A long time ago, I realized the people in charge are no smarter than the rest of us.
My little town in northeast Iowa has a seven-intersection shopping area with a signal light at each crossing that commands go (green), slow (yellow), and stop (red), with walk and don’t walk for pedestrians. Two weeks ago, they decided to change to a continuous flashing red light.
Here’s my letter to our local newspaper about this change.
Cancel Decorah’s Flashing Red Light District
I live on Water Street, a few blocks east of downtown, so I walk and drive it several times every day. Yesterday, 5% calmer than usual after my new 15-minute meditation routine, I got in my car to get a Snickers tornado at Whippy Dip.
On the way back, I crept up to the intersection of Mechanic and Water, second in line for take-off. The eastbound car in front of me had its left turn signal on, as did the westbound car across the intersection, with a chorus of three pedestrians waiting off stage.
No one knew what to do, precisely the opposite sensation you want when driving, walking, or biking.
I thought about snatching my Tornado or checking my phone to calm my nerves, but as a law-abiding Iowan for 76 years and a newly minted meditator, I cleared my mind and recalled the hands-free law passed by our state legislature, rightly concerned about Iowans’ health.
When I pulled into my driveway, I was 10% more unsettled than usual.
Paul Gardner
