[Rebels1972] truckers

[machen2081 at bellsouth.net]

I'd love to know where you get your statistics Fred.... from your 
bellybutton lint?
And why is it our fault?  We need to eat and sustain life.. We need 
commodities to keep our lives afloat...
Heck fire,  I don't make those rules and regs that they don't abide by and I 
don't shove the uppers down their throats and needles in their veins.

Getting laws changed to help them?  Most of them don't want the laws 
changed---they like it just the way it is. More money is to be made the way 
it is right now.   Most truckers are a necessary evil.

Now let's move on to another subject--this is getting boring Fred.  How's 
your summer?

Susan
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
To: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 7:33 PM
Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers


> Susan,
>
>    Not the majority.  But a lot of them.  And a lot of it is economically
> motivated.  And that is our own fault.
>
>    Regards,
>
>
>
>
> Fred
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
> To: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>; "fred atkinson"
> <rebels1972 at mishmash.net>
> Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 5:17 PM
> Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>
>
>> Fred,
>> I don't want to prove any point.   I'm only stating facts. They are----
> the
>> majority of the 18 wheelers on the road are unsafe and have caused
> numerous
>> accidents.
>> The drivers are popping pills and not adhering to the rules and
> regulations.
>> How many lives are lost on the highways due to these rigs exceeding the
>> speed limit or changing lanes?  It's unbelievable.
>>
>> It's a no win situation all the way around.   You sound more like a
> trucker
>> than a teacher.
>> SM
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> To: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 4:04 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>>
>>
>> > Well, Susan,
>> >
>> >    I think you are proving my point.  Why do you think that most of 
>> > them
>> > hype themselves up on drugs?  It's so they can keep going and get in
> more
>> > miles.  I wouldn't resort to speeding or loading myself up.  And I
>> > couldn't
>> > make a decent living.
>> >
>> >    By your own admission, that guy making all the money driving a truck
> is
>> > constantly breaking the law to do it.  How about the poor souls that
> don't
>> > break the law?  They don't make that much money.  And nobody cares 
>> > about
>> > them.
>> >
>> >    One trucker was telling me about the incredibly outrageous number of
>> > hours he drove.  I told him that he'd get caught sooner or later.  But
> he
>> > said he had to take the risk to support his family and for them he'd do
>> > it.
>> >
>> >    As I previously said, getting rid of 'by the mile' pay won't
> completely
>> > solve the problem.  But it'll go a long way towards making things
> better.
>> >
>> >    Regards,
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Fred
>> >
>> > ----- Original Message -----
>> > From: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> > To: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> > Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 4:46 PM
>> > Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >
>> >
>> >> When one RN comes in and gives you the wrong medication and causes you
>> > great
>> >> harm---I think that you would be extremely cautious of the whole lot.
>> > That's
>> >> human nature.
>> >>
>> >> Fred, I'm not blaming the entire trucking industry for the problems of
>> >> several thousands. But if a poll was taken, I bet more people are
> having
>> >> severe problems with big rigs on the road today.  The truckers seem to
>> > think
>> >> that they own the road and we cars need to get out of their way.
>> >> I do get out of their way---way out!
>> >>
>> >> Drug abuse crosses all professional boundaries. Vehicular homicide is
>> >> another story.
>> >> Sm
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> ----- Original Message -----
>> >> From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> >> To: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 3:33 PM
>> >> Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> > Yes,
>> >> >
>> >> >    And should the everyone in the RN profession be blamed every time
> a
>> >> > single person violates that trust?
>> >> >
>> >> >    Regards,
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > Fred
>> >> >
>> >> > ----- Original Message -----
>> >> > From: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> > To: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>; "fred atkinson"
>> >> > <rebels1972 at mishmash.net>
>> >> > Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 3:45 PM
>> >> > Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >> RN's, Doctors, Pharmacists, school teachers and professors, Lab
> techs,
>> >> >> lawyers. Addicts are everywhere.
>> >> >> As a RN, I have the State Board of Alabama Nursing regulating me 
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> my
>> >> >> license. I am subject to drug testing at any time.
>> >> >> I would never willfully harm a patient.  Is a trucker willfully
>> >> >> harming
>> >> >> himself, the public and everything else as he craws into his rig 
>> >> >> and
>> >> > speeds
>> >> >> along cross country to make a deadline----all to make more money?
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Many things need to be changed but they never will because 
>> >> >> basically
>> > John
>> >> > Q
>> >> >> Public doesn't want them changed. When you get right down to it, 
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> truckers are happy with things just the way they are.  They don't
> more
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> more regulations on them. You know---you are part trucker!
>> >> >> Susan
>> >> >> ----- Original Message -----
>> >> >> From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> >> >> To: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> >> Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 2:29 PM
>> >> >> Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> > Susan,
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >    And there aren't some RNs who are using drugs to keep going on
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > night
>> >> >> > shift?
