the law.  I run a web site for bike commuters in Columbus, and one of the first things I did when I started the site was look into local traffic law in Columbus to see what rights and responsibilities cyclists have on the roads.  What I found was very interesting:  bicyclists are very well protected by the law on the roads of the city.  Let me repeat that - they are protected by the law. 

The enforcement, though, is another matter entirely.  Too often the police simply choose to ignore the law, either because they don't know it, don't agree with it, or don't understand it.  So what seems to be a legal matter is truly an enforcement matter.  And if you have the gumption to try to call the police's number on the issue, nothing happens due to the cronyism that exists in our police division (and I'd imagine the same is true in other cities as well). 

An example of this:  I know a person who was riding one day and "won the door prize" - cyclist jargon for running into a suddenly opened car door.  Columbus traffic code states that it's the fault of the person opening the door in these cases, but my friend is the one who got the ticket for reckless operation.

For some reason, it's acceptable to lose 40,000 lives a year on American roads, but it's unacceptable to enforce traffic laws that are meant to keep people safe on those very roads. 

It's quite funny - you generally don't hear about teenagers - a demographic to which I belong - within our little community, and then voila! We find them in the first line today. I'm glad to see this, even if it is in a bad light. Fun to know that me and Lovey are acknowledged.

The first thing that comes to mind regarding skirted laws is speed limits, obviously. I haven't even been driving a year (though I did just return from a drive from Montreal, Canada, to my home, Orlando - completed all at once, thank you very much) but I have enough miles under my belt to realise by now that while it says you should only go 45 miles per hour, if you go fifty the cops won't really care, and fifty-five only just reaches the line of 'pushing it'. On my last great long drive, the speed limit was generally around sixty-five, so I went eighty. Where the speed limit was seventy, I pushed it up to eighty-five. And not just me - it seemed like a general rule of the road. People who drive at the speed limit at scoffed at, complained at, sometimes yelled at, for driving too slowly. It's not a question of enforcement - I passed a good twenty police cars on the 1400-mile drive (which translates to one every seventy miles, which I guess isn't actually a very good record), but they didn't seem to mind that I was driving fifteen miles per hour above the speed limit.

So I guess the lesson here learnt is this: sometimes it's not a question of enforcement - sometimes the cops understand typical human behaviour and just let it go.

But only sometimes.

One at the Desk raises another interesting question also though ~ WHO decides that talking on the Cell phone, putting on lipstick & texting while driving at 65+ MPH is typical human behavior?  

Where's the the Black & White understanding for enforcement?  As iwth everything its such a Grey Area that it toally depends on the cop who sees it & realizes that it could become a fatal traffic accident in a blink of an eye & the cop who says everyone else is doing it & as long as they are driving respectable looking cars I'll let "em  continue on thir merry way.

I'm not a big supporter of a "Babysitter Type of Goverment" Locally or Federally, but it seems more & more communties are getting that & its the citzens that are ALREADY following the laws to the best of their ability that are getting punished.  Recently in my home county they wanted to pass a leash/kennel law ~ It was a harsh leash law for this area as most folks in this area own hunting dogs that are kept in outdoor kennels & conditioned for hunting in extreme cold weather.  Owning 2 Goldens that are also hunting dogs this particular "ordinance" was putting my dogs in MORE danger than them being on a yard leash. I live 1 block away from a major thoughfare & people do not follow the speed limit on it at all. (I'm also guilty) HTye are on the yard leash for thier own safty & for my peace of mind.  I'm sorry that I can't sit outside with them all day but I really can't.  My Alderwomen suggested that's what I needed to do if this law passed (shes a Real Gem). thank Goodness it didn't but this whole thing was brought up by 1 women who went up to a chained dog without the owners knowledge & permission & was snapped at.  Because she had NO Idea how to appraoch an unknown animal the county should pass an ordinance that no longer allow dogs on leashes for more than 1 hour a day. (I kid you not.)  Again I understand some dogs are treated badly but those are not the folks who would get the fines under this ordinance it would be the people like me who are trying to keep their dogs safe & happy on thier property.  

