I know I don’t have anything to complain about in the grand scheme; I’ve lived a charmed life. However, I am still only human, and that fact opens a can of worms that can’t be resealed.
I think, therefore I judge.
The reason is obvious, how else could I survive?
I am forced by nature to face things that are unsatisfactory by my judgment. Confronted daily by ‘apparent injustices’ that directly affect me and those I Love, I am also exposed to horrific circumstances inflicted upon others daily. If I pay too much attention to what’s going on around me, I somehow morph into this state of general unrest. So I try to think of more mundane things, like auto insurance for instance. Hmmm, wait a minute, auto insurance leads me down that familiar road, but in a much more subtle way. So I go with it. Why does car insurance hack me off? Well…it’s the only ‘bill’ that leaves no tangible artifact to display or demonstrate as a result of said expenditure. I might as well set the cash aflame.
I started paying car insurance 30 years ago…every day I bet that I’ll get in a wreck, and back it up with cash. I’ve lost that bet every day for 30 years. Einstein’s theory about insanity seems to apply here; according to the famous scholar (my biggest hero) insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result.
I continue to pay what I consider “shakedown” rates, while trying to see how this isn’t criminal. I moved to Claremore from North Carolina two years ago and my auto insurance instantly tripled. I have an old Ford Ranger (1998), it might be worth two grand…tops…but, I was very fortunate and only paid 500 bucks for it. While in NC, I paid 32 dollars a month for bare bones, minimum coverage, and wasn’t very happy with that. Now I pay 92 dollars a month for the same truck, same coverage. I pay the sale price of the vehicle every 6 month, roughly. I recently found out that if I do get in a wreck, my truck won’t even factor in the damage total…the truck isn’t even covered at all. I’m only paying for potential personal injury. During 30 years behind the wheel, I’ve proven that I know what I’m doing. I see and hear about wrecks every day that are always for the same reason: faulty equipment behind the steering wheel. I know I’m not the only one who pays attention while I drive, but it seems so at times.
Wow…I feel a little better now, until next month when that bill comes due AGAIN.
-by Ron Feuling