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >    Didn't mean you shouldn't be proud of it.  Just meant that
> there
>> > are
>> >> >> > bad
>> >> >> > apples in your profession, too.  And that's nothing against RNs 
>> >> >> > as
> a
>> >> >> > whole.
>> >> >> > They are often underpaid as well.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >    Regards,
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Fred
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > ----- Original Message -----
>> >> >> > From: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> >> > To: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>; "fred atkinson"
>> >> >> > <rebels1972 at mishmash.net>
>> >> >> > Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 2:53 PM
>> >> >> > Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> I'm all for supporting family and such.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Today's truckers need to incorporate this and have some safety
>> >> > concerns.
>> >> >> >> I spoke of my parent's neighbor---he rakes in approx 
>> >> >> >> $3000.-$3500
>> > per
>> >> >> > week.
>> >> >> >> Pretty good for a trucker, huh?
>> >> >> >> Most of it goes for crystal meth.    His family travels with him
>> >> >> >> and
>> >> > when
>> >> >> >> they don't his 14yr old does.  Kid never goes to school.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> The entire trucking industry needs re-vamping but then again 
>> >> >> >> what
>> >> >> >> industry
>> >> >> >> doesn't?
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Remember,   I'm RN -- totally 100% ( and proud of it)
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Susan
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> ----- Original Message -----
>> >> >> >> From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> >> >> >> To: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> >> >> Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 1:29 PM
>> >> >> >> Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> > Susan,
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >    There is relief we could reach.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >    Truckers don't think the world owes them a living.  Many of
>> > them
>> >> > are
>> >> >> >> > just trying to support their families and pay for their homes
> and
>> >> >> >> > pay
>> >> >> >> > their
>> >> >> >> > taxes.  They don't have the luxury of having their family
> around
>> >> >> >> > when
>> >> >> >> > their
>> >> >> >> > driving shift ends (the over the road ones, I'm refering to).
>> > It's
>> >> >> >> > a
>> >> >> > hard
>> >> >> >> > life.  I've lived it and I know.  I chose not to continue
> living
>> >> >> >> > that
>> >> >> > way.
>> >> >> >> > I was out about three thousand dollars for my driver training
>> >> >> >> > when
>> > I
>> >> >> > quit,
>> >> >> >> > too.  Fortunately, I was able to come up with it.  Others
> aren't
>> > so
>> >> >> > lucky.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >    You're right about the work ethic.  Nonetheless, if we
>> >> >> >> > outlawed
>> >> >> > paying
>> >> >> >> > by the mile and paid them by the hour plus made them entitled
> to
>> > be
>> >> >> >> > paid
>> >> >> >> > for
>> >> >> >> > the things they are required to do that they are not currently
>> > paid
>> >> >> >> > for,
>> >> >> >> > it
>> >> >> >> > would change.  As with most solutions, it wouldn't solve
>> > everything.
>> >> >> > But
>> >> >> >> > it
>> >> >> >> > would be a great start.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >    I doubt there's anyone here that would take a job and work
> for
>> >> > free.
>> >> >> >> > Truckers are required to for a lot of what they do.  They 
>> >> >> >> > don't
>> > get
>> >> >> >> > reimbursed for the meals they get when they travel.  They 
>> >> >> >> > don't
>> > get
>> >> > to
>> >> >> >> > sleep
>> >> >> >> > at a hotel as we do when our employers send us traveling.  It
>> > comes
>> >> > out
>> >> >> > of
>> >> >> >> > their pocket.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >    Susan, there was no excuse for that trucker and I won't 
>> >> >> >> > make
>> >> > excuses
>> >> >> >> > for
>> >> >> >> > him.  He belonged in jail and I hope that he is rotting there.
>> > But
>> >> >> >> > remember
>> >> >> >> > that in any profession, there are bad apples.  That's true all
>> >> >> >> > the
>> >> > way
>> >> >> >> > from
>> >> >> >> > the educators to the professionals, to the vocational, to the
>> >> > unskilled
>> >> >> >> > workers as well.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >    When I finished my shift and sat in the truckers section in
>> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> > truck
>> >> >> >> > stop restaurants, I got a chance to get to know some of these
>> >> >> >> > people.
>> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> > was
>> >> >> >> > amazed at the insights of their political views and the 
>> >> >> >> > diverse
>> >> >> >> > backgrounds
>> >> >> >> > that many of them came from.   I didn't always agree with 
>> >> >> >> > them,
>> > but
>> >> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> > could
>> >> >> >> > see why they took that position and that many of them had
> really
>> >> >> >> > thought
>> >> >> >> > things through.  The caliber of some of those people
> overwhelmed
>> > me
>> >> > at
>> >> >> >> > times.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >    Remember, I'm part trucker (and proud of it).