The whole garbage can thing also DRIVES ME CRAZY ~ I'm sorry I built my garage to keep my car in (what a novel idea) not over sized plastic bins some automated truck can pick up to empty.  When it comes down to it my first priority is to get my car into the garage the bins are not a priority.  What difference does it make if they are outside of the house as long as they are not at the curbside day in & day out for weeks at end how is that inpedign anyone?  Of course once again that's one of those grey areas that is left to the cops or whoever to cover anyway they see fit.  

Laws & Ordiances are only good as long as they being enforced in total rather than cherry picked by those who have the power.  But to enforce where on your property the garbage bins have to be placed, or how long yur pets can be outside is too much of a babysitting mentality for me & I cannot seem take it lightly. As you all can probably tell.               

Speed limits are surely the most heavily ignored law.  So much so that, when my father was teaching me to drive, he told me the speed limit needed to be treated as a minimum speed in order to avoid provoking the other drivers around me into more dangerous behavior.

I've never been much of a law breaker as far as I can remember.  Though, now that I think of it, the minimum drinking age of 21 was an utterly decimated law in my home while growing up.  My brother and I were given quarter glasses of Champagne on New Year's Eve since we were in single digits.  This may explain the misfits we are today but I suspect it's more complex than that.

Great topic.  Regarding kids using cell phones, mine will not know of such luxury.  There is not a NEED I've heard that warrants calling "Suzy" at 65 mph to see what's up. 

Going over the speed limit is too common.  Not one us can say they haven't.  Can we up the ani?  You order take-out from your favorite, local Indian cusine.  You can all ready smell the curry when you hang up the phone.  You arrive and go inside the elephant laiden establishment to pick up your Chicken Tikka Masla.  The normal person is not there to greet you.  A new person stands before you and your ticket to Nan.  The order is $25 and you hand them a $100.  Immedietaly you can tell the person is having some mental diress.  They may not even speak the language of the land that well... Finally he hands you back your change and he's given you $90 back out of the $100.  What do you do?

Let me just say that I ate with a clean conscience that night... but am I the sort who would keep the change or not??? hmmm

Now i need Indian food. 

Have to say I'm a little curious as to where Mr. Peterman dug up that picture of me in my car for this article. Although this IS Peterman's Eye.
Seriously, I'm bad on the road. As a country girl gone city commuter, like The One at the Desk said, I think I have just 'evolved' (regressed?) to the common standards of engagement. You'll get eaten alive if you don't.

As to the bigger question of what laws regarding 'civil' infractions do to the 'spirit' of the people, I don't know. I know I pretty much came out of the womb swinging, a quality that has both helped and hindered my growth, and I hate to say it but I become a petulant child very quickly when people start telling me things like where to put my garbage cans. I'm with rings90 on that. One of my favorite phrases: Bring it. As my father always introduced me in my childhood, "This is my middle daughter. She enjoys going down with the ship."

Thankfully, I don't think everyone shares my level of 'feist.' After all, how many people do you know who were dragged barefoot and bloody from a pub by THREE bouncers at the age of nineteen? The guy had it coming—trust me. Total groper.

I think there's definitely merrit to the 'no cell phones while driving' law. It is dangerous. You should see me Twittering whilst doing 90 on I-75. And all so that I can announce to the cyber world that I "have mistakenly put on men's deodorant and now smell like Burt Reynolds." Really. I really did. It's making me nauseous.

But if someone told me I couldn't do it, I fear I would march out and buy a sweatband, adhere approximately 17 cell phones to it, and talk on all of them at the same time while careening down the road. Although that would technically be a 'hands free,' right? Give me your numbers, we'll all chat while I drive. And that would be wrong, and I would know it was wrong, but I would do it.

I have a fierce sense of justice, when I feel I'm being wronged AND when I feel I'vd done wrong. And even though I can be very rebellious, when I know a law is just, in my heart of hearts, I am the very first to stand up and hold out my hands. Trust me. Can't tell you how many policeman have thanked me for making the 'cuffing' process go so smoothly.

