storytimewithjoe | Texting fines

Republicans and I don’t often agree. I think that is a safe statement. However, when it comes down to the most basic philosophy of Lincoln’s party, I do subscribe to the idea that the government that governs least, governs best. Or, to put it in Joe-speak, “Gubment, back the f$*% out of my face!” This came screaming through the other day as I was driving to the gym.

I have a confession to make, peeps. I text while I drive. GASP!!!!!! Oh, I know that political correctness has now pointed out that this is an evil thing. But guess what, kittens? I am a multitasking kinda person. I can drive and change the radio station, too! I can drive while eating a burger, too!

Now, I understand the concept behind the anti-driving-and-texting campaign. They are focused on the teenage girls who are busily twittering and twatting over their totally-hot-crush from the newest Twilight movie, not paying attention to traffic. Me, on the other hand, I can drive and watch the road while my non-driving hand is busily firing away in response to a text that I read while at a stop sign. Here in California, they created a slap-on-the-wrist fine for texting. Officers would pull you over, say “now-now, bad you”, and give you a $20 fine. Annoying, yes? Well, nowhere NEAR as annoying as the sign I read the other day stating that texting fines have now gone up to $160.

What-what-WHAT?!!!!!!

Now frankly, I am a major proponent of being responsible. I know what my limits are, and I know what I am capable of. And it really PISSES ME OFF to have a law in place telling me what I can and cannot do. For crying out loud, it is bad enough that I cannot legally hold a cellphone to my ear while driving. Now I can’t text, either? Yet, where is the campaign against the chickie putting on her mascara? Or the person flipping through their ipod selection? Let’s face it, folks, there are all kinds of driving distractions out there. For me, I am far, FAR more distracted by glowing billboards or road-side sign-twirlers. THOSE, I believe, are far more likely to be the cause of an accident than me responding to a text when I believe it to be safe.

Yes, I know I probably sound like grumpy old man here. Yes, I realize that the law ain’t perfect, and it is designed to address the population in general, and not just me. But still… it pisses me off!