Exhuming McCarthy

Those of you who are hip know that I just made a reference to an R.E.M. song. Those of you who aren't might catch the connection when I say that I just watched "Good Night and Good Luck."

Well, I have been a basketcase lately. Not that anyone has noticed. But I have had a lot on my mind, not the least of which was this story of Stephan Orsak who was stopped while attemping to ride his bike away from MSP airport http://www.greencycles.blogspot.com/ It has turned out favorably in his defense. I have to admit that I had several conversations with people for and against his case. All were cyclists and I was shocked and appalled at those cyclists who labelled him an "idiot" for not obeying police orders. I have one thing to ask: If a cop told me I had to jump over a bridge, would I? Would you? Is it wrong to question a police officer when you know they are NOT upholding the law? It shouldn't be. And in this era of post-911 hysteria we should not forget our civil rights, nor should the police eschew those civil rights. GOVERNMENT BE DAMNED. And my one friend who said you should do whatever the police tell you to do, no questions asked -- well, quite simply -- you're wrong.