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >    Regards,
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > Fred
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > ----- Original Message -----
>> >> >> >> > From: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> >> >> > To: <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> >> >> >> > Cc: "fred atkinson" <rebels1972 at mishmash.net>
>> >> >> >> > Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 12:54 PM
>> >> >> >> > Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> This is probably true of most jobs. The newcomers have little
> or
>> > no
>> >> >> > work
>> >> >> >> >> ethics and could care less about anything but the "buck". 
>> >> >> >> >> They
>> > give
>> >> >> > about
>> >> >> >> >> 10% or less on the job.
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> The older worker has respect for his job, others and America.
>> > Many
>> >> >> > give
>> >> >> >> >> 100% or more.
>> >> >> >> >>  The difference is amazing in the two workers.
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> The sad part is that the newcomers are overtaking the older
>> > workers
>> >> >> >> >> and
>> >> >> >> >> America is suffering.
>> >> >> >> >>  In my role as an administrator for 27 yrs, I hired and
>> > terminated
>> >> >> >> >> RN's
>> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> others and I would see this over and over.
>> >> >> >> >> For some unknown reason, 1/2 of the population thinks that
>> > America
>> >> >> >> >> owes
>> >> >> >> > them
>> >> >> >> >> a living( truckers included)
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> The system is totally messed up and no relief in sight!
>> >> >> >> >> Susan
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message -----
>> >> >> >> >> From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> >> >> >> >> To: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> >> >> >> Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 11:32 AM
>> >> >> >> >> Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >    Regretfully, that is true of the newcomers.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >    They drug themselves up because they have to keep going.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >    I never did any of that.  And I made diddly squat.  That
>> >> >> >> >> > was
>> >> > one
>> >> >> > of
>> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> > reasons I gave it up.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >    It's a system that rewards those who take dangerous 
>> >> >> >> >> > risks
>> > and
>> >> >> >> > penalizes
>> >> >> >> >> > those who break the law.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >    Yes, it's messed up.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >    Regards,
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >                                           Fred
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > --- machen2081 at bellsouth.net wrote:
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > From: <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> >> >> >> > To: <fatkinson at mishmash.com>, "Sansom Class of 1972"
>> >> >> >> >> > <rebels1972 at mishmash.net>
>> >> >> >> >> > Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >> >> >> > Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2006 10:50:13 -0500
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > Fred,
>> >> >> >> >> > The only way they can make acceptable money is to speed?
>> > Putting
>> >> >> >> > hundreds
>> >> >> >> >> > of thousands of lives at risk every day on the road
> including
>> >> > their
>> >> >> >> >> > own----for them to make some money?
>> >> >> >> >> > Yea they're speeding all right---with the crap that they 
>> >> >> >> >> > are
>> >> >> > ingesting
>> >> >> >> > in
>> >> >> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> >> > pill form.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > I was a hemodialysis RN for 27 years and I can't begin to
> tell
>> >> >> >> >> > you
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> > number of truckers that I have dialyzed over this period of
>> > time
>> >> >> >> >> > because
>> >> >> >> >> > of
>> >> >> >> >> > their long term drug abuse. This group was the hardest 
>> >> >> >> >> > group
>> >> >> >> >> > to
>> >> > work
>> >> >> >> > with
>> >> >> >> >> > due to their non-compliance, disrespect for authority
> figures
>> > and
>> >> >> >> >> > continued
>> >> >> >> >> > drug abuse.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > No Fred, I wouldn't get behind a wheel and speed just to
>> > increase
>> >> > my
>> >> >> >> >> > earnings.. I'm just not made that way.  I have respect for
>> > human
>> >> >> > life.
>> >> >> >> >> > Period.
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > Transport the goods via railroad. Utilize as few trucks as
>> >> > possible.
>> >> >> >> >> > As
>> >> >> >> >> > for
>> >> >> >> >> > me, I'm sick of their attitudes---they don't own the roads!
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > You're right about one thing---one bad apple spoils the
> whole
>> >> >> >> > bunch---this
>> >> >> >> >> > goes for everything in life
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > Susan
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> > ----- Original Message -----
>> >> >> >> >> > From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> >> >> >> >> > To: <rebels1972 at mishmash.net>
>> >> >> >> >> > Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 10:26 AM
>> >> >> >> >> > Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >> Yes, Susan,
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>     There is drug testing before they can even drive.  And
>> > they
>> >> > are
>> >> >> >> >> >> subject to surprised, unannounced drug testing, too.  I've
>> > been
>> >> >> > tested
>> >> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> >> >> number of times, myself, all negative.
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>     Well, you'd probably speed too if you were 
>> >> >> >> >> >> economically
>> >> >> >> >> >> enslaved
>> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> >> the only way to make acceptable money was to speed.  Don't
>> >> >> >> >> >> you
>> >> >> >> >> >> think
>> >> >> >> >> >> we
>> >> >> >> >> >> could change the law to fix that?
