DISTORTION
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please." Mark Twain (1835-1910
After an AA meeting this morning I found a guy admiring my scooter (Bergman 650). He asked me, "How many times have the cops stopped you on this thing?" He sounded resentful of something--what? He obviously resented "cops" and maybe even the fact that I owned a nice, large, fast scooter, and he did not?
Anyway, under his questioning, I told him that I had owned the bike for nearly two years, 20,000 miles register on the odometer, and I have a tendency to go slightly over--well, wayyyy over--the speed limit. Also, I have not been stopped one time on my scooter, for any reason/violations, real or trumped up.
His claim was that police officers randomly stop bikers under suspicion they "might be" carrying some of the so-popular contraband--drugs, baby! I told him I thought it ridiculous that I'd be stopped, just because I'm "riding". It was no use to remind him of the "number one offender" (resentment) at that moment, especially since he did not ask. But he sounded like the former me...everyone was "out to get me".
But it did get me thinking about this line I read on someone's blog this morning:
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please." Mark Twain (1835-1910). So I figured this fellow (a bi-monthly in-and-out alkie) might be now in "distortion mode". How frequently I distort fact--more frequently I wrongfully notice how others do so--not my business--grin! Fact is fact. Truth IS truth. It is not necessarily "what I believe", nor what you think. How quickly I jump to be the one who "knows" everything....
Does anyone have facts about police anywhere who stop, harass, and sometimes even arrest peeps because they are riding a motorcycle or scooter, and for no other visible, viable reason? I have all my life heard of this behavior being practiced, but just have never encountered it.
God, I'm glad I am not a cop.
I have enough problem being ME! UGH!
I'm Still SOBER today!
You, too? GOOD!
You, too? GOOD!
DEVIANT ART "Distortion"_by_DeMaulwurfn.png.jpg
20 comments:
misstate
I have been pulled over on my scooter, but that was because I ran a red light. "Allegedly"!
My husband has a Harley and we have never been pulled over - but I do believe that the police profile young adults in cars and that some racial profiling still exists - I guess that's for another post!
Every kind of profiling exists for police to use. They would only stop a person for cause otherwise.
The quote about facts by Mark Twain is a great one. People who have something to hide are always worried and reentful of the police.
Secretia
hubby professes the same but what do i know...
I don't own a scooter but know that when I see a cop, I sit up a little straighter. Old habits die hard...
And I think you might be right on his having a bit of distortion going on...just a tad..
♥namaste♥
Oooh, I am jealous. I would love to have a scooter, or a motorcycle. Or better yet, have a boyfriend who has one and would let me ride on the back! Vrooom!
As for tickets= well, I can honestly say.. when I was 19, I was a cute little blonde thing in a candy apple red car, going 55 in a 50 zone, got pulled over by a mean nasty state trooper and he made me cry and gave me my first and only ticket. I will never drive a red car again. I don't know if it's an urban legend about red cars, or maybe I was a teenager, but I won't chance it again. Or maybe he was just a meanie who liked to make teenage girls cry?
love the quote, always reliable- that Mark Twain! :) Brings a bit of sensibility to the turning wheel of thought.
I've heard of people sometimes being given a hard time driving a Harley or a Red 'Vette, but a Scooter--please! Reminds me of my son (before the program) taking his mother's 10 year old minivan and getting pulled over for going 105 at 3 am on the expressway! Cop almost (ALMOST) let him off, saying "the judge is never going to believe that car could go over 100!)" Have a good one!!
I am glad to not believe everything I read/hear or to participate in every conversation. Keep riding that scooter and enjoy life.
What a gift of sobriety: to be able to shed that "everyone's out to get me" view on life! Now when I see lights or hear sirens, I pull over to let them pass. And without fear. Without panic. Such a switch from earlier days. Thank you for the reminder of just how many fears I have let go of just because I am living a sober life.
Steve
Distortion is a word which means so much to me this day...
Am glad you are not a cop too!
ANd I cannot see a single problem for 'you being you'... What do you mean? UHG?
xoxoxx
;-)
I don't have a scooter, bike or even rollerblades...lol..... so it's hard for me to comment.
I'm also glad you're not a cop.... you're definitely not the cop type.
Btw...... you comments on my blog are sooo nice. Honestly, I can't even believe you're talking about me..... lol..... but I'm more than happy to take them. : )
Have a great day!
Funny how revealing we are when we think we're being cool. That poor guy told you more than he realizes...
Thank you thank you thank you thank you for being a beautiful lighted brick in the foundation of the path!!! And a great trudger!
:) MUCH LOVE!!!!
Steve...What he was refering to was called 'Riding Dirty'.
It was a ridiculous question toward you. You hardly fit the profile. I've been riding motorcycles for 44 years and I'm as scruffly as they come, and I've never been pulled over!
I just love coming here and reading how lucid you still are...
Theres Hope for me yet brother!
Carry On.....G
I'm so glad you're not a cop, too! I probably wouldn't like you so much... He he he. Of course I would. And I have no idea why cops are built that way... I mean, upstairs... in the brain department. Yep, count your blessings!
Sorry I'm late coming by, Steveroni. Please forgive...
Nevine
Hello Steve!
Thanks for dropping by. I do not own any scooter and no plan on buying one. Actually i'm afraid of bikes.
Anyway you have a informative blogs and i'm one of your folower.
Till next!
PINK
Hey Grineroni. Just passing through and stopped to say HI. Good to see you still here.
I can't imagine a cop pulling you over for riding a scooter...unless you're swerving all over the road and doing wheelies!
I keep away from people with the "everyone's out to get me" mentality; life's too short to listen to their crap!
PS - I'm glad you're not a cop, too. :)
Post a Comment