This is the upper midwest, early summer and we have beautiful summers here, both days.  Some “two wheel therapy” was in order so last week was devoted to preparations for brother and I to visit sisters and families in Minneapolis/St. Paul.  Saturday became our ride day ‘cuz the weather man was forecasting  a wet Sunday and he was right.  Brother was fighting with sore throat and an unpleasant cough by the time we arrived.  Sunday he devoted to sleeping and feeling like crap but the sleep made today much better for him.

Ninety-four degrees today, the kind of weather perfect for no jacket, well ventilated helmet and letting the sun bake all exposed body parts.  My arms are a prime example of baked.  Y’know, when the Dr. says you should at least use sun blocker because of some medications, the Dr. knows what she’s talking about.  Do I listen?  Nope.  Should I listen and act accordingly.  Yep.  Shame on me.  It’s hell to be a sun worshipper and have the Dr. tell you to stay out of the sun.

You see, although being white, male, over 55 and conservative leaning, I still know what it’s like to be in the minority. Who would ever imagine with all that stuff going for me I am still in a minority and experience the scorn and prejudice of those not like myself almost daily. It’s most noticeable when driving. When I learned to drive and took my behind the wheel test I was required not only to know how to signal by hand but it was also required the vehicle have operational tail, brake and signal lights and I had to use those signal lights at the proper times, otherwise I didn’t get a driver license. Over the years I continued to maintain and use those lights in whatever vehicle I owned. Well gosh, in these modern times with vehicles being far more dependable I find myself in the minority of people that bother flipping the turn signal on when changing lanes or turning. And I really can’t recall ever seeing anyone get pulled over when a Police Officer observed someone turn a corner without using their signal. Yep, I’m in the minority that conscientiously uses their signals even though I know the cops don’t care.

Flagrant refusal to let others know one’s intentions while operating a vehicle is but one of many things drivers today refuse to do. But stopping when the lights change, turning right when in the right turn lane and left when in the left turn lane among numerous other irresponsible actions taken by so many drivers indicates too many people have no concept of the personal responsibility they agree to when behind the wheel. But those are things for other rants, I’d hate to run out of material.

So back to Government Motors and saving a few bucks. Since so few people use the turn signal equipment, just quit including it as standard equipment. Yep, that’s the ticket: make it optional equipment because at least when someone insists on having it in their vehicle we can be sure they will use it.