The face of America
While driving on the Kennedy yesterday during rush hour (a situation I usually work hard to avoid), I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a guy I've come to think of as the Ultimate American.
First, he managed to cross 4 lanes of traffic, from the far left lane to his exit, in an incredible display of nerve. It's like he was able to drive sideways. And, though it seemed like he wasn't looking at all, he avoided sideswiping anyone by at least 6 inches.
True, he was in a German car -- a silver Mercedes sports coupe -- but even that, in these worldly times, seems like an utterly American declaration of status. Especially since so few Europeans drive such gas guzzlers any more.
But what really capped it was the cell phone he had (illegally) in once hand and (seriously!) the big, fat cigar he had in the other.
From now on, whenever I hear stories about the horrible image that people abroad have of America, I will think of this guy.