So what I'm sayin' is, give me a minute, okay, what I'm saying is that (now I'm going to the Bible on this one, so close your eyes if you want), but I like the great balance struck in Ephesians. It's about parents and children, but I think it applies here. I'll paraphrase GOD, because I'm just that scrappy, but it tells parents to enforce laws and discipline their children, BUT "do not NAG them, or provoke anger in them." I'm just shooting from the hip, but it feels like the garbage can thing is a bit of a nag. If you've seen me on my cell phone driving, you might feel that one is just.

Okay, way too much personal information today. Aren't you all glad you don't live in Detroit?

I get bent out of shape when folks do not observe and respect the common law.  My neighborhood it is required to put away trash cans within 24 hours of pickup. No parking allowed on the street and the leash law is enforced by the neighborhood association.  They also provide strategically placed animal waste receptacles.  There is no warranted reason not to use them, yet many dog owners ignore their exsistance.  It drives me carzy!!!  I love dogs and it isn't their faults that their owners are jerks.  I also hate it when neighbors allow their cats to roam during the night.  If I leave my car in the driveway it is covered in paw prints the next day.  I do not own a pet so I really don't want someone elses walking all over and scrratching my car.  I try to abide by the rules but I guess I faulter when it comes to speed limits but I do not run stop lights.  If the light is on caution I come to a stop.  I don't try to out run the red light.  My cell phone is another issue with me, but I am conciously working on not using it while in transit.  I just have trouble with fender benders.  I actually never damage the other vehicle, it's always mine that has $6,000. worth of damage.  I am fortunate enough that our county is smoke free in restaurants and public facilities.  I avoid areas that smoking is permitted such as patio sections of restaurants. I figure that we all skirt around certain laws, but when it comes to safety I try but I am not perfect.  I could use some much needed improvement in a lot of areas.  Ok... thanks for the outlet.  Ranting aside: Today is my 33rd wedding anniversary.  Got plans to make.  We went to Hawaii last year.  That may be hard to top.  Any suggestions from the oh so creative Peterman bloggers? 

Almost forgot.

To: The One at the Desk

Montreal to Orlando? All in one stretch? Am seriously loving the teenagers on this site. Just hope you have not read my entire post. Would not want to be a bad influence.

MackDaddy,

Make sure you have the song you danced with her to on your wedding day in your automobile, and take that woman parking. Again, just shooting from the hip.

And take great care to not get in any more fender benders on the way. Will put a 'dent' in the mood.

Congrats. That's awesome.

missive: I know you don't realize you said it, but I agree that if a law makes absolutely no sense, after the initial uproar people will generally break it, it won't be enforced and therefore it has no effect [accept giving people a reason to complain].
*straps on Captain Obvious cape*
Do-do-do!
[.... Good lord, summer is getting to me. I need more knowledge pounded into my brain for eight hours a day.]

And just a side note, the age-old tradition passed down through generations women in a hurry [I'm speaking of course of putting on makeup at stop lights] is even beeing challenged. I read an eyeliner label that said "Warning: Do not apply in a moving vehicle."
Just look where that law got us.

** except.
Typo, I swear!
That's embarassing.
I still blame summer.

Thanks Missive.  The parking idea is awesome!  I am sure I will be breaking some kind of law but it will be fun.  The last time we went parking (33 years ago) a policeman pointed his spotlight at us and gave us a warning.  Actually it might be fun to see the reaction of the policman when he sees we are over 50!  I can't wait to see my husband's reaction as well.   

Okay, I am from an older generation.  But.. Cell phones!  Aaaarrrrgggghhhhh!  Just what is it with people that they HAVE to be innanely talking to someone, anyone 24/7?   In cars, in restaurants, on golf courses, anywhere!  Haven't you noticed the bored and resentful expression on the face of the person you are sharing the restaurant table with while you are babbling on to someone else on your cell phone?  And what is that with even having your cell phone on while playing golf?  All of this really obsessive behavior is making restaurants begin to have cell-free areas.  The commuter trains in the DC area now have "silent" cars.  A lot of these laws, enforced or not, come about because of really stupid actions that should seem obvious to anyone that has any sense of respect for those around them or the circumstances in which they find themselves.  Remember yesterday?  Existentialism demands taking responsibility for your actions.  If you act in an unsafe way, deal with the concequences.  And TEXTING while driving!?  What possible justification can you have for such unsafe behavior?

