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Okay. If you go blind from macular degeneration, and still have some vision, you are going to keep driving? That is perfectly acceptable to you?
That is the ultimate in self centered, narcissistic thinking. All about you. Who cares about anyone else....
And I guess by the same token you are fine with ALL people driving.... Until one hits you.
And this is precisely why some threads deserve the status of should non insisto. They devolve into finger-pointing, name calling, putting words in other's mouths accompanied by airs of superiority. Blah!
[quote=Escort Rider;28872308]First, I am not interested in your semantic quibbling about the difference between argument, discussion, and exchange of views. In a broad sense, it comes down to the same thing.
Second, I am not the one who complained about the revival of this thread; I merely wrote "Good point, but ....". I have long followed your advice, although it didn't come from you, not to even open a thread which doesn't interest me. This thread interests me, and that's why I have been participating in it. Can you say "overly sensitive over-reaction"?[/QUOTE]
Yes, I can. Two of your thoughtful posts (#363 and #366) did not show when I responded that way to you. I am reading them for the first time. Today I had occasion to "refresh" my browser. Not sure if that had anything to do with my not seeing your two posts. I just saw the one about "argument" when I responded.
Last edited by RiverBird; 03-28-2013 at 05:10 PM..
And this is precisely why some threads deserve the status of should non insisto. They devolve into finger-pointing, name calling, putting words in other's mouths accompanied by airs of superiority. Blah!
IIRC, dear Curmudgeon, were you not the one who "started it" with your "oh no it's back" comment?
Let's get a handle.
I am more than sympathetic to every one of us feeling the right to continue driving in very old age. I am NOT suggesting that just because we reach a certain age we must stop! Repeat!
I am saying that when family members know firsthand that their elderly relative must stop, that there should be a way for objective testing (which there is not, at least in my state, other than an annual vision test that many can bluff their way through) and a foolproof way to get them off the road.
My latest post was about whether I should get involved or not. I've since decided not to, because there would be consequences unfavorable to me that I didn't realize until it was pointed out to me by another sister. I would ONLY have gotten involved anyway if the two sons refused to do anything, which they are. I strongly believe, however, that it is ethical for anyone to get involved in cases like this if the family refuses to, as lives hang in the balance.
When you take out someone else - and not yourself - it could be classified as vehicular manslaughter.
If it's ALL ABOUT YOU.... well then - I hope you can sleep at night. I couldn't - and reported my inlaws. They STILL don't know we reported them. We saved their lives and very likely others' lives.
The laws have not kept up with the times.... and yes, in 20 years I will relinquish my driver's license and car....and will find other means and modes of transportation.
I value my life and the life of others. I feel for you, newenglandgirl - but you know I've been there - and honestly? If I were you I'd give a rat's pitoutie about having a relationship with my sister and my BIL if I knew his father was a danger to himself and the driving community.
It's just not worth the loss of life. Call the police.
My family also made certain that my 86 year old aunt - who just fell and broke her hip - no longer has her keys either. She had surgery, went to rehab - and then indicated she wanted to go home. This aunt was diagnosed with "memory problems" years ago. I went back to visit - and she and I went out for a drive to a local restaurant. She got turned around and lost almost instantly.
So when she indicated she was going home - How? we asked. "I can drive", she responded.
Oh hell NO.
She's home with a live-in attendant. She is not allowed to drive - and I hope my cousin is selling her car - stat.
My wife and I knew the most wonderful couple at one time, but sadly they have since passed. We cared a great deal for them both, but the lady was the most inspirational person I have ever known. She was born at the time before the Salk vaccine, and contracted polio at an early age. She wore a back brace, her whole life, anywhere she went, and I'm not sure of the cause, but she had lived the better part of her life with one eye, only. The amazing thing about this woman was that she drove up until she was 90 years old, with no accidents as far as I know. She didn't drive a long ways, when she went to town for something. Maybe 30 miles, roundtrip, but still amazing to me. She told me she could do all that she did because even though she was old, and handicapped, she still had " sense." After we first met, and I found out she only had one eye, I tried driving a short ways with one eye, and could not do it easily, at all. I suppose if I had to live my life with only one eye, I could learn to do things in spite of a handicap such as that. Still, an amazing feat if you ask me. She finally decided on her own to give up driving because a young man rear-ended her vehicle, and pushed her up onto some railroad tracks. It was too much for her to think that it could have been worse. The lucky thing about that day was that my wife and I were on the same road, going the opposite direction she was, and was passing by at the moment the accident occurred. I'm so glad we were, because her, and her friend had to be taken to the hospital, so she asked us to take her groceries to her house and put them away. I wanted to tell her story because she was very near and dear to us, and an inspiration to all who knew her. We so miss you Lydia.
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