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>     I've been around the truck drivers.  Mostly, they are
>> >> >> >> >> >> good
>> >> >> > people
>> >> >> >> >> >> trying to make a living.  And remember, it only takes one
> or
>> > two
>> >> >> >> > negative
>> >> >> >> >> >> folks in a stereotyped group (ah, that word) to make a lot
> of
>> >> > good
>> >> >> >> > people
>> >> >> >> >> >> look bad.
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>     We live lifestyles that we'd never live if these folks
>> >> >> >> >> >> didn't
>> >> >> >> >> >> do
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > this
>> >> >> >> >> >> work for us.  Remember that.  When we pass laws
> guaranteeing
>> >> > wages,
>> >> >> > we
>> >> >> >> >> >> exempt them from the same laws we make to protect
> ourselves.
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>     Regards,
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>                                             Fred
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> --- tech450 at gmail.com wrote:
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> From: "Rick Peek" <tech450 at gmail.com>
>> >> >> >> >> >> To: "Sansom Class of 1972" <rebels1972 at mishmash.net>
>> >> >> >> >> >> Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] truckers
>> >> >> >> >> >> Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2006 10:13:55 -0500
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> Hey Susan,
>> >> >> >> >> >> My sentiments on truckers are with you also. Driving from
>> >> >> >> >> >> Gadsden
>> >> >> >> >> >> to
>> >> >> >> >> >> B'ham
>> >> >> >> >> >> on the interstate for 8 years, all my dealings with
> truckers
>> >> >> >> >> >> have
>> >> >> > been
>> >> >> >> >> >> negative also. I have been run off the road several times
>> > myself
>> >> >> >> >> >> and
>> >> >> >> > have
>> >> >> >> >> >> seen them cause numerous accidents, some of which I barely
>> >> >> >> >> >> missed
>> >> >> >> >> >> being
>> >> >> >> >> >> in
>> >> >> >> >> >> myself. I have hit debris many times that was left in the
>> >> >> >> >> >> road
>> >> >> >> >> >> by
>> >> >> >> >> >> truckers
>> >> >> >> >> >> and almost made me wreck and once hit some scrap metal 
>> >> >> >> >> >> that
>> > fell
>> >> >> >> >> >> off
>> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> >> >> truck
>> >> >> >> >> >> and shredded my new tires and almost made me wreck. I have
>> > also
>> >> > had
>> >> >> > my
>> >> >> >> >> >> winsheild cracked and paint knocked off by flying rocks
> that
>> >> >> >> >> >> fell
>> >> >> > off
>> >> >> >> >> >> trucks. I'm on your side.
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> Rick P.
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> On 6/15/06, machen2081 at bellsouth.net
>> > <machen2081 at bellsouth.net>
>> >> >> > wrote:
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> Ah Fred,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> I read and re-read your article with great interest.  I
>> > wonder
>> >> > why
>> >> >> >> >> >>> you
>> >> >> >> >> >>> would put so much time and energy into such an article.
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> You see truck drivers really strike a chord with me and
> I'll
>> >> > tell
>> >> >> > you
>> >> >> >> >> >>> why.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> I'm sure there are many great truck drivers on the road
> with
>> > a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> safe
>> >> >> >> >> >>> driving
>> >> >> >> >> >>> record. I haven't met many. You stated that people feel
>> >> >> >> >> >>> anger
>> >> >> > towards
>> >> >> >> >> >>> truck
>> >> >> >> >> >>> drivers because of the manner in which they drive on the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> open
>> >> >> >> >> >>> highway.  You
>> >> >> >> >> >>> are so correct.   My article may offend you....
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> In 1984, I was taking my mother to and from Birmingham 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> for
>> > her
>> >> >> > chemo
>> >> >> >> >> >>> treatments three times per week.  On one Wednesday
>> >> >> >> >> >>> afternoon,
>> > I
>> >> >> >> >> >>> was
>> >> >> >> >> >>> driving
>> >> >> >> >> >>> her red car home with her reclined in the riders side. I
> was
>> > on
>> >> >> >> >> >>> the
>> >> >> >> > left
>> >> >> >> >> >>> side of  highway I-59 and a "wonderful"truck driver flew
> by
>> > and
>> >> >> > took
>> >> >> >> > off
>> >> >> >> >> >>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> entire side of her car( my mother's side.) He swerved 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> over
>> > into
>> >> > my
>> >> >> >> > lane.
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> He never stopped and kept going at approx 90 miles per 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> hr.
