I hate stoplights. They always seem to get in the way more than they help. I live in a rural area so my disdain for stoplights might be more than most (I am sure some stoplights work quite effectively in major cities), but I assure you, stoplights are the perfect analogy of Obamerica.
The town where I live had no stop lights for most of my childhood. As I grew, so did the town’s population, and so did the number of stoplights. Now there’s a stoplight hanging over practically every intersection in town.
I leave my house around 6:30am for work each day. There are few cars on the road at that time. Still, I invariably get stopped at the same light every morning. Often times I am the ONLY person on the road, not to mention the only person at the stoplight. As I impatiently wait the light runs its course and 30seconds to a minute later changes so I can “safely” proceed through the scantily trafficked intersection. Frustrating to say the least.
At another light it is not uncommon for a dozen travelers to be forced to abruptly stop so a single car can make a left turn. There we are, a dozen or so cars riding smoothly to our various destinations only to be stopped so one car can make a turn.
Alright, so what the hell am I talking about?
I said at the top that stoplights are the perfect analogy for government and in particular Obamerica. You see, I believe that on my own, I can safely egress through those intersections without the stoplight’s “help.” I would venture to say that 99% of other drivers can too. On most occasions drivers, left to their own senses and driving experience, would make the right choices and keep traffic moving smoothly and safely without the interference of a stoplight. Maybe the one person trying to make that left turn would have to wait another 15 seconds before the traffic cleared on its own, but it would, and the driver could make his turn in time.
Stoplights are the perfect example of the extreme nannyism and micromanagement philosophy of Obamerica. The mantra holds that, I as a citizen am not capable of making such important decisions as should I stop or should I go. ONLY government can ease the pains and stresses of traffic and turning decisions. Through stoplights the government levels the playing field of the time people must wait at a light, making sure even the sole left turner is not denied the expedience granted to a dozen or more drivers not seeking to make such a turn.
The idea breaks down to “punish many to reward few.” Forget that 99 people travel fine without the interference of government stoplights. If 1, a single 1, driver is left behind or worse, gets into an accident, then it is time to change the entire system and make sure there is a more level playing field for all.
It might be argued that I am selfish. Why wouldn’t I mind waiting a few seconds so someone else can go? To that I say that the one person who is willing to force a dozen others to stop is the selfish one.
Stoplights, like government, have their place. But it is the extreme nannystate that we are creating that is hurting many so as to “help” few. Let me make up mind and I’ll get to work on time…