The Missouri Department of Transportation uses a computerized traffic management system to move vehicles through the intersection of Lindbergh and Lemay Ferry (officially, U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Highways 61 and 67). To maximize movement through the control area, which reaches down to I-255, the system adjusts left turn times, through traffic green lights, and, the sequence of lights at several intersections.
That’s why yesterday morning east bound traffic turning south got two green lights before the north bound through traffic got one. Those of us frequenting the intersection patiently waited for our green, never sure when it’s coming but knowing we will eventually get a turn.
Tourists, alas, expect predictability. Thinking they live in a “one – two – three – four” world, they start moving, anticipating their green light. Sometimes that causes problems.
The Trump presidency reminds me of that intersection: lined up from four directions, a bunch of cars face the center, Donald Trump. Some days, like yesterday, the complimentary left turns work out. One crooked friend of The Donald got convicted, another pleaded guilty. Today seems poised to be another round of east bound and west bound traffic safely staying on their sides of the divider as what passes for routine in this age goes on, Congress ignoring reality while bureaucrats sabotage working Americans.
Yet disaster already drives the roads. All sorts of scandals, crimes, embarrassments plus routine corruption fill the vehicles around Trump.
Each car will get its moment of glory in the intersection. Tourists will make mistakes. Whether the end comes from a spectacular crash or the unrelenting traffic of catalogued transgressions, Donald Trump’s destiny stays the same. He has sullied the presidency and the bureaucracy with so much dirt that a generation of good leadership probably won’t be enough to restore the shine.
Be patient, wait for the green.
By the way, this morning at the grocery store the cashier picked-up my newspaper. She seemed perplexed by the headlines. She admitted she doesn’t follow the news and asked “Is this important?” The bag boy and I assured her yesterday’s events were important, even historic. She shrugged.
Submitted by Glenn Koenen, WCD Member