Texting While Driving - Legal in MD!

I just have to post a quick comment on this article posted on WTOP.  Proposed legislation banning text messaging while driving was shot down because MD lawmakers felt that texting didn't warrant its own law...  

Ok, so first, let me say, I sometimes text while driving, so I'm not a huge proponent of banning it, but if it happens I won't be outraged.  Its like seatbelts, I don't really love wearing them, but I do it because the consequences are far worse than the mild annoyance of the belt itself.  Ok, disclaimer over.  

So, the main point here is that MD lawmakers - had they known the first thing about technology, specifically, the multiple features and uses of cell phones, would have written the law to incorporate all uses of cell phones while driving in the first place!  But, no... they had to jump in reaction to constituent pressure and get a law on the books right away without doing the proper research.... So, the proposed ban that would incorporate texting gets shot down.  

So, their response is that they are now going to try to get it passed just for younger drivers.  Um - what?  Ok, so if I am looking down at my phone, texting while driving, am I any less dangerous than a 16 year old just because I've been driving longer?!?!  NO!  I still see can't see the road, regardless of my age!  God, I think you need to be certifiably stupid to write laws in Maryland.  And - I won't even go on about my opinions of the skills of Maryland drivers...that's a whole other post!!!  

Conspiracy in Glover Park? *Updated*

Late last night, the Gentlemen's Club (read: strip club) known as JP's caught on fire, reaching a two-alarm status. It resulted in a total shut-down of Wisconsin Avenue this morning, causing the Georgetown/Glover Park morning rush to be more enjoyable and challenging than normal. I think it's particularly interesting that this is the second "fire event" at a strip club in the GP in the last few months. While I don't think these two are related, it does bring to mind the ongoing troubles between the GPCA (Glover Park Citizens Association) and these establishments, particularly over the expansion of Good Guys. So, who might benefit? The GPCA and the neighborhood gets rid of an "unsavory" establishment. The owner gets an insurance settlement and no longer needs to deal with the headaches from the residents. Both parties stand to gain. Likely there is no conspiracy here in GP, but it certainly is coincidental.

Updated: Thanks to a Chris over at GloverParkDC, here's the background on the Strip Clubs v. GPCA...