I remember after I transferred from UK in 1973 to Fork U and drinking age was 19, if you had to much to drink, the Tempe police would simply take your drunk ass home unless you were disturbing the peace like shooting out street lights. Then they would toss you in the slammer until you dried out and went before the judge. You could expect a fine for " Disturbing the Peace" and released after agreeing to a restitution pay plan for the repair cost of your naughty behavior.Back in the 1970's when we were having all of those gas issues the Federal Government lowered the speed limit to 55 MPH. Probably one of the dumbest things a government could do but some egg head politician from up North in a crowded city probably thought nobody drives over 55.
Well we were driving from Florida to Arizona to visit a dying uncle. He moved out there after getting black lung working in the Kentucky coal mines. I had a 1968 Mercury Cougar that would flat out fly. One of the fast cars I have owned. So somewhere in the middle of Texas with nobody in sight I eased her up to 90 mph and put on the cruise control. On up the road was a Texas State Trooper parked in a little park area with picnic tables. I just flew by him knowing any minute he was coming after me.
A few miles down the road I saw him in my rear view mirror but he did not have on his lights or siren. So I kept going and he pulled up beside of me and tipped his hat with a smile. I guess he saw my Florida plates and thought that boy ain't go no sense so no use in telling him to slow down.
But there is more to the story. I pulled into a truck stop and there he was again. He came up to me and said 55 is a dumb law isn't it and I said I reckon it is. Then he gave me a valuable tip. He said if I was going through San Angelo to watch out because their sheriff has speed traps set up. I thanked him and I did hold it under 55. I always want to support the local sheriff.
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