I know I am an old woman simply ranting about the younger generation, but I am out there as well, driving, and would not appreciate you plowing into my rear bumper because you were distracted by texting!  I have often said that the answer to cell phone use while driving, at least on surface roads, is to make everybody drive manual shift cars.  Not enough hands then for all the multitasking you want to do.

And as far as cycling is concerned, jfellrath, I do hope you try at least to teach your fellow cyclists to stop at stop lights and stop signs!  

Whereas yesterday's topic was very profound and deep; today's subject is just extremely complicated, very situational and very frustrating and irritating; just to state the obvious.

Laws, at least the ones we are discussing today, are kind of like the lock on the front door of your home; I've heard the expression, and believe it has some merit, that all they really accomplish is to hopefully "keep an honest person honest". If someone intends on breaking into your house, a locked door probably won't stop them. There are no immediate, predictable consequences that will change the behavior.

If you knew that every time you: drove 70 mph in a 65 zone, passed a stopped school bus, ran a red light, text messaged while driving, flicked your cigarette butt out the car window etc....... you would have to face the consequences of your actions and face certain punishment, I believe the typical, everyday person on the street would change their behavior. Your behavior might also be changed if it was a certain consequence that you would be rewarded with a big honking reduction to your car insurance rate.

It doesn't work that way ‘cos there are way too many of us, too many nuisance laws, and too few of them to enforce them and provide any incentive to change behaviors. I believe B. F. Skinner got it right even if his methods were, shall we say, unorthodox.

It seems to me the root cause of the ineffectiveness of these laws is our legislators' time honored tradition of writing checks that cannot be cashed.

The police force, which already has the impossible task of trying to protect society from all manner of violent and terrible crimes while putting themselves at risk, are then tasked with a plethora of new and highly unenforceable laws. Not only that, but when they do enforce traffic laws, their reward is to get to go to court ( let's not forget that court system too, is overburdened) yet again, or if they stop someone in rush hour traffic, they cause traffic gridlock because of all the gapers. Damned if they do, damned if they don't. What a job!

This may qualify as a perfect example of the "road to hell being paved with good intentions". Not only do the legislators pave the road, I think they manage to turn it into a slippery slope.

I think I need a nap.

Okay, so mackdaddy is not a 'daddy?' Let me correct what I said then, "take that MAN parking." Even better. Won't he be surprised. Totally don't even tell him you're doing it, just park the car and climb in back. I am cracking myself up right now. Way too much tea today. And I didn't even think about the fact that I was suggesting breaking yet another 'law' when I suggested it. Can you see where Miss Ive is on these issues? Apparently the world is her oyster. I can generally see both sides to most any argument, but that law has got TO GO. Parking (the back seat kind) should be encouraged, and often.

And Lovey, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who obsesses over 'already sent' spelling errors. You're 'adorable.' Did I spell that right?

MACKDADDY,

A very sicere congratulations to you on your anniversary.  Bravo!!

missive,

Is "parking" only while the car is actually parked an acceptable compromise?  Be well.

Missive,

You do yourself a gross injustice by claiming the picture in today's article is you.  I remember the photo you used when you joined this community and I've seen the photo on the blog page that you showed us the link to.  You are inifinitely more beautiful than the plastic looking lady in the picture above.

Mackdaddy,

A very happy anniversary to you.  Whether parking or otherwise, try to repeat your first really great date and remind yourselves (and each other) of what drew you together in the first place.  Very best to you both.

Well said, PeterLake. I can compromise. See, I'm growing and becoming a rational adult, thanks in part to you all. Don't give up on me, gang.

You be well, too.

Reading all the posts since this morning has given me a right hankering to comment on what everyone has said. So -

Lovey: I gladly return the high-five. There's nothing better to burden than society. My school - the one from which I've just graduated - also tried for the no-sleeves rule. However, it was barely enforceable, because girls could just pull the shoulders down a little bit. The 'official' rule was that you had to have at least two fingers' worth of sleeve. So that's about one-and-a-half inches. What a sleeve.

