Driving while Black

Posted on: November 25th, 2007 by ecthompson md No Comments

House in Highland Park, Tx

This is something that happens with greater frequency than most Americans realize. Driving while Black. In Dallas, during the late 70's and early 80's I was pulled over many times. I was usually pulled over because I was driving a nice car, in a nice neighborhood. I was young at the time. I had a routine. I turned the interior lights on so that everyone who wanted to see into the car could see everything. I would have my driver's license and insurance card ready for the police officer. I was polite. Yes, Sir. No, Sir. I answered all of his questions quickly and concisely. I had no intention of going to jail and no intention of being an "accident".

Now, to be honest. I did drive fast in those days and I did get tickets for speeding from time to time. But what I'm talking about is the weaving charge. It is a subjective reason to check out someone. If this kind of thing happened only once or twice, then it would be no big deal. It happens all of the time. I bet I got pulled over 3 to 4 times per year. I was never pulled over when I had one of my white friends in the car. It was almost always when I was by myself and driving in a very nice neighborhood. Finally, I must say that I haven't been pulled over for DWB in years.

This interview with Representative Danny Davis is stupid. The questions are mind-numbingly simple.

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