Entry for September 28, 2006
There is a county here in Georgia where there are about five police officers to every square mile. This county is Cobb County . (Click on this fun link to learn more about Cobb County’s finest.)
Today I was driving through Cobb County and minding my own business. I was going ten miles over the speed limit, but I was with the flow of traffic in the area.
As I was driving along I passed one of Cobb County's finest. The next thing I know he is behind me and following close. After a few miles a second Cobb County police car pulled out behind him. Then the sirens and lights came on. Suddenly life was very exciting. I got that adrenalin rush that most of us get in these situations.
I should tell you at this point that Cobb County has strict laws about cars with structural damage. You can get a ticket for to much damage to your car. I, of course, drive a 250000 mile, rusty, old, blue Oldsmobile 1990 "98 touring sedan" with sever damage to the driver side and a window busted out from when I locked my keys in the car. The back was loaded down with tools that I use for work and the shocks are shot. Also, the trany leaks. I was prime pickings for the law enforcement representatives in that part of Georgia.
I pulled over as quickly as possible. To my right was one officer with his hand on his gun and the holster unsnapped. He was standing to the back of the car where he could get a good shot if he had too. On my right the other officer slowly moved forward inspecting the content of the car and the broken window.
I expected the age old question, "Do you know why I pulled you over", but it did not come. Instead the conversation went like this.
"Is this your car?"
"Yes, sir."
"I pulled you over because you were going 55 in a 44 and your back window is broken out. You sure this is your car".
Now, if I had been quicker on my feet, you know, if I had not been just a little bit intimidated by the fact that another officer was at my right and ready to take me out if I said something that they did not like, if that were not the case I might have quipped, "If I was going to steal a car, do you think that I would steal this piece of junk." Instead I reassured he nice men with the guns that it was my car.
I was then asked for my driver's license. Upon handing it over he asked if the address was correct. This posed another problem. The answer to the question was yes and no. I could just say "yes" because our change of address had not yet been filed, but I believe in being a good boy scout and scouts are honest and true. I explained that we were in the process of moving.
"What brings you to Cobb County", he asked.
I know an out when I see one. I explained that I work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and that I was just miles from the church up the street.
He wanted to know why my care was so full of an interesting array of items and I explained that it is my mobile office, workshop, and toolbox. I informed him that I had proof of my employment if he would like to see it.
At that point he gave up. He went back to his car and ran a check. Seconds later I was on my way with the reprimand that I should make sure to get my license changed when the move is official.
I went to the near by church building and changed my pants.
-Chris
PS The pants thing was a joke...no really...