>> > I'm
>> >> >> >> >> >>> sure
>> >> >> >> >> >>> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> deliver his goods to a store! I had to chase him down and
>> > lucky
>> >> >> >> >> >>> for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> us
>> >> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> statetrooper was a few miles away.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> I finally got the truck to stop. The driver jumped 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> out(all
>> >> >> >> >> >>> 4'10"
>> >> >> >> >> >>> of
>> >> >> >> > him
>> >> >> >> >> >>> and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> proceeded to cuss me out and even hit me.I was pregnant 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> at
>> > the
>> >> >> > time)
>> >> >> >> >> >>> He was stoned out of his mind. At this point,  I was all
>> >> >> >> >> >>> over
>> >> > him
>> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> since
>> >> >> >> >> >>> my mother was only slightly injured she had to pull me 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> off
>> >> >> >> >> >>> of
>> >> > him.
>> >> >> > He
>> >> >> >> >> >>> denied
>> >> >> >> >> >>> the hit and run---cars were pulled over for witnesses and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> the
>> >> >> > trooper
>> >> >> >> >> >>> had
>> >> >> >> >> >>> arrived.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> Long story short---This precious trucker was stoned on
>> > Demerol,
>> >> >> >> > morphine
>> >> >> >> >> >>> and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> being serviced by his boyfriend(also stoned)when he 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> nearly
>> >> > killed
>> >> >> > us.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> Red
>> >> >> >> >> >>> paint was all over his wheels--he went to jail with many
>> >> >> >> >> >>> charges!!!
>> >> >> >> > This
>> >> >> >> >> >>> wasn't the first time for him either.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> How do these guys pass drug testing?  Is there drug
> testing?
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> Like you said.... It isn't whether or not he's at fault
> that
>> >> >> > matters.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> You
>> >> >> >> >> >>> may have run into him but the question is.. could he have
>> > done
>> >> >> >> > something
>> >> >> >> >> >>> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> prevent it from happening?    You figure it out!
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> My parents live next door to a trucker ....This trucker
>> > steals
>> >> >> > goods,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> lets
>> >> >> >> >> >>> his 14yr drive his 18wheeler on long trips while he
> sleeps,
>> > and
>> >> > is
>> >> >> >> >> >>> addicted
>> >> >> >> >> >>> to crystal meth.
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> My daughter and I just went to Anniston yesterday and 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> were
>> > run
>> >> > off
>> >> >> >> >> >>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> road
>> >> >> >> >> >>> by a 18 wheeler and then the thing kept
>> >> >> >> >> >>> chasing us for miles. I called the police but the truck
> had
>> >> >> >> >> >>> left
>> >> >> >> >> >>> by
>> >> >> >> > that
>> >> >> >> >> >>> time. A report was taken.
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> As you can see, I have little respect for truckers. My
>> > dealings
>> >> >> > have
>> >> >> >> > not
>> >> >> >> >> >>> been good. Many are slaves to drugs to keep them going
> these
>> >> > long,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> grueling
>> >> >> >> >> >>> hours.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> My hats are off to the good ones.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> Susan
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>> ----- Original Message -----
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>> From: "Fred Atkinson" <fatkinson at mishmash.com>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>> To: "Rebels 1972" <rebels1972 at mishmash.net>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>> Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 8:52 PM
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>> Subject: [Rebels1972] Economic Slavery on the 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>> Highways
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    I'd like to share some ideas about some of the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> people
>> >> > who
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> make
>> >> >> >> >> >>> this
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> country great.  They are often the most 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> unappreciated
>> >> > people
>> >> >> > in
>> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> world.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    We take them so much for granted despite all that
>> > they
>> >> >> >> >> >>> do.  Everyone
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> seems to think that the goods on the shelf at your
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> store
>> >> > just
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> appear
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> there
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> magically.  The materials to build your home, 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> school,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> or
>> >> >> >> > workplace
>> >> >> >> >> >>> were
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> not
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> always there.  The fuel that makes your car run does
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> not
>> >> > just
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> appear
>> >> >> >> >> >>> at
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> pump.  And there are many other material goods we
> rely
>> > on
>> >> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> maintain
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> our
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> standard of living.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    There are thousands of good Americans that
> transport
>> >> > these
>> >> >> >> >> >>> materials
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> us.  They aren't heralded and they get no fanfare.
