Some Questions for Stupid Drivers

I would really like to know why so many drivers refuse to use their directional lights. Are they afraid of wearing them out? Does it take too much energy to extend one little finger of the left hand an inch or so to flick the lever? Do they feel it's nobody else's business where and when they're turning? Is it some kind of game to abruptly change lanes without signalling so other drivers have to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision? Or, is it considered to be "uncool" to obey traffic laws and be a safe and considerate driver?

Of course you couldn't be one of those drivers. After all -- if you were, you would be too stupid to even read this post, much less recognize yourself.

When I still had a job. 

Ageism

I was RIFed from my job of four years at a software company at the end of September 2004. I wasn't the only one to get the boot, but I was the oldest. I just turned 60 in April. Too young to draw Social Security and, apparently, too old to find a new job.

Because of arthritic hips, I cannot stay on my feet on concrete floors for eight hours a day, so that eliminates a good many jobs such as those high-paying retail and grocery jobs I have done in the past to survive. I am highly adept at clerical and administrative jobs like the one I just lost. I am also, because of my background in radio news, copywriting, commercial production, marketing and public relations, highly qualified to go to work as a Communications Specialist.

Hell, I even have a couple of college degrees (AA and BAEd) which I usually leave off my resume since I have found they give prospective employers one more excuse to brand me as "over qualified."

Age discrimination is against the law, but unlike discrimination because of race, sex, religion, marital status, national origin or all those other EEO labels, you don't stand a chance in a court of law with an age discrimination suit -- especially if you're a white male. I mumble "Bullshit" every time I see one of those EEO disclaimers at the end of some of those Help Wanted ads in the paper and on the web.

I get interviews, but they usually end up with the interviewer saying something like, "Thanks for taking the time to come in and meet with us...." Then, if I'm lucky, I get a form letter thanking me for my interest in (name of company here), but they've filled the position with someone who is more qualified (meaning 30 years younger and female).

Currently, there are threads going on Monster.com regarding this issue and they have decided it's time to do something about it. The Baby Boomers who are seeing ageism for the first time are getting a wakeup call, and in turn giving one. The ignorant employers out there who think they're getting away with something when they turn an applicant down because they have some gray hair are going to be facing a formidable bunch of out-of-work older Americans who have changed the status quo before. Remember the '60s? I don't believe my generation is going to go away quietly just because we're "too old" and imfirm to do an honest day's work.

I'll be ranting and raging about this topic and other things that piss me off or tickle my fancy from time to time.