Corruption

The blue lights were clearly visible in my rear-view mirror today, so I pulled to the side of the road. My tags had expired a month ago.

I hoped that the officer would give me a warning, and let me take care of the problem A.S.A.P as I handed him an envelope containing the renewal papers that I had resting inside the driver's side door. This was what had happened almost exactly one year ago, and the officer sent me on my way with a reminder to "get those taken care of." It was obvious that I was getting around to it, but, as you may have heard before, the law is the law. I was granted a 'non-moving violation'. It will amount to about $50 of stupid tax.

Something struck me about last year's experience with the officer who let me go with just a warning versus this year's officer, who stuck me with a fine. Now that I have been fined, I will change. It costs too much to stay the same, even if it amounts to just $50.

Many years ago I was given a ticket for a 'California stop', which means that I rolled slowly through a stop sign. It cost me $110. At the time it took me 2 1/2 days of work to recuperate. Believe you me, I never roll through stops anymore. That silly ticket left a branding mark in my brain. But last year's grace experience didn't change me. This year's will.

I ran in-school suspension for 4 years at a middle school. As I escorted students to my dim room designed for punishment, I would encourage them, stressing that "consequences are good. They keep us from becoming monsters. They force us into humility, and if we apply what we learn, we never have to pay stupid tax again!" Every once in a while I get to eat my own words.

As I sat in my Honda, waiting for the officer to run my plates, I thought about how many initiatives the city has to pay for. I stared at the asphalt and saw how it buckles in places, and realized that my very destination at the moment was a community center gym that costs a mere $2/visit. I imagined the officer being given his traffic assignment- held accountable for how much money he is able to collect every month, which filters its way through to the county budget. I was at peace knowing that I live in Nashville, Tennessee, and not Tijuana, Mexico, or some other place where I might have to pay the officer with something more costly. I was glad that this officer wasn't going to grill me beyond what was lawful, and in turn, that he actually enforced the rules as they are meant to be enforced. As a result, I will no longer be the jack-ass who drives around with outdated tags.

Corruption makes monsters. The application of order and civility makes a pretty good neighbor. Of the two options, I hope to apply the latter without resentment.

Now I must write that blasted check to the county.