Breakin’ The Law.
Did you know that in Seattle, you can actually get a ticket for jaywalking? And it’s like $60? In New York that’s a $5 ticket (really), and if a cop tries to give it to you, you’re well within your rights to punch him in the face. Shocking, I know.
The reason that Seattle is so tough on jaywalking is that unlike New York, dealing drugs is apparently legal here, at least judging from practically every street corner between my house and Pioneer Square, leaving the police with absolutely nothing to do. And I mean, let’s face it, this makes sense. Unlike jaywalking, drug dealing provides troubled young people with jobs and income, which gives them a leg up that they can then use to buy more drugs. Seriously. The stimulus package ought to take notes from these guys.
Whereas jaywalking? Absolutely no social value. I mean, the two are definitely linked — for example, when I walk down Columbia on, say I, don’t know, the blocks between 23rd and 26th Aves, inclusive, and see the guys exchanging hand signals on the corner… I definitely do a little bit of jaywalking. Like, over to another street. Which means I’m getting more exercise! Thanks, Seattle! And not just at night — on 3rd & James sometimes I find myself going for a pleasant 9 AM jog!
