[Mpls] Not A Real Minneapolis Problem

[Michael Atherton]

Scott McGerik wrote:
  
>  I can't but think this is a bunch of whining. The majority 
>  of drivers I have witnessed wait until the light is green before 
>  proceeding through the intersection and stop when the light turns 
>  red. Sure, I have seen a few drivers blow through red lights but, 
>  as I said, I saw them, so I did not proceed until the intersection 
>  was clear. Maybe red light cameras will prompt more drivers to stop 
>  when the light is red, but, maybe, more drivers need a shot of espresso 
>  before they hit the road.
>  
>  Any driver that is offended by the behavior of the local 
>  drivers needs to ask themselves: "Where do I get off expecting 
>  that others conform to my expected behaviors?" Maybe instead of 
>  asking the "authorities" to step in and police us, we should ask, 
>  "How can I look out for myself?"

This type of attitude always amazes me and I've never really
encountered it outside of Minnesota.  Look, I'm just expecting
people to obey the law.  In another, less "progressive"
state, I might actually except people to conform to common
sense.  And believe me, I do watch out for my family by
looking both ways at green lights.  I also have to say
that Minneapolis is the only city where I've watched someone
go though an intersection in a 4-wheel drive truck upside down
and airborne.  True story!  Happened at 4th and 35W, last year.
Of all the ways to die, I'd rather not die in an auto accident
because of someone else's need to shave a minute off their
commute.

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park