> Man
>> >> > live
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> lifestyle of
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> separation from their families and work an 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> incredible
>> >> > number
>> >> >> > of
>> >> >> >> >> >>> hours.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> It
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> is their plight I wish to discuss.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    When the economy went sour at the end of 2001, I
>> > spoke
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> with
>> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> recruiter
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> for a national trucking company, she arranged for me
> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> travel
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Memphis,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Tennessee and attend a three week school that would
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> help
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> me
>> >> >> > get
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> Class
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> A
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> commercial driver's license with all the required
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> endorsements
>> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> training required for the company to hire me as an
> over
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> > road
>> >> >> >> >> >>> truck
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> driver.  The cost of attending the truck school was
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> over
>> >> > five
>> >> >> >> >> >>> thousand
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> dollars and I was expected to be responsible for the
>> > cost
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> myself.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> I
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> was not
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> compensated in any way for the time I spent in
> school.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    I went to truck driving school with a lot of
> people
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> from
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> different
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> parts
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> of the country and different backgrounds.  After we
>> >> > completed
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> our
>> >> >> >> >> >>> first
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> week
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> in school, we passed our written exams to get our
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> learner's
>> >> >> >> > permits
>> >> >> >> >> >>> and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> our
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> medical certificates, which were required to operate
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> > big
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> eighteen
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> wheelers.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    The next week was range training.  We learned all
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> manner
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> of
>> >> >> >> >> >>> backing.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Backing was not like backing a car.  It required a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> whole
>> >> >> >> > different
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> twist.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> To back a truck to the right one must turn the wheel
> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> > left
>> >> >> >> >> >>> until
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> truck jacks to the right.  Then you turn the wheel 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to
>> > the
>> >> >> > right
>> >> >> >> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> follow
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the trailer and keep it on the right path.  Even
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> backing
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> in
>> >> > a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> straight
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> line
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> was difficult.  But we learned our required backing
>> > skills
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> during
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> second
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> week and went on for the road training.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    We drove all over western Tennessee, eastern
>> > Arkansas,
>> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> northern
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Mississippi.  To the end of the third week we
> completed
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> our
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> training
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> passed our road tests.  When we returned to school
> the
>> >> >> > following
>> >> >> >> >> >>> week,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> we
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> were taken to the DMV to get our Class A commercial
>> >> > driver's
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> licenses
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> late we were assigned to a driver who would train us
>> > while
>> >> > we
>> >> >> >> > were
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> actually
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> transporting goods all over the country.  We were
> paid
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> only
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> fifty
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> dollars
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> per day while we trained regardless of the miles
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> driven.
>> >> >> > Since
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> driver
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> often drives between four and five hundred miles per
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> shift,
>> >> >> > that
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> amounts to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> as little as ten cents per mile or less.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    These three weeks of driver training was done 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> with
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> no
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> compensation
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> and a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> legal requirement that you repay the company for the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> training.
>> >> >> >> > Of
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> course,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> they pro-rated the cost over two years and made the
>> >> > payments
>> >> >> > for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> your
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> as
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> long as you worked for them.  But if you found it
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> necessary
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> leave,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> you
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> were on the hook for the pro-rated part of the money
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> you
>> >> > owe.
>> >> >> >> > This
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> makes it
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> difficult to leave if you are unhappy with the
> working
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> situation.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    After I completed the training with my 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> instructor,
> I
>> >> > began
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> learn
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> things I never knew.  I knew that truck drivers were
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> typically
>> >> >> >> > away
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> from
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> home for months at a time.  I never knew that they
> are
>> > not
>> >> >> >> > covered
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> by
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> wage and hour laws (overtime?  What is that?). 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Truck
>> >> > drivers
>> >> >> >> > don't
>> >> >> >> >> >>> get
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> overtime even though they constantly work in excess
> of
>> >> > sixty
>> >> >> >> > hours
>> >> >> >> >> >>> per
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> week.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> They get paid for the miles they drive and (on
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> occasion)
>> >> > for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> loading
>> >> >> >> >> >>> or
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> unloading a truck, not for the time they work.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    Many responsibilities that truck drivers perform
> are
>> >> >> > without
>> >> >> >> > any
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> compensation.  The Department of Transportation
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> requires
>> >> > that
>> >> >> >> > they
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> perform a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> complete and thorough pre-trip safety inspection 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> each
>> > day,
>> >> >> > which
>> >> >> >> >> >>> takes
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> fifteen minutes of their time.  They receive no
>> >> > compensation
>> >> >> > for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> their
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> time
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to perform this.  When they weigh and balance a 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> truck
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to
>> >> > make
>> >> >> >> > sure
>> >> >> >> >> >>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> load
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> is legal on the highway, they receive no 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> compensation
>> > for
>> >> >> > that,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> either.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    When they hitch or unhitch a trailer, they 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> receive
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> no
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> compensation
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> that task.  When a shipper or receiver makes them
> stand
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> around
>> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> wait
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> their load to be loaded or unloaded from a trailer,
> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> driver
>> >> >> >> >> >>> receives
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> no
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> compensation for the time he is there idle while the
>> >> > shipper
>> >> >> > or
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> receiver
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> focuses on other things (unless he is paid for
> loading
>> > or
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> unloading,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> which
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> isn't often).
