More Reflection Department...

Ya know, this Van Auken thing and the run in with the Bradley frats got me to re blog if you will  I'm not so mad about two people, one being a councilwoman and the other a big local director and or owner of AMT, our ambulance service going over to make a complaint about a problem they perceived.  I am mad that after this incident got rolling how these people behaved.  The alleged swearing and finger poking at police.  The disrespect shown to Bradley police with someone calling them "fake cops".  The fact that this is all written into police reports and yet the police didn't arrest Van Auken.  She was clearly out of line and some say, including those police reports, that she may have been drinking.  Ok, she was at a dinner party and had some drinks but that doesn't make her a drunk.

It is in the police reports that Van Auken poked the shoulder of a police sergeant from Bradley Police.  A feat that would get you or me arrested 99% of the time if we were arguing with the police.  She wasn't.  Why?  Then there is the ticket written to the frat for noise but it wasn't written because the police officers investigating the complaint heard noise, they didn't, it was written because they were ordered to write it by the shift lieutenant on duty after the fact.  Why? Why is it the police feel that a certain segment of our society needs to be handled with kid gloves? Are the laws different for people in different tax brackets? Of course they're not.

I talked with a couple of officers from the Peoria police after this and they were not very happy with the way things went that night.  They too felt the council woman and her friend were out of line in this case.  That means there are two sets of laws.  Ones for you and me and ones for the elite of this town.  That is what makes me mad about this whole situation.  Not that is was Van Auken. It could have been any council person but it just so happened to be Van Auken. Why are our council people immune from our laws?

I am no fan of hers but then she's not my district council person either. I don't like the way she told me before her election that she would eliminate the Garbage Fee and then after she was elected, said no money can be found to replace it and blew it off.  There were others who ran during that election cycle who also promised to get rid of the Garbage Fee and they too blew it off.   Yet, we have bought an arbor, ornamental street lamps, and hanging baskets and on and on.  I see her like I see a lot of politicians, two faced.  I don't think Peoria can afford to have politician on the council.  

With all that said, I believe we need to get to root of our city's problems, which right now is crime and I mean violent crime, not beer parties at a frat house.  Drugs and crime and making sure our police have the man power and the tools to do something about it.  I am sure that a loud party next to your house along with the garbage and noise that comes with it is a quality of life issue and nobody, myself included would want that all the time.  I wouldn't want a crack house next to me either but have had just that and going through the channels, involving the police and zoning and being persistent, I got rid of it.  I did not show up on their porch while drinking and made demands they knock it off.  (probably got me shot) I just kept at it and even though it took 10 months, it is gone and a nice family now owns the home.

With the Moss-Bradley people, yes, they live next to an University.  One of the best in the country and I don't think it's going anywhere. So to draw hate towards the students and lumping them all as drunks and rowdy is wrong also,  I am sure not everyone is a snob on Moss Ave right? I know when I was 17 (a long time ago) I used to go with friends to party's at frat houses.  Yes it was illegal to drink a beer at that age but the point is, party's have been happening at Bradley for eons. What's so different today. Nothing other than a special group of people seem to have a hatred for Bradley.  I can't believe that the parties and trash has driven these people to desperate measures that they have to enlist their councilperson into a bad judgement call.  And that is what this was, bad judgement by someone who knew better and has preached better in many council meetings.  Do as I say not as I do huh?

No something is happening here.  Something very strange indeed.  I don't know if it's a few people who think their shit doesn't smell or if it's resentment that Bradley is expanding and bought out Maplewood or both.  But something is very wrong that would bring us to what I now call the Van Auken Chronicles.  Maybe it's just one asshole who thinks he can single handed run these frats off of campus or maybe the students are being vindictive but something has got to give.  Tying up police resources for 2 hours over a perceived noise complaint isn't the the best way to use our police resources.  I hope this doesn't happen again and I encourage the young adults at Bradley to show up these people who misuse their power because on this occasion, it was the Bradley students who looked sane and our city representive that looked like a raging lunatic.

By the way, to the blogger who said he'd like to see Marcia Teplitz back and taking on these students...pleeeeease!  That droning woman would have Gandhi kicking out stained glass windows inside of 5 minutes.  No, we don't need her back but at least she had a badge, something I think Van Auken should consider next time (if there is one) she pulls the queen attitude.  One thing is for sure, Moss-Bradley and the students of Bradley have to live together and threatening pamphlets, raging wannabe neighbor vigilantes,  and rowdy kegger party's aren't going to create harmony.  It's time to figure out what the fuck is really going on here.