The worst rules are in the little Florida communities. My girlfriend's lawn is in bad shape, so her community is suing her. The cost of the lawyer is evicting them from their house. We have faced similar legal threats, though we acquiesced because these rules are completely enforced, and the consequences are immediate.

missive: Too late. I'm suddenly inspired to get thrown out of a bar.

Spinner: I understand the annoyance about cell phones, and I agree that some people talk too often on their phones, especially in the company of their friends - and this is totally unacceptable. However, there is a certain... something in the whole cell phone trend. Technology is easy-fying our lives, and we're embracing it wholeheartedly. Having just finished a twenty-two hour drive, I know more than most the utter need for someone to talk to when the states flying by becomes a little monotonous, and everyone is tired from having to stay up all night, driving. It's great to call someone who isn't tired. Refreshing. By the way, in Canada, or at least in Quebec, they just passed a law banning cell phone use while driving. And it's enforced. Dunno how. The result is that everyone is Bluetooth-ing everything - hands-free. If it's helping, I couldn't tell.

And manual cars? I'm sorry, but manual is a step backwards in easy-fying our world.

THANK YOU MISSIVE AND PETERLAKE.  I AM GIGGLING LIKE A SCHOOL GIRL JUST THINKING ABOUT TONIGHT.   I MAY HAVE TO BORROW HIS SUV BECAUSE MY BACK SEAT IS FULL OF CHILDRENS CAR SEATS FOR OUR THREE GRANDSONS.  NOT VERY CONDUCIVE TO "MAKING OUT".  (I AM SURE THE YOUTH OF TODAY HAVE A DIFFERENT SLANG WORD FOR IT.)  YOU HAVE REVIVED MY YOUTHFUL, FUN, SPIRIT!  THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE WILL DEFINATELY RULE THE EVENING.

MY APOLOGIES TO MR. P FOR GOING ASTRAY FROM TODAY'S TOPIC.  BUT I HAVE ENJOYED AND APPRECIATE THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FROM MISSIVE AND PETERLAKE.

I AM ON MY WAY TO GET GAS NOW...SEE YA! 

Items I am pondering due to today's topic 

#1 B.F. Skinner ~ Really NOW was the Air Crib that bad of an Idea? Are the kids who actually were "forced" to be in one any worse or better off than the rest of us?  

#2 IF Mr Peterman were to find, manufacture, & Feature the "Captain Obvious Cape" for us what color/print would it be? 

#3 Mack Daddy here's good wished to you & your husband have a wonderful evening together.

#4 I can complain all I want but in as in this particular case this for me is a "Pot meet Kettle" type of a thread....

I think though from reading today's insights complaints & commentaries I may try to be more of a solution than a problem.  I will try to quit putting on eyeliner while waiting for the green light or for that matter flying through the green light, I will not honk at the texting phone talking, soda drinking, hand waving driver in front of me as he sits at the green light (that one may kill me though), I will stop texting while driving & I will try to stay at only 5 MPH over the speed limit.   

MACKDADDY

I can almost hear Meat Loaf belting out "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights" in the background.  Maybe a little Barry White on the radio would be more appropriate. 

Miss Ive, Ibelieve you you are responsible for the quickening of something beautiful. . .  the blush and smile on MACKDDAY's face.  Well done.

oops, there is definately only one "you"

Oh, it's cold and lonely in the deep, dark night... I can see paradise by the dashboard lights.

But the greatest line in the song (and possibly the entire Jim Steinman canon):  Ain't no doubt about it, we were doubly blessed.  'Cause we were barely seventeen and we were barely dressed.

I have to say that my favourite Jim Steinman line is from 'Everything Louder than Everything Else': "Don't worry about the future - sooner or later it's the past."

