May 16, 2001

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From the number of pholks stopping me on the street or coming up to me in the coffee shops, banks, parking lots and various places, it is apparent the concern about cell phone use and abuse .is gaining momentum.

But even so, the number of jerks and jerkettes losing touch with common sense seems to also be increasing. It's hard to figure, but pholks it's true.

I've seen people get calls in restaurants, sneak a look at me, then head for the door to answer that "important" call. Others will come up to me and say they have left their cells in their car or truck. Certainly they are not physically afraid of me, although I have to admit I have made some threats, which, if taken literally, would result in some physical discomfort to the "cell abusers" if I were able and brave enough to enforce.

I'm not a fanatic. I'm not. I'm not. I'm not. I just feel that common sense, common decency, common courtesy and common consideration for others, (not just myself) is being eroded at an alarming pace.

Even though I seem to be getting more obsessed with this cell phone thing I have managed, somehow, to temper my reaction to the growing non-essential use and abuse of the wireless technology of today's society (if indeed we can correctly call ourselves a society). Perhaps it is a concern for my own safety and that of my family and friends .which has kept my middle finger a little more under control. I'd like to think it is maturity but why fool one's self.

I find that the subtlety of a disapproving head shake, a sneer and other forms of body language indicating disgust can have an impact. And, at least so far, have not resulted in any direct retaliation toward me.

Some pholks are talking heart that New York Gov. George Pataki this week is leading the way to make it illegal to use handheld cell phones in a car except for genuine emergencies. No-hands cell phones would be allowed. Several New York counties already have banned cell-phone chattering while driving and more than 30 states are considering the same actions.

A step in the right direction–maybe. And it's a sure bet that many of those other states will follow up Pataki's lead right away and state leaders and maybe some U. S. Congressmen and Senators will re-board the anti-cell-phone bandwagon even though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has termed federal legislation premature.

I don't think such legislation is premature, but I do think it would be like the Oakland Raiders signing Michael Jackson, the singer, as a middle linebacker. It would solve no problems and in fact could make things worse.

Even with two hands on the steering wheel, drivers talking on the phone are not paying full attention to what should be their primary concern- DRIVING. And pholks, good driving involves using all parts of the body and mind as they should be used when operating a motor vehicle.

With so many drivers already aiming their vehicles while their heads are in a place generally thought to be anatomically impossible, it is imperative that they minds be as functional as conditions allow. Just driving in that anatomical position is tough enough as most of us observe on the streets and highways every day. Trying to talk and listen with one's head in that configuration, even with both hands on the wheel, is dynamite.

Pataki already has issued an executive order banning New York State employees from using state-issued handheld cell phones. Violators have their phones confiscated..

Another good move, but still not good enough for me–especially in light of several recent motoring encounters I'm have in recent weeks with drivers more concerned about their cell phone conversations than with their driving. Taking away their phones might just encourage them to pull their heads from the dark recesses of their anatomy and clear their driving vision.

Who knows pholks, perhaps if we can do away with non-essential vehicular cell-phone we can tackle other obnoxious uses of those wireless civilization-draining contraptions.