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    And the driver is never guaranteed to get a
> shipment
>> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> move.  There
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> were a number of times where I sat at a truck stop 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> in
> a
>> >> >> > strange
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> city
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> with no
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> load.  Our company compensated us forty dollars per
> day
>> > if
>> >> >> > they
>> >> >> >> > had
>> >> >> >> >> >>> no
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> load
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> for us.  Imagine that, only forty dollars for a
> single
>> > day
>> >> > of
>> >> >> >> > your
>> >> >> >> >> >>> life
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> (and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> not all drivers even get that) away from your 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> family,
>> >> >> > community,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> friends.  And the per mile rates for new drivers are
>> > very
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> low.
>> >> >> >> > One
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> I
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> was
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> asked to pick up a trailer, weigh it to make sure it
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> was
>> >> >> > legally
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> balanced,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> and transport it to the nearest company terminal for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> reassignment to another driver.  For my several 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> hours
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> of
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> work,
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> received
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> approximately twelve dollars for my efforts.  It
>> > amounted
>> >> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> less
>> >> >> >> >> >>> than
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> minimum wage.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    Truck drivers get no respect.  Once when I was at
> a
>> >> >> > truckstop
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> near
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Canadian border in Maine, a driver told me that his
> CB
>> >> > handle
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> was
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> 'Caucasian
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> scumbag'.  He said that he chose that handle because
> of
>> >> > what
>> >> >> > his
>> >> >> >> >> >>> father
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> (also a truck driver) told him.  Truck driving is an
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> honorable
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> profession,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> but you will never get any respect.  Sadly, I found
>> > myself
>> >> >> >> > agreeing
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> with
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> him.  A few examples follow.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    Once I made a delivery at a warehouse.  After
>> > 'bumping
>> >> > the
>> >> >> >> > dock'
>> >> >> >> >> >>> (an
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> expression used that means you have parked the
> trailer
>> > at
>> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> loading
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> dock
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> so it can be loaded or unloaded), I found a door
> marked
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> 'driver's
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> entrance'.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> When I stepped inside the door, I found myself
> standing
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> inside
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> of
>> >> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> cage
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> (subhuman treatment).
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    I once made a pickup at a major customer.  As my
>> > hours
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> were
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> almost
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> used
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> up when I made the pickup, I parked the truck 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> outside
>> > the
>> >> >> > front
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> gate
>> >> >> >> >> >>> in
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> an
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> area where truckers were allowed to park and get the
>> >> > required
>> >> >> >> > time
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> in
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> sleeper before they were allowed to drive again.
> When
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> I
>> >> >> > walked
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> back
>> >> >> >> >> >>> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> gate requesting to use the restroom, they refused
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> saying
>> >> > that
>> >> >> >> >> >>> driver's
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> weren't allowed to use the restrooms in the 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> facility.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> I
>> >> > had
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> >> > go
>> >> >> >> >> >>> and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> relieve myself in the middle of an open field 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> because
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> there
>> >> >> > was
>> >> >> >> > no
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> other
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> place provided for the drivers.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    People often feel anger towards truck drivers
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> because
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> of
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> manner
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> in
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> which they drive on the open highways.  I did not
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> engage
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> in
>> >> >> > such
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> driving and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> I did not approve of those who did.  But think of
> what
>> > it
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> cost
>> >> >> >> > me.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Slowing
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> down reduced the amount of money I made.  Remember
> that
>> >> > many
>> >> >> > of
>> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> lesser
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> experienced drivers are not all that well paid
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> (contrary
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> stories
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> about how well truck drivers are paid).  When you 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> are
>> > paid
>> >> > by
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> mile
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> at
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> such a rate as twenty-seven cents a mile and only
>> > allowed
>> >> > to
>> >> >> >> > drive
>> >> >> >> >> >>> for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> limited number of hours, making more money requires
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> that
>> >> > you
>> >> >> >> > floor
>> >> >> >> >> >>> it.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> When
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> a driver is caught in a traffic jam, he is sitting
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> there
>> >> >> > burning
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> his
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> driving
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> hours and getting no compensation for it.  He cannot
>> > drive
>> >> >> > extra
>> >> >> >> >> >>> hours
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> make up for it or the Department of Transportation
> will
>> >> > fine
>> >> >> > him
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> when
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> they
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> audit his driving logbook.  To that end, some 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> drivers
>> >> > falsify
>> >> >> >> > their
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> logbook
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to drive more miles.  This means that they are
> driving
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> over
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> number
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> of
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> hours it is safe for a person's body to be alert
> enough
>> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> handle
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> an
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> eighty-thousand pound multi-vehicle truck and 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> creates
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> an
>> >> >> >> > additional
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> hazard.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    Truck drivers would like to see that changed, but
>> > it's
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> difficult.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> 'Over
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the road' drivers are away from home for months at a
>> > time.