Now back to my gin and tonic...

It Takes All Kinds Department...

Well if you thought the old AnitPundit would let THIS slid by, you're wrong and I won't candy coat it like Billy did on his blog.  You can read the PJS article HERE.

What am I talking about?  Well shooter, it seems one of our esteem city council members took it upon herself with her good friend to approach a Bradley fraternity, while drunk, to confront these students on a noise issue.  The fraternity called the police. 

It seems Barbara Van Auken or her friend Mr. Rand called the Bradley Police the "fake cops".  No matter, the Peoria Police joined the party too. Let's review...

First off, both Van Auken and Rand were wrong to do what they did and should have been ticketed for trespass if not for other offenses. You or I would have been handcuffed if we acted the same way but not these two, why?  Well because for one thing, a Lt. W (I'm not sure on how to spell Whitledge) so I'll call him Lt. W. showed up at the scene.  He instructed the officers there not to issue any tickets.  Why?  Because he has his head straight up Van Auken's ass that is why.  Those are the exact words used buy a couple of police friends of mine who don't understand why no trespass ticket was written after the frat demanded they both leave even though the Chief of Police himself has instructed his officers to write such tickets whenever possible.  "Fill the coffers" they told me he said.

So I read over on the Peoria Pundit Billy explains it away as "I wasn't there so I can't pass judgement" type of bullshit which in other matters doesn't ever seem to stop him.  He is on the PJS every other day and yet I haven't seen him in their newsroom.  Of course the usual commenter's chirp in and think this whole thing is wonderful and will get Van Auken votes and she is standing up for her district. What a bunch of crap!  Even Miss goody two shoes got her comment in.  Here is her brilliant reply to Billy's article:

"Since when does getting drunk and telling your rude, inconsiderate neighbors to knock it off make headline news? Ya gotta love Peoria."

I'll tell when. When you are a city representative acting on our behalf, that's when.  Otherwise I guess if your drunk, you get arrested for doing EXACTLY the same thing unless you are a big wig wheeler and dealer or on the city council.

Here's what it is; it is a city representative doing something she was told not to do, ( Council persons have been instructed on how to handle Bradley problems in regards to neighborhood issues) using her office as an ego trip and acting like she was queen and all should bow to her every wish. Rand, her friend is best buddies with, wait for it, yes, Kevin Lyons, Peoria County State's Attonery.  Now we know why there won't be any charges filed by his office.  This is someone disrespecting the police. Someone who should know better. (I hope your license plate light works Van Auken, you may find out how real these cops are)  Yes Bradley police are real cops, bonded by the State of Illinois, carry weapons and will pull you over and write you a ticket.  They, like the Park Police sometimes back up the Peoria Police on calls and sometimes take some minor calls but I guess according to the State of Rand of Van Auken, they are fake cops.

This is another example of an elitist family on Moss Ave that thinks they are above any laws.  This is a case where someone had too much too drink and had no business whatsoever acting on behalf of any citizen.  They should have been arrested for trespass and charged.  Any normal ordinary citizen that had done the same thing would have and believe me, if you put up a loud screaming match, no lieutenant of the police would have showed up to defend your dumb ass.  The paddy wagon would have showed and they would have throw your ass into the back of it.

My only hope here is that some one in this frat has a lawyer for a parent of good friend and they post the video on YouTube (if it isn't already) and charge these people.  Maybe take their elitist egos down a notch.  To dismiss this by simply saying "Well she's a loud type in your face person" or to say they have a hard time thinking a council person should be arrested for knocking on the door of a "ROWDY" frat house is wrong.  First, she was told to leave.  She didn't and escalated the conflict and second, Billy Dennis, you called the frat house rowdy.  I thought you wasn't there?????  Talk about head up someone's ass. I guess you assumed all frat house's are rowdy??  Well then, let's get drunk and go out and do some door knocking on frat houses.  I'll bet we get arrested.

Bottom line, both Van Auken and Rand should have stayed out of it.  Called the police if they had an issue and then use the proper channels, much like city council people tell us surfs to do, to get it handled. Neither did and Lyons doesn't have the testicles to prosecute, even in an election year.  Mr. Lyons, borrow Van Auken's and issue the tickets.  They not only owe the 2nd District an apology, but they owe all citizens of Peoria and the frat house Sigma Nu.  I hope Sigma Nu sues. 

