It may be a shock to some drivers, but motor vehicles don't own the road. And they may be surprised to learn that Wisconsin law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in many situations.
As I was driving on White Rock Avenue in Waukesha I came upon several people waiting at a marked crosswalk. Frame Park had the Badgerland Water Ski Show appearing Wednesday evening and I surmised that was the reason for the heavier than usual amount of pedestrians. I immediately slowed down and came to a stop to allow the pedestrians to cross. I noticed there were three police officers standing on the opposite corners. Two of them appeared deep in discussion with each other, while the third was quenching his thirst and had his back turned to the traffic and pedestrians. Several vehicles from the opposite direction didn’t stop, and it wasn’t until I stuck my arm out of the driver’s window, waving like mad, that a vehicle on the opposite side stopped as well. At this time the officer having quenched his thirst turned around and we made eye contract. I could only shake my head and loudly comment: MARKED CROSSWALK, PEDESTRIANS, LAW, DO YOUR JOB!!! He looked at me as if I was insane, then promptly turned away.
I completely understand that both drivers and pedestrians have certain safety responsibilities that depend on both circumstances and common sense. However, I find it all the more frustrating witnessing a situation like this when law enforcement is present at a city function that appear oblivious to the surroundings.
Aside from using this forum for venting, consider it today’s lesson for those drivers that may not be aware of the law. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are legally crossing roadways may be issued citations that cost approximately $160 to $217 (depending on the type of violation) along with four demerit points assessed on their license. A citation for passing a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian costs $312 with three demerit points. And if you truly want to be well informed check out Wisconsin Pedestrian Laws.
Class dismissed.
A fraud lawsuit has been filed against the Milwaukee Archdiocese, accusing Catholic leaders of covering up for a priest accused of sexually assaulting children.
The 85-year-old priest at the center of the case, is accused of sexually assaulting several girls in Milwaukee and Beaver Dam about 40 years ago, and also faces criminal charges in Dodge County.
The lawsuit alleges that the Archdiocese willingly assigned this priest to three parishes and a hospital with the knowledge that he was sexually abusing girls. In a 2004 Video Deposition for an out-of-state civil case this priest testifies he was bounced around by church leadership, from South Dakota, to Wisconsin and to Texas, because of the abuse.
I believe this civil suit is long over due. It is the first civil suit since the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled last week that such cases could proceed. What is your opinion? Should the Archdiocese be made accountable for allegedly covering up the priest’s actions?
Last night, while watching tv, there was a report from Harris County in Texas of a 2 year old year girl who was videotaped on the back-seat floorboard of a moving van while teens joked that she had taken the drug Ecstasy. I was sickened.
Video Appears To Show 2 Year Old Girl On Ecstasy
Witnesses Deny Tot In Video Was On Ecstasy
Several weeks ago I made a trip to the DOT. I had completed the Rider’s Edge Safety Course and was eager to take the written test to obtain my motorcycle license. After filling out the proper forms, and providing proof of certification I was directed to a row of computers. Here I was advised I’d take my test. No problem, it appeared simple enough. I’d studied the AMA and DOT motorcycle handbooks and felt confident that I was prepared.
I began the sample test which the DOT must feel is necessary in determining if you are using the computer screen correctly when submitting your responses to the questions. Okay, I got through that without any problems. Thinking this was going to be a piece of cake, I positioned myself comfortably, and with finger poised was ready to hit the "Start" key on the computer screen. I hesitate, thinking something isn’t right here. It was then I realized the gentlemen next to me was reading the questions from his screen out loud. VERY LOUD! Although it’s been many years since I took Spanish, I recall enough to have understood what he was reading was for an auto learners permit.
Trying to evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action I returned to the service counter and explained my predicament. I was given a set of headphones with the assurance they should muffle the distraction of this gentlemen reading out loud. I try the headphones, but they fail miserably. Now my frustration level has exceeded the distraction level. It has also become apparent to me this gentleman is not taking the test himself. He is reading it out loud to the woman seated next to him. A person unable to read English is attempting to take a test in hope of earning the right to obtain a learners permit and operate a motor vehicle. My mind goes into a tailspin.
Once again I leave my seat, return to the service counter and voice my annoyance. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for people trying to better themselves and reap the benefits of our country. I simply cannot comprehend the reasoning in making insane compromises such as the one I witnessed that day. If a person is unable to READ English, how on earth will they be capable of reading traffic signs?
Inconvenienced, and extremely annoyed I left the DOT center that day. However, I did return the following day and am happy to announce I took my test without incident and now have my motorcycle license.
I was browsing the internet, came across this moving piece by John Wayne, and wanted to share it.
http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm
