Be Careful Was: yuppie scum

[Michael Murphy <mmurphy@nais.com>]

Dan Simoes wrote:
> We can drop the reference now.  Here's my story though.
> 
> The other day I had to fly to VA for the day, so at 5:30AM I
> was driving down the local parkway.  Lumina in left lane at
> 60ish, polite flash, no move.  I waited until I could get around
> him and as I went by gave him a good look at my high beams.
> The moron decides to start tailing me with his highs on.
> I wasn't in the mood so I tapped my brakes, causing him to careen off
> to the side like I had shot him.
<snip>

Good idea to drop this thread but no chance you get off that easy Danny
Boy :-)  With flame retarding foam at the ready, he steps onto soapbox:

Although rarely thought of it as such; driving can be considered a
controlled life or death situation.  When you get to where you're going, 
you won.  If you buy into this, read on, if not, press <delete> and go
get some (or additional) defensive driver training.

Suffice it to say, I've had "practical" experience with life or death
situations (courtesy of Uncle Sam).  It's a "space" you don't want to
find yourself - the rules are different and unacceptable for civilized
society, things get "ugly" in less than the blink of an eye and the
outcome is never good.  You may think my example extreme, and you're
right.  But I submit, unfortunately, there are valid comparisons to life
in the "real world".

Without question, the roads are populated with a certain % of unstable
and dangerous drivers.  If you attempt to "engage" one of these idiots,
at a minimum you put yourself and others in harm's way, at worst you
find yourself in a direct life or death situation.  Read/watch the news,
this type of situation happens with frightening regularity.

Before "taking action" against one of these idiots remember, you have
_no_ idea how this person will react to your action.  BTW, you've just
violated Engagement Theory #1 - "Full Assessment of the Enemy".

Even if you think you're ready, willing and able to act, ask yourself,
"Do you feel lucky?".  If you answer yes, do yourself and the rest of us
a favor and think about some of the other Engagement Theories.  Those
dealing with: "Acceptable Casualties, Loss of Assets and Collateral
Damage.  You _don't_ want to learn those "the hard way".

Before he thought (jokingly..right?) about "arming" his CQ (watch out
for handling problems - M60 ammo is heavy), Dan commented (seriously)
about his concern that the moron would run his plate and harass his wife
while he was away.  And while nothing will come of it (knock on wood),
you just never know with these wackos.  Bet ya our wise listmeister
plays it differently next time.

End of sermon. Go in peace, and if you remember "Hill St. Blues"... 
"let's be careful out there!"
--
MJ Murphy