Let's review:

Kevin Lyons ----- No Balls

Andrew Rand ----- Good friend of man with no balls.

Police Lieutenant ----- Head up someone's ass.

Billy Dennis -------- Candy coated this because of no balls.

Caleb Matheny ------ Frat President without justice.

Barbara Van Auken --------- Has all the balls.

 

UPDATE:  Billy Dennis has talked to Van Auken for her side.  I guess these poor poor residents haven't been getting any response from the police over their complaints.  50 tickets issued in this block.  Welcome to our world Moss Ave. residents.  Try the south end for response sometimes.  50 tickets written sounds to me like a response.  A big one.  Too bad it wasn't 51 and 52 issued the other night.  And yes, all Moss Ave complainants always sound drunk.  FEH

UPDATE #2:  Be careful people on how or what you comment on some blogs sites.  Calling someone "Miss goody two shoes" will get you a "Shut the fuck up" .  I guess this incident, which will be sweep away because no one is going to charge BVA with anything and the only thing coming out of this will be worse relations between homeowners and Bradley.  But if someone doesn't like what you say, well then you'll be told to "Shut the fuck up".  Calling this a "simmering for months' incident is asinine.  Maybe BVA is the simmering for months incident?

The Election Department...

This morning I took out a petition for 1st District city council seat.  I have heard from a very good source that Gulley may not run again.  I don't know who might step up but I do know that I need 1% of the total voters who voted in District 1 for Mayor in 2005 for signatures.  If only 840 people voted in the 1st for Mayor in 2005, then I need 8.4 signatures.  Sounds like a tough job.  I thought I'd have to leave my name or fill out a form or pee into a bottle.  Nope, they simply hand you a folder, give you a web site and say good luck.

Some may wonder what I stand for and what I won't stand for.  Well I haven't had a lot of time to formulate a bullshit line to feed the media and public so I think I'll just be blunt.

No more growth.  Yep Peoria should not annex another front yard. Nothing.

We need to concentrate on city services.  Yep another one of those.  We need to reduce crime, take care of our streets and improve fire protection.  No more TIFs, no more development handouts.  If the developer thinks it is too much of a risk, then why should the taxpayer pay for that risk?  We have enough empty strip malls, useless fancy buildings already. Visit the flooded podium downtown or the mostly beautiful and vacant Gateway Building.

We need to improve our older neighborhood, yes, the south end.  A serious crack down on landlords who don't give a shit about who they rent too or how long a house stands abandon.  If my district zoning inspector can spend 1 hour and 45 minutes at the chicken place, then he can find time to write some zoning tickets.  And write like the wind.  If an apple is rotten on the inside, it doesn't matter which logo or what color the outside is.  No one is going to touch it.

The garbage fee goes.  If we want fees to pay for services, then create them that make all pay, not just homeowners, otherwise, when a business needs the police, then they pay a fee for them.

Peoria's government drags things out way too long.  Too many hoops, too many egos.  Look at the Sears lot.  They have argued over this piece of land for so many years that in some circles it has become famous.  We should charge $10 from a viewing platform so people can look at the most expensive dirt hole south of Chicago.

I simply feel that Peoria needs no more growth out but needs to take care of the Peoria we already have.  We don't need to be the "big" city.  Why should we?  We don't need the traffic that comes with a big city or it's problems.  Think crime is bad here, visit Chicago.  Our biggest traffic jam is when workers close streets to fix curbs, otherwise everything is 15 minutes or less from everything else.

Improve the streets, reduce crime, get rid of problem housing with out 3 tons of red tape, offer incentives for people to buy in certain areas and improve their homes instead of planting ornamental lighting with hanging baskets, and then waiting for people to come or giving it to a rich developer who most times doesn't even live here.  Like for the first time in decades, putting in sidewalks on the south side where none have ever been.

This city has a bloated payroll with some people simply not doing their jobs.  It's time for this council to trim from the top down.  After years of this crap, I don't buy into the fact that you have to pay top dollar to get skilled professionals.  I've seen too many city managers leave this town screwed with a suitcase full of money.  Then we hire another for more money.

I feel the first hasn't been represented enough and although getting everything the first district needs will be near impossible, we have to all understand that some districts can't simply keep getting the pork fat and ignoring others simply because an ego generated councilperson can network, wine and dine, and whatever behind the scenes.  People have to understand, that if one district fails, it affects all the others.

Yeah, I don't know every frickin thing and I may not understand big city budgets but I do know we (the taxpayers) pay an awful lot of money in city staff for people that do.  If someone else stands up for this seat that is more qualified,and I don't mean degrees and schooling, I mean street smarts and savvy skills like balancing their own checkbook at home, I will stand down.  We have enough Einstein's running things already and we dwell on logos and street calming forums. 

Otherwise, against my wife's pleas, am going to go for it.  Besides, I need the parking space downtown.  :)

Things I ponder Department...

Why does the traffic light at Maplewood turn green for any car coming out of the deck, which must turn right,  then turn red, then the walk light appears making us wait even longer?  Can't these two functions work together like every other frickin traffic light?

Governor Palin, did you know Jesus was community organizer and Pontus Pilot was a Governor.

Why do neighborhoods near Bradley have signs saying "Welcome" but ban parking for visitors, restrict turns, and speeds,  basically saying Welcome but stay the fuck out?  Then want city services like snow removal, arbors, and parking enforcement.

Why don't the police enforce the signs that say "No Turn on Red from Left Lane" on the University overpass from I-74? I'm tired of ass clowns who can't judge distance and pull out in front of me.

Governor Palin, if you can see Russia from Alaska and that makes you foreign policy savvy, then do you know Santa Claus?  He lives up there also.

Governor Plain, did you win a contest or something? Otherwise I can not explain your choice for VP. My Aunt Phyllis has the same qualifications although she has never asked for money and can balance her own checkbook and she can see Indiana from her window. 

If I voted for McCain would that be like a chicken voting for Col. Sanders?

Why is Billy always asking for money?  Does he have a tin cup?

Why must I take two Excedrin before reading Peoria.com?  Then swallow the whole bottle.

Did CJ invent the atom bomb? Bet he could produce the plans for one.

Why is Government getting bigger and bailing out all these banks?  I thought Republicans were for small government?  Is giving the rich all the tax breaks and trickling down not working?  Go figure.

Why would McCain say the economy is strong?  Because he is a 72 year old with Alzheimer's? 

Why do I fear Hannity's America more than any terrorists?

Why must we have traffic forums to calm traffic on MAIN Street in Peoria?  Is it not MAIN Street?  Why don't we have a forum on how we have ignored the sewer problem in this city for almost 20 years or more and instead ask why we buy arbors, ornamental lighting, hanging baskets, built useless buildings (Gateway) made more TIF districts than any city our size and then tell us we, as taxpayers are going to have to bite the bullet and pay more to fix this problem?  Then, we spend time wondering how to slow traffic on Main Street.  Incredible! Will someone please take their head out of their ass?

What exactly is there on Main Street on the bluff to walk to? The Get R Done Cash store? Maybe the walking is for the pan-handlers at Campustown?

Will rednecks in this country deny us a decent President because they will vote for a guy they'd like to have a beer with like they did for Bush?  Yeah, guns, alcohol, and no brains always makes for great decisions.

Why do Peoria radio stations keep changing their formats?  Christ I find one I like and the next day it's new age rock or something.  I can not listen to both Country and Western because the woman is always jilted by her lover and the man is married to his pickup truck because the tailpipe is tighter than his ex old lady.   Makes satellite radio sound good.

I (We) as taxpayer(s) have just bought the largest insurance company in the country,  AIG,  which was authorized by President Bush and yet these same people cringe at paying for national health care, why?  Is it because rich CEO's need their severance pay no matter how much they fucked up the company and the poor can just go to hell?  Better yet, how is Rush Limbaugh going to blame the Democrats for this?

Is this more trickle down economics?  Is my congressman peeing on my leg the same thing?

Why would anyone, after almost 8 years of huge government, the largest deficit ever in history, government bail outs of Lehman Brothers, AIG, and others, highest gas prices in history, no WMDs, lies and deceit, over 3000 of our soldiers dead, worst economy since the great depression, a President who doesn't seem to know which side is up, a President who on July 15th said government bailout of private companies won't happen, ever ever vote another Republican in office? Because "she's" pretty?  We're doomed.

The Little Ditty Department...

A man died and went to heaven. As he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him.

He asked, "What are all those clocks?"

