Are the rules meant to be broken?

I’m nothing special – in fact I’m a bit of