Re: shuttle disaster
Pigeon <jah.pigeon@ukonline.co.uk> writes:
> On Fri, Feb 07, 2003 at 03:34:47PM -0600, DvB wrote:
> > Pigeon <jah.pigeon@ukonline.co.uk> writes:
<snip>
> > > The American writer Bill Bryson comments that he cannot understand the
> > > British obsession with cars given that there is not a single aspect of
> > > driving in Britain that has anything pleasurable about it. I must say
> > > I rather agree with him.
> >
> >
> > And what makes you think there's anything pleasurable about driving
> > anywhere else? ;-)
> >
> > Personally, if there're other drivers within a mile of me, I won't be
> > enjoying myself. I've already had two accidents since I started driving
> > a little over 3 years ago. The first time, my car was parked with nobody
> > in it (legally and properly parked, mind you) and, the second time, I
> > was yielding to traffic when somebody ran into me from behind. I don't
> > think I know anybody around here who hasn't had at least one reck in
> > their car. If this doesn't make spending half your day in a car the most
> > abominating experience imaginable, I'm not sure what does.
>
> The trouble is, it doesn't put people off!
>
Which is true... sort of like Pavlov's dog. After a couple generations
they don't even notice it anymore.
I'm reminded of a story on the local news last year in which a
dump-truck, after speeding on the interstate and tailgating a smaller
vehicle, caused a massive accident that spanned all four lanes of the
highway. The television station interviewed several drivers who got
stuck in the ensuing traffic jam, ending up with quotes like "That's
life," "It can't be helped" and "There's no way to avoid things like
this." I never cease to find the ignorance people exhibit in this area
mind-boggling.
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