THIS IS GETTING SCARY!  PETERLAKE IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY WITH BARRY WHITE!  THE SONG IS "YOU'RE THE FIRST, MY LAST, MY EVERYTHING" 1974.  WHEN I READ THAT I LET OUT A REALLY BIG BELLY LAUGH!  I AM GETTING QUITE A FEW STARES FROM MY CO-WORKERS.  IT'S GOING TO BE HARD TO KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE DURING DINNER TONIGHT AT THE MELTING POT KNOWING WHAT I AM SETTING HIM UP FOR WHEN WE LEAVE.  I HAVE EVEN GONE SO FAR AS TO ASK A FRIEND IF I CAN PARK IN THE ENTRANCE OF HER BIG HORSE FARM.  SHE IS MAKING SURE THE GUARD DOESN'T BOTHER US.  IT IS A BEAUTIFUL TREE LINED WINDING DRIVEWAY.  PERFECT FOR THE EVENING.  SHE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST IDEA EVER!!!  THANKS AGAIN MISSIVE.  YOU ARE WISE WAY BEYOND YOUR YEARS.  AND PETERLAKE...I THINK WE HAVE MET BEFORE... AT LEAST IN A FORMER LIFE.  BUT THAT'S A SUBJECT FOR ANOTHER DAY.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT GUYS...THINK ABOUT ME!

DPR,

'You took the words right out of my mou..'.. keyboard.  That song has been going through my head ever since I thought about it, I think it's time for a road trip 'cos it's definately that kind of music.  If I don't think I'll get caught, might just drive like a 'Bat out of Hell' for awhile.

Oh well, back to mowing the lawn......

rings90: The Captain Obvious Cape, when something needs to be said, you will have the courage to stand up and say it while wearing this flowing cape. Made of lucious, airy cotton. it billows when there is no wind. Contrasting embroidery on the back proudly states your title, while a matching neck-string keeps it in place. This cape is irony at its finest. Mens sizes 36-46. Comes is your choice of cream on orange or lime on aqua. $148

mackdaddy1: Good luck tonight ;D.
And you're eating at the melting pot? That place is the most amazing achievement known to mankind.

I know we started out talking about something else today, something about laws and such . . .  but ya know, it just doesn't matter 'cos this real.

Now off to mow the back lawn.

J. Peterman,

When did you realize we were hopelessly of track?  I thank you for your kind indulgence and hope you are enjoying the ride.

DPR!

You are too kind. Really. Besides those pics weren't really me. Just marketing tools.
Kidding. They were, and I humbly thank you. I took it off because of dear Mr. Shmord. It would be the end of him if he saw is sweet little Miss Ive speaking her mind. So I had to be sneaky. You were very clever to notice that the pic above is not me. Besides, I would NEVER wear that shade. Too pink! And not very Peterman-esque.

One at Desk- If you want to get kicked out, three things:
Enter mosh pit
First NICELY ask groper to stop, a bazillion times.
Politely break beer bottle to emphasize serious nature of request.

Like I said, 19. Very silly. Remember how I said 'under lock and key' until I was 20? Well sometimes Miss Ive found the key (read: bedroom window)

MackDaddy, Don't get yourself knocked up.

Had fun today, all. As usual. Fun group. Am feeling quite vain thanks to DPR. Will perhaps skip the Twitters on commute home and stare in rear view mirror instead. Seriously kidding.

Until Tomorrow.

Lovey,

I must strenuously protest the sizes of the Captain Obvious cape.  It's bad enough that Mr. Peterman ends his jacket sizes at 48 (I wear a 50).  If the sizes are lettered -- i.e. S, M, L, XL, and God bless you XXL -- then I'm okay.  But I'm struggling hard enough to get back to Peterman size without your cape forcing me to reduce by yet another two inches!

Peter,

Perhaps our host indulges us because, true to the spirit of today's topic, we have broken all speed records in veering way into off-the-track territory.  And there are still cars involved!

The One at the Desk,

Strangely enough, "Everything Louder Than Everything Else" is one of the few Steinman songs I don't care for.  Though you're right that it's a great line.  I've always felt that Steinman wrote grand opera that just happened to be played on the electric guitar.  But sometimes, he veers into more genuine rock-n-roll which is less my thing.  But it's also hard to beat such deliciously witty song titles as "Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back."