St. Peter answered, "Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a

Lie-Clock.

Every time you lie the hands on your clock will move."

"Oh," said the man, "whose clock is that?"

"That's Mother Teresa's. The hands have never moved, indicating

that she never told a lie."

"Incredible," said the man. "And whose clock is that one?"

St. Peter responded, "That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands

have moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two lies in his entire

life."

"Where's Rush Limbaugh's clock?"

"Limbaugh's clock is in Jesus' office.

He's using it as a ceiling

fan.

Buy this Department...

Well, I knew it would happen and it has.  Good old District 150 wanted to make a deal with the Park District and build a new school to replace Glen Oak School.  They were basically going to put it on a corner of Glen Oak Park that is well, dirty and run down anyway.  This, some thought would be an improvement to a park which has been sliding into despair in recent years despite the "new" Zoo money drain going on the other end.

But, no, the neighbors balked and protested and ranted and raved.  How dare the big bad school district plant a school in our beloved park.  Where will the rats and drug dealers go?  No we demand that this district build on the same location the old school is on. 

"But there is not enough room there." quipped the District.  Nonetheless, the neighbors and protestors won out and the school district caved even after they spent thousands on homes near Glen Oak Park. 

Well plans were drawn and sites were set.  Now the homes over there at Frye and Wisconsin have increased in value.  My goodness, Weaver Ridge residents would blush at the prices on these Victorian aged homes.  $750,000 for just one that has been gutted and transformed into apartments.

What a wonderful new age we live in.  Couldn't we have seen this coming?  I did.  These concerned neighbors are so worried about their new school that one home owner who saw the 750 grand price said; "Hell just give me 10% over my mortgage and I'll move across the river!"  Well you do-gooders, now we (the taxpayer) will have to pay some mouthpiece (lawyer) to file papers and take your property.  Gee, that won't add any cost to this project will it?  Should have left the school in the park.  All you need to do is add a spoonful of Merle Huff, sprinkle in some greedy home owners, a dash of realtors and add a heavy amount of lawyers and bake until level dirt ground appears and you'll have spent enough to have built 3 new schools. 

Ahh  only in America. 

 

UPDATE:  I have noticed that a few bloggers have been silent on this news report.  The very same ones that lambasted the District for buying homes and wanting to build in Glen Oak Park.  Wow, I could only imagine their swift condemnation of the school district if they paid $750,000 for a home.  FEH

News Release Department...

Today Hurricane Gustav slammed into Peoria carrying winds around 10 mph clocked as high as 15 mph.  Rain amounts unheard of in the tri-county area amounted to 2 inches.  As much as Ameren tried, power was completely intact and never went out except in Morton and parts of East Peoria.  Reasons unknown but expect a boil order for Creve Couer to be issued.  It's that time of month anyway.

Damage was sparse across the tri county area with the city street department completely vacated during the Labor Day weekend.  Many Peorians braved the weather and continued to drive like maniacs without headlights while their wipers were going full speed.  None had a clue. 

As the eye of the storm passed over head many could be seen hitting the local liquor stores to take advantage of the break in the rains and dodging the severe puddles. A local weather personality could be seen entering one of the rare Chili's Restaurants looking for food and claimed the sun should be out again soon. It look like Chuck Collins but the wet hair piece made it impossible to tell.

This blog will post updates as soon as they arrive.  Remember, hunker down, and stock up on Bud Light and Gin. Shootings and other crime will resume as soon as this storm passes.  Pedestrians are advised to walk in the streets as the sidewalks may be water covered.

In Passing....

Our deepest condolences to our friend Mary Kedizor and to her brother Mayor Jim Ardis and the entire Ardis family and the Centers Family on the recent loss of their sister, wife, and mother,  Ann Centers after a long and tough battle with cancer..... God's speed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Emert Family

The Block of Rocks Department....

....or another name for the latest circus to hit town, the "Build the Block" campaign going on for the museum in the Sears block..again. OK, let's build a museum, but not enough donated, name the museum, but no one cared, keep asking for donations, but no one gave, so give up? Ah hell no.  Let's rename this pig and go on!

I read CJ's latest post on this and I encourage you to read it as he asks some interesting questions and makes some interesting points and then come back here and get.......

My two cents worth.....

