There is something wrong when we, as a society, are satisfied with split-second response time on our computers and still have to wait minutes at a stop light when nobody's coming in either direction. How is it that we accept the technology that orchestrates multi-channel TV, Radio, the Satellite-links-transmittal of ether-wave signals that enhance our knowledge and entertainment - yet we settle for 1920's technology when it comes to traffic flow at intersections?

I know, I know, the technology exists to pace traffic, to be sensitive to oncoming vehicles and give the green light when it is safe to do so. Some places may have sensors and equipment that is traffic sensitive and which monitor flow patterns accordingly. But do you know specifically where to point to such an example? Even if you're in the minority that says "Yes! I can show you a place!",   you are also capable of pointing to thousands of intersections where little (or no) technology exists.

Why do we accept this status quo? The answer is quite simple - it would mean getting into local politics, expanding the local budget to handle the requisite expense for this technology. It would mean accepting responsibility for local issues, which might cause us to look closer to other issues such as local hospital care, care for the homeless, and responsible programs of education for our children and ourselves.

The reason we accept outmoded technology is that it works, it causes minor inconvenience in a commonly accepted manner, and we have better things to do. Perhaps this was true through the latter part of this century but if it persists long into the next millenia, we are going to be wondering how the (pick a society) got ahead of us, when we HAVE the TECHNOLOGY, DON'T YOU KNOW!?!