[Strangler Lewis]

I think you all overestimate the ability of people to function in society. I pick up prescriptions at Long's on a regular basis for asthma and allergies. I am usually in line behind the elderly and those on the edge. Every single one of these people has a problem with their prescription, their insurance, etc. I also spend a lot of time in Kinko's and at the post office. My nightmare day will be to see the same old lady hogging a machine while she seeks help with copying a letter and then wind up behind her in line at the post office while she ruminates over which stamp to buy.

That said, I don't think we should too readily concede the propriety of living in a fast paced society. The absolute worst drivers on the road are people who drive for a living, be they cab drivers, plumbers or bike messengers. They drive like that because s*** flows downhill, and they need the money for necessities or, perhaps, tattooes and ass waxing. I hesitate to say that someone's hamster wheel is not spinning fast enough. It also goes without saying that if people didn't buy half the crap in their baskets, everyone would be out of the store in half the time. I'm resigned to gobbling my lunch at my desk like a dog, but any day that winds up at McDonald's is a failure.