Enough with the Cell Phones

Everywhere I turn, it seems someone is yacking on a cell phone. I don't care where it is at. I have even heard someone talk on their cell phone while in the Port-o-Let. Has our society reached a point where continuous communication via phone is necessary? What happened to a simple face-to-face conversation? Let me explain some reasons why I feel cell phone usage has gotten out of hand.

Enough with the cell phones in cars. First, I like to take an informal survey whenever I am on the road sitting at a red light. I like to count 5 moving cars and see how many drivers are using their cell phone. Time after time, it seems to average 3 drivers on the phone. 3 out of 5 cannot even pull over to the side of the road for safety's purposes. I am amazed at the fact that money is spent on studies showing that using cell phones while driving provides a distraction. Gee, you really think so? I would have never guessed that. It is only a matter of time before we see an increase in accidents due to holding a cell phone while driving. There should be stiffer penalties for automobile cell phone usage. (Hands free talking is popular, but I believe it's still a distraction).

Enough with the cell phones in grocery stores and other retail outlets. I am tired of going to the grocery store and overhearing one-sided conversations where someone says "I'm at the grocery store now. Do we need milk?" Or, "I'm looking at all the cans and can't decide which one to buy." You get the drift. I even listened to a lady with a voice was so loud, I heard her in the next aisle. Unfortunately she came into my aisle and tortured me with her ramblings. I did not need to hear about how awful her boss was. I just wanted to get a good deal on my vegetables. Is there no such thing as a private conversation anymore? Give me a break.

Enough with the cell phones at public events. Concerts, theater, meetings, etc. They all at some time have been interrupted by people being too rude (or forgetful) to turn off their cell phones. I was once at a Mozart concert which was very enjoyable and relaxing. Suddenly, 'Stars and Stripes' plays at top volume. As much as I may enjoy 'Stars and Stripes', that wrecked the mood. The guy two rows back did not turn off his cell phone. I felt like going back to him, grabbing his phone, and tossing it out the door. I chickened out.

Enough with the cell phones being given to kids. Advertisers are marketing this group now, and it really is uncalled for. It is known as 'monitoring'. Do parents really think their kids cannot call from somewhere they're not supposed to be? All in the game of "call and check in"? Also, do the kids pay for their bills? I doubt it.

Cell phones have become are a necessary part of our lives, usually. They are so affordable, some people are discontinuing their home lines. There are many varieties, styles, and plans available.

Cell phones are great to have when an emergency occurs on the road, or away from home. For instance, before I owned a cell phone, I saw a man collapse in the midst of traffic. His wife was trying to flag someone down while he lay in the street. Had I owned a cell phone, I would have called 911 right then. Instead, I had to drive to a pay phone and call. By that time the ambulance and other assistance was there.

Another emergency situation where a cell phone would have been handy occurred when there was a beached dolphin. No one had a cell phone to call the emergency number. When I got home, I called, but it was too late. The dolphin had died. That was when I decided to buy a cell phone. It was not going to happen to me again. I am a firm believer in cell phones for emergencies.

NOTE: I knew cell phone usage had gotten out of hand when I was entertaining recently at a senior retirement community. Suddenly, I hear a loud, obnoxious tone. I looked over and saw an elderly lady begin to leave the room with her walker. She had her cell phone in her hand, was looking at it, and said ,"How do I use this thing?"