Here in Philadelphia (as in many places) it was a nasty, depressing winter. Then there was a war that very few people actually wanted. Gasoline prices went up, the stock market went down, and there was this pervasive sense of individual powerlessness that I think affected most people to some extent or another.

As we all realize, American Car Culture exists as a means by which people can actually buy and then deploy personal power. You may be a drone in your job, demeaned by your spouse, the onject of your children's ridicule, but by God, when you're behind the wheel you're as good as anybody and better than most.

I'm not surprised that the drivers are particularly aggressive and intolerant at the moment. And yes, I've noticed it too. People are unhappy and afraid, and it shows in their driving.

RichC