I sure do hope the voters get to decide if tax dollars will be used for this project.  I mean we here in Peoria city didn't get a voice when our council dreamed up the Garbage Fee and we thought by voting most of that council out and getting new council members in, we would have that repealed.  That was wrong.  So I hope on a County scale, nothing is force on the taxpayers for this hole in the ground.  Ya know, someday, my son's grand kids may not even know what the old Sears hole in the ground was, but with the politics of Peoria, I doubt it.  This drags on like a glacier.

It also amazes me that the CEO of one of our hospitals gets up and touts this as a cure all to our ills of downtown economic life.  Hospitals? You know, the places that don't pay taxes, build consistently out north and thumb their noses at the Med-Tech District? You know the places that secretly buy up properties, wine and dine the local politicos for zoning and other neat little perks?  The places where if you have no insurance to pay your bill,  they will cut your throat and then go after your family?

Hey, I know hospitals.  Lived next door to one for some years and if living next door to Russia makes Sarah Palin an expert on foreign affairs, then that makes me a brain surgeon.  So when these people stick their noses in, I get scared.  Like I can afford the RexPlex but, if I was an executive at St Francis or Methodist or even Proctor, I would be given a membership, but I'm not so I continue to pay property taxes towards this other hole in the ground.

OK, back to the Sears...er....,.CAT employee parking lot formally know as the Sears lot.  I think the museum with an IMAX and a planetarium would be wonderful.  I don't think that taxpayers paying for it would be.   If it came to that, then all card carrying Peorians should get in for FREE but unlike the RexPlex where we do pay taxes, we still have to pay a hefty fee to join.

Meanwhile on the left side of the river, East Peoria is planning their own museum sporting a history of CAT and it's tractors through the decades.  It's all part of their add water, stir, bake for 3 months, and up pops a downtown East Peoria.  We here on the right side, after what 15 years or more are still trying to get something built on the Sears lot?  Good God, when will someone, anyone, in charge somewhere stand up and say; "Hey Maloof!  Put a frickin For Sale sign on the damn lot!"  Let's get on with it.  What is it that some people actually believe people will flock here to see a museum on Peoria's history?  Christ, you can read it and fit it on the back of a Wheatie's box.

Sell the lot to a developer, let them build whatever the market will bear. and get on with it.  With this town's record of handling developments, what have we got to lose?  Mid-Town, Campustown, Ballpark, Gateway....and on and on.  Take the money, pay off the Civic Center debt (or pay it down) and provide us some tax relief or at least do away with the Garbage Fee.  Since these hospitals love to find ways to spend our money and chirp in when it's not their pocket book, start taxing them on city services too.  As for the money raised already?  Add onto Lakeview by building up and out.  Include a new planetarium and IMAX there. Parking?  With the way this city is handling Sheridan Village, we'll be able to pave that over for parking.  Nothing is getting built there either. Improve the Lakeview facility and make it state of the art in the heart of Peoria.  In fact, call it The Heart of Peoria Museum or even keep the name Lakeview. Like there's a lake to view there Ah, hell that is too damn simple.

Labor Day Rant Department...

Happy Labor Day and the Illinois State Police are making sure some are experiencing Labor Day.  They have set up a radar trap on East bound I-74 at Gale Ave. today.  They are using laser on top of the Gale overpass and have 4 cars lined up on the on ramp.  They are picking off speeders like a kid picking at cotton candy.  Good!

It is 55 mph and although the highway is designed to take higher speeds, 55 is posted and yet some people love to blow through like the speed limit is a serving suggestion.  It never fails that I am tailgated and passed like I am standing still even though I run 56 or so through there.  So it was just lovely to see the jerk, with the cell phone plastered to his ear in the oversized F250 pickup blowing along at least 70 mph get nailed.

Now if only they would nail these people who think driving with 4 bright white lights on would get tickets.  Not all cars have overly bright "fog" or "driving"  lights but some cars and mostly trucks do.  They are brighter than locomotives and they shouldn't be on during normal city driving conditions.  But, the law is so vague on driving lights and their use, no cop wants to ticket for this.  The law about using your brights is pretty cut and dry and you can be ticketed for failing to reduce them for on coming traffic.  So what's the difference?  Ego is the difference.  That and stupidity.  What else could it be?  Either you think it's cool to have 4 white lights on or your too stupid to know where the off switch is.

I guess some people need those big trucks which clearly have never hauled anything in their beds (might scratch them) to make up for something they don't have that isn't big.  Their pricks.

Happy Labor Day....