On Sunny Lane: Take Your Turn

There is a four-way intersection just a mile from Sunny Lane.

It is a four-way intersection, but only a three-way stop. The cars that are approaching from the north, east and west must stop and take their turn before proceeding. But, they must all stop and relinquish the right of way to all cars that are coming from the south, as they always have the right of way.

This system works well, as long as all drivers heed the signs that say, “Traffic from right does not stop,” “Traffic from left does not stop,” “Oncoming traffic does not stop.” Sometimes, however, a person who has not come to that intersection before, will not see the sign located beneath the stop sign and assume it is a four-way stop. This person will proceed when he believes it is his or her turn, even though a car is coming from the south.

This could be disastrous if northbound drivers are not vigilant. I have learned to be vigilant, as I have encountered transgressors on many occasions. I have needed to put on my brakes many times when a driver has decided to come in my direction, even though I have my signal on to turn left.

So, I must relinquish my right to someone who usurps my right.

Now states make rules that determine people’s rights in certain circumstances. All goes well if those rules are followed. But the wise driver will be on guard against someone who might step out of line—or lane. After all, who wants to be “dead right?”

According to the U.S. Declaration of Independence, “... all men (I assume that includes women) are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Although God gives us our rights, we must rely on government to guarantee our rights. After all, God gave us the Ten Commandments and how is that working out? We need rules to make sure everyone gets the rights to which they are entitled and to keep society moving forward peacefully.

Even though our U.S. Constitution includes a Bill of Rights for U.S. Citizens, we need to know what they are and be sure they are not trampled on or misinterpreted my someone for his/her advantage. Following the rules just plain makes sense.

I would rather see society running smoothly than to see chaos erupt.

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Dorothy is the author of two books—“Miles and Miracles” and “Getting It All Together “. You can purchase a book or send a comment by emailing her at dorothybutzknight@gmail.com