>> >> >> >> > Because
>> >> >> >> >> >>> of
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> that
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> they don't get to vote.  Politicians look at those
>> >> > statistics
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> they
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> realize that spending time helping truck drivers 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> does
>> > not
>> >> >> > yield
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> them
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> additional votes.  This does not motivate the
>> > politicians
>> >> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> make
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> things any
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> easier for them.  Once, a driver told me that he had
>> > tried
>> >> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> get
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> an
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> absentee ballot.  He was asked where he'd be on
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> election
>> >> > day.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> He
>> >> >> >> >> >>> told
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> them
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> he had no way of knowing because he was sent to
>> > different
>> >> >> > places
>> >> >> >> >> >>> often
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> on
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> only a few hours notice.  Because he couldn't tell
> them
>> >> > where
>> >> >> >> > he'd
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> be
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> on
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> election day, they denied him an absentee ballot.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    As long as we continue to pay our over the road
>> > drivers
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> 'by
>> >> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> mile'
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> instead of by the hour and pay them for the things
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> truck
>> >> >> > drivers
>> >> >> >> > do
>> >> >> >> >> >>> for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> no
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> compensation every day, the way many truck drivers
>> > operate
>> >> >> > their
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> vehicles is
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> not going to change.  There is significant
> legislative
>> >> > reform
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> needed
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> but no
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> political incentive to perform it.  And many of 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> these
>> > good
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> people
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> continue
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> to suffer while making a living to support their
>> > families
>> >> >> > (with
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> whom
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> they
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> are able to spend very little time with).  The next
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> time
>> >> > you
>> >> >> >> > enjoy
>> >> >> >> >> >>> your
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> breakfast, buy nice new clothes at the store, fill 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> up
>> > your
>> >> >> > tank
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> with
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> gasoline, or partake of any number of other 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> countless
>> >> > things,
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> you
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> should
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> remember that truck drivers brought those materials
> to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> you.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    Imagine if the trucks stopped rolling for a week.
>> > We'd
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> experience
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> gas
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> shortages, food shortages, and have to learn to do
>> > without
>> >> >> > many
>> >> >> >> >> >>> things.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    When a driver is involved in a traffic accident,
> it
>> >> > isn't
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> whether
>> >> >> >> >> >>> or
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> not
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> he is at fault that matters.  You may have run into
> him
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> but
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> question is
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> could he have done something to prevent it from
>> > happening?
>> >> >> > Even
>> >> >> >> > if
>> >> >> >> >> >>> he
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> was
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> not at fault in the accident, it often is still
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> reported
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> on
>> >> >> > his
>> >> >> >> >> >>> driving
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> record as 'preventable' (which stacks against him
> when
>> > his
>> >> >> >> > driving
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> record is
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> reviewed for insurance or for possible employment
> with
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> a
>> >> >> >> > different
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> trucking
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> company).  Imagine that, you caused the accident but
>> > they
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> hold
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> it
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> against
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> the truck driver anyway.  He is responsible for
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> managing
>> >> >> > *your*
>> >> >> >> >> >>> driving
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> safety habits.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    These dramatically under appreciated people live 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> a
>> >> >> > lifestyle
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> that
>> >> >> >> >> >>> I
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> don't understand how they continue to live day in 
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> and
>> > day
>> >> > out
>> >> >> >> > year
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> after
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> year.  Essentially they are slaves to our system and
> we
>> >> >> > continue
>> >> >> >> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> take
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> advantage of them paying many of them low wages and
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> working
>> >> >> > them
>> >> >> >> > at
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> a
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> schedule that would cause most of us to experience
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> complete
>> >> >> >> >> >>> exhaustion.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>    My hat is off to them and I think about them from
>> > time
>> >> > to
>> >> >> >> >> >>> time.  God
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> bless our truck drivers.
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> _______________________________________________
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Rebels1972 mailing list
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>> Rebels1972 at mishmash.net
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> > http://mishmash.net/mailman/listinfo/rebels1972_mishmash.net
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> >
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>> _______________________________________________
>> >> >> >> >> >>> Rebels1972 mailing list
>> >> >> >> >> >>> Rebels1972 at mishmash.net
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
> http://mishmash.net/mailman/listinfo/rebels1972_mishmash.net
>> >> >> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> --
>> >> >> >> >> >> Rick Peek
>> >> >> >> >> >> Tech450 at gmail.com
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________
>> >> >> >> >> >> Rebels1972 mailing list
>> >> >> >> >> >> Rebels1972 at mishmash.net
>> >> >> >> >> >>
> http://mishmash.net/mailman/listinfo/rebels1972_mishmash.net
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________
>> >> >> >> >> >> Rebels1972 mailing list
>> >> >> >> >> >> Rebels1972 at mishmash.net
>> >> >> >> >> >>
> http://mishmash.net/mailman/listinfo/rebels1972_mishmash.net
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>