As to silly laws, try this one. Here in California we have a new law about cell phones.  If you're an adult (whatever that really means) then you can drive and use a handsfree device. If you're a teenager then you can not use a cell phone while driving. Period.

So far so good.

This doesn't bother me, I've used an earphone on my cell phone for a long time while driving.  What does bother me is the new law allows you to text while driving. Go figure!

A few years ago I remember being tail-gated by a woman on the 210 Freeway. I was in the car pool lane going about 70 mph and she was behind us honking for me to get out of her way.  I did, and she flew by us.  As she went by I noticed she had a cell phone resting on her shoulder, she was talking, puting on her make-up with one hand and holding a cup of coffee in the other.  She was steering the car with her knees!

There is a cemetary nearby.  I assumed she was late for her burial and was still making last minute arrangements.

Now as to all this back seat fun....I own an SUV, I'm single and I'm usually dressed up with no where to go.  Do you think I should buy a small two seat sports car?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . . .

Having unenforceable laws on the books is like drinking decaf . . . why bother.

If you clutter up the police department, code enforcement agencies and the coutrooms with a bunch of petty, superfulous, yet ignorant laws that serve only to place additional strain on an already overtaxed system, at the very least it only serves as a distraction from the important stuff.  Focus on what will benifit society the most and from what do we need the most protection will only suffer.

. . . .but with that said, how about a show of hands from anyone of the participants in today's discussion who at a minimum of 50 times wished that they possessed a disintegrating ray gun to use on the car in front of them that just swerved into your lane because they were too engrossed in the hand-held cell phone conversation and yet remain oblivious to all of the swerving, honking cars that were left in their wake.

I hope its not just me.

Greetings:  My small town is Aprox five (5) miles long and 1/2 miles wide.  The most talked about and unenforceable law are the "surf zones".  It has been and issue for years.  Surfers and swimmers; why can't we just get along!?  The law is as follows:

To help ensure the safety of all beach patrons, surfers must be securely attached to their board with a "leash".

Surfing is always prohibited in the following areas:

Within 500 feet of Fishing Pier (between Beach Access # 15 & #16)
Within 100 feet of Pier (between Beach Access #36 & #37)
Within 100 feet of the Inlet Jetty (between Beach Access #42 & #43)

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, surfing is prohibited in areas located in front of each lifeguard stand. The length of these "No Surfing" areas will be no less than 600 feet and no greater that 750 feet. Surfing is prohibited in these areas whenever lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguard stands are normally staffed from 10 AM to 5 PM, but these hours may be extended when the beach is busy. "No Surfing" areas will be clearly marked with flags. Additional "No Surfing" areas may be posted on other locations due to weather conditions, beach population, special events, etc. These areas will also be marked with flags.

 OK:  This is just STUPID!!  Who in their right mind could possibly figure this stuff out?

Now get this, Lifeguards do NOT have police authority.  They can't do anything execpt blow their whistle.  This "law" is posted for tourist who have no idea where the above mentioned landmarks are.  Stupid, stupid stupid.

You can surf and talk on a cell phone though.

To: Capt Neptune,

Would it be OK for me to put on my lipstick and surf?

To: La Donna,

Lipstick and surfing are okay with me....what color and flavor lipstick did you have in mind?. 

Yes the Roman Empire had nutty laws towards the end. Because silver was in short supply they decide it was okay to mint copper and bronze coins and coat them with a thin layer of silver.  This caused massive and wide-scale inflation and destroyed the economy.

They also decided to uplift the spirits of the people with as many "festival days" as they could crowd onto the calendar.  This meant more gladiator combat, more elaborate displays of violence in the arena, more cruxifiction entertainment (sort of a Roman version of "reality tv").  Of course, it all had to be paid for with silver coated copper coins. 

No wonder the "barbarians at the gate" didn't have to knock to let themselves in.

I confess that my demographic--SUV driving mothers of several elementary-aged boys--may be the the most distracted drivers of all.  Beware when you see one of us driving up beside you on the highway!

Teenagers have nothing on us.  And, by the way, I LOVE hearing the teenage perspective on things today on this site!