S – Signs of Our Times

S – Signs of Our Times

Sometimes the consequences of what’s true, can create problems that need further action. Trying to avoid the consequences, by making them the truth can also lead to other consequences. For example: 

Truthville was aptly named. It’s a little-known village in the heart of Long Island. You won’t find it on any map, but when you drive through the town and read the road signs, you will realize how many people you encounter on our roads must have come from there.

The Truthville legislature was very forward-thinking. They realized that limiting the number of road signs as to what drivers should do meant that they would need a better police force to control all those who chose not to be forewarned by the signs and ignored them. So why not invest money in creating signs that specify what drivers already do? It was a bit of an investment, but ultimately, it saved the village a lot of money and court time. However, insurance claims did go up.

Here are some of the changes that were made: 

Once these rules were implemented, the term Freeway had a different meaning. Several people that did live in Truthville, became very frustrated by these new rules since everyone followed them. Those individuals who had been driving against the rules before this change felt like they were being singled out. So they moved to different places on Long Island where they could break the rules as they did before. You can easily recognize them. They’re the ones you usually honk at. 

With these new rules in effect, the head sign maker (before he was forced to resign) decided to add a few more signs of his own. You should note that the head sign maker was a *logophile. Here are some of the adaptations he made. Some were additions to signs that already existed, and others were new signs, usually placed at the other end of the road or on other roads:

*a lover of words and wordplay  

As of this writing, control of the town is under discussion. It is believed that some individuals and organizations are seeking to buy out the town and take control of it for…well…I’m not sure what. Rumor is that they deal with motor vehicles, sales, and insurance and are looking to expand upon these signs. They appear to be well-funded and politically active.

Time will tell what the consequences of this buyout will be.