What a carve up

It cannot be denied that our American cousins lead the way in so many human endeavours. Whether it be space flight, obesity or wrestle-tainment they are pioneers. But it's also slightly satisfying when they latch onto something years later, like cellphones, world wars and emancipation.

It's easy to sneer of course. So very easy. However whilst they may be a little brash, a touch too loud perhaps they do have a can-do attitude and a desire to be the best that we should be envious of. When they do catch onto something they do it well goddamit!

Which is why there appears to be an almost Daily Mail-esque reaction to the current vouge of 'road rage' incidents sprouting up all over the states.

And as we all know, wherever there is a Daily Mail-esque reaction to a percieved wave of criminality a knee-jerk outcry with it's concomitant call for rushed and badly written legislation is never far away. Won't somebody think of the children?

Senator Tim Grendell (Rep) on Wednesday introduced a bill that would make 'road rage' a crime punishable by a fine of at least $100 and would require drivers to complete a safe-driving class or face jail time.

House Bill 91 identifies 'road rage' as any action committed by one driver toward another or toward a pedestrian - whether there is physical contact or not - that "is inconsistent with usual, ordinary and legal motor vehicle operation."

As far as I can tell this could apply to just about anything you do in a car. I certainly don't like to think of my driving as ordinary. Or usual for that matter. Many of my passengers would probably agree.