07-14-2010, 04:27 AM
I have no problem where Solomon is because it doesn't seem to impact traffic at all. I don't have any problem with the sign waving where it doesn't impact traffic, although I still have to question the wisdom of intentional distractions in 45, 55 zones. The problem seems to be when they do it right where the merge is. It was obvious last week when Emily was in that spot. I'm at the merge the same time every day and it only started backing up the day she was there. It's a similar issue with the vendors at the merge spot. I try to be objective and now pay particular notice. Yesterday a car in front of me pulled over to go to the vendors, and instantly the 5 cars behind it began breaking. This is after the actual merge is complete but it creates a ricochet effect with a certain amount of traffic which prolongs the merge.
Tradition is usually a weak argument for anything. Decades ago slowing down traffic in that spot likely had little impact on traffic. Puna grew tremendously in the past 10 years, and during the school year at least, results in a backup that takes 20-30 minutes to go a few miles. So please don't tell me to "slow down" and enjoy that people are actively making the problem worse. It's hard to go any slower than stopped in a 45 zone.
As far as free speech, I'm pretty sure various jurisdictions have banned panhandling at traffic medians, and pedestrians aren't allowed on freeways as long as they're expressing free speech. That holds constitutional muster. This type of speech is much more in line with yelling fire in a crowded theater.
Tradition is usually a weak argument for anything. Decades ago slowing down traffic in that spot likely had little impact on traffic. Puna grew tremendously in the past 10 years, and during the school year at least, results in a backup that takes 20-30 minutes to go a few miles. So please don't tell me to "slow down" and enjoy that people are actively making the problem worse. It's hard to go any slower than stopped in a 45 zone.
As far as free speech, I'm pretty sure various jurisdictions have banned panhandling at traffic medians, and pedestrians aren't allowed on freeways as long as they're expressing free speech. That holds constitutional muster. This type of speech is much more in line with yelling fire in a crowded theater.