“You can’t fix stupid.” *
* Ron White, redneck humorist.
Walking is a fairly boring way to exercise, but I tolerate it. Being able to walk to everywhere frees me to not own a car which saves a whopping amount of money every year.
As I walked to work on Friday, I waited for the light to change at Lancaster Avenue. To my right, was a Police cruiser also waiting. Since he was there, I would not cross until I had the light. I know he wouldn’t pull me over but why flaunt it.
I saw a Honda sedan driving from the west with a strange configuration: a large carpet was sticking out by four feet on both sides.
The Honda had the light and cleared the intersection. I turned toward the Police car and saw a look in his face best described as “Can you believe that?” I’m sure I had the same flummoxed looked in my face too.
In a half a beat, the cruiser’s popcorn lights flamed on, and he sirened his way behind the Honda.
I crossed the street and caught up with the Honda/cop interaction. As I approached, I saw there was no way for the Honda driver to see in any of the three rear view mirrors. I also saw there would be little chance this car could have made much distance without clipping something on the roadside. This would have done more damage to the Honda than the object hit unless it was a human.
I resisted taking a picture of the car; a decision I regret. As I passed them, I also decided not to look at the driver. I reasoned I could no more hide my look of disapproval at him as I could earlier hide my bewildered look with the cop.
The Honda driver probably figured he’d – it was a man – would save the delivery fee in the reckless way he chose to get his carpet home. Probably, he was compelled by the Policeman to wait for a friend with a truck. He also would get nailed for a driving violation which would approach $200.
I sure the Honda driver did not think himself to be a stupid, but I’m also sure he regretted getting caught driving while stupid.