Like so many in our country, I used to believe a lot more in society’s institution, that when a law was laid down, it represented the best informed opinion of what was right or wrong. While I knew there was problems with justice, bias, and bad laws, I had a trust in government institutions to at least try to do what was right and that the combination of democratic pressures and civil society institutions, there was over times a bending towards what is good and just.
But maybe such a view of government was nieve to say the least. Maybe government never was good, maybe we need a more cynical view of the roll of power. Maybe government workers aren’t nobility, but just people trying to earn a pay check. Government shouldn’t be run by elites and those who believe they are better then population. It should be a practical entity, delivering practical results for people. One that people are not afraid to question or see as deeply flawed and in need of reform.
The cynicism that Trump represents really is good for our nation, even if his policies are often half-baked and mostly about bolstering his name and making his colleagues rich through graft and other means.
I am not fan of diet foods, light beer or filtered cigarettes.
In many ways I am not sure if the Godzilla truck will get worse gas mileage then my lifted Silverado – at least on the highway. The lift kit and big tires was a pretty big drag on the old truck, though it was a bit hard to get an accurate MPG reading on the screen because the 35 inch tires through off the odometer. But that’s beyond the point.
Gas mileage is great in a commuter vehicle where you are forced to drive every day, but for a truck I plan to drive primarily recreational, it’s not that important. A more expensive to drive vehicle is an incentive to drive it less. Much of the negative impacts of motoring is not the fuel consumed, but mileage driven. Fuel consumed doesn’t induce new highway construction or suburban sprawl. I want the truck to enjoy it and get to places in wilderness in comfort, not save a few bucks in fuel recreationally.
I have always used my parking brake at stoplights. I figure it’s good to exercise the parking brake to keep the cable from binding up, especially on automatics.
Apparently using a parking brake at stoplights is uncommon in America though widely practiced in Europe, but I was reading on the new cars with automatic parking brakes you can hit the gas peddle to release the parking brake, and can this help starting up steep hills if your car doesn’t have hill start assist.
As Google AI says …
Using the parking brake (handbrake) at traffic lights is generally not required by law, but it is considered best practice for safety, especially on hills, when stopped for more than 8-10 seconds, or to prevent rolling. It secures the vehicle, prevents rear-end collision damage, and reduces leg fatigue in manual cars.
Reasons to Use the Parking Brake at Traffic Lights:
Safety on Hills: It prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when moving off on a steep incline.
Preventing Rear-End Collisions: If hit from behind, a secured handbrake helps prevent your car from being pushed forward into traffic or pedestrians.
Resting Legs/Manual Transmission: It allows you to take your foot off the brake and clutch, relieving fatigue during long waits.
Avoiding Dazzling Drivers: It prevents you from keeping your foot on the brake pedal, which can blind the driver behind you with bright brake lights.
When You Should Use It:
On steep hills: Mandatory for safe, controlled, no-roll starts.
Long traffic light stops: If you know the light takes a long time.
Busy, close-traffic scenarios: To prevent accidental rolling.
When It Is Unnecessary:
Short stops on flat roads: Holding the foot brake is generally sufficient.
Automatic cars: While safe, it is not mandatory to stop the car from rolling unless on a significant hill.
Using the handbrake every single time can sometimes cause distraction, so the key is to use it when it enhances safety, such as on hills or long, busy stops.
