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February 14, 2005
Doughnuts are too good for them
The lights at 14th and H streets were blinking red all the way around today. Maybe it was a Valentine's thing, but it didn't matter. I've got little love for the useless cop who was at the scene.
There was a bit of confusion, it seems not everyone learned that flashing red means stop. More importantly, it's hard to synchronize four or so lanes of traffic in one direction and three by three lanes on the other side. It's even harder when you add into the mix pedestrians who have the right of way at four way stops.
So, mid-morning (and this had been going on since before I got to the office at 10) I went out and was crossing the street. Lo! Over yonder! A police officer. He was a bicycle cop, and was dismounted and standing on the corner. He seemed to be watching the traffic, but not doing anything to direct it.
As I approached, I said, "nice job you're doing." He sorta smiled and went back to looking at the traffic. When I added, "really nice job," he turned, hopped on his bicycle and sped off. Thanks, Mr Policeman!
And, yeah, before any of you write in -- I don't care what branch he was with. If they are allowed to patrol DC streets looking to keep us safe, they can dismount and direct traffic. His outfit was yellow and said "police" on it. He could be DC or he could be Secret Service, I'm not sure and nor do I care. Part of patrolling a beat is that you make sure everything that needs police action gets police action, especially when you are just standing around doing nothing.
Posted by Samer at February 14, 2005 10:39 PM