VATICAN CITY ‚Äö√Ñ√Æ The Vatican issued a “Ten Commandments” for motorists Tuesday to keep them on the road to salvation, warning drivers against the sins of road rage, abuse of alcohol or even simple rudeness. The unusual document from the Vatican’s office for migrants and itinerant people also warned that automobiles can be “an occasion of sin” ‚Äö√Ñ√Æ particularly when used to make a dangerous passing maneuver or when used by prostitutes and their clients. And it suggested prayer might come in handy ‚Äö√Ñ√Æ performing the sign of the cross before starting off and saying the rosary along the way. The rosary was particularly well-suited to recitation by all in the car, it said, since its “rhythm and gentle repetition does not distract the driver’s attention.”
Hey, I’m all for anything that reduces the risk of road rage, but given that the Pope gets behind the wheel of an automobile about as often as I pray, I’m not altogether certain that this has any basis in reality. Hey, anyone who’s ever driven in Miami will know exactly what I’m referring to.
In too many American cities, and around the world, driving is a kill or be killed proposition. I’d be the first to admit that I’m a different person when I’m behind the wheel. I’m less patient, less forgiving, and MUCH more willing to immediately assume the worst. Just ask She Who Endures My Myriad Eccentricities © . She’ll be happy to fill you in.
Then again, if the Vatican’s idea can save a life somewhere, it can only be a good thing, right? So what are the ten commandments?
• You shall not kill.
• The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
• Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
• Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
• Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
• Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
• Support the families of accident victims.
• Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
• On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
• Feel responsible toward others.
And if none of these idea works, then you can freely and without guilt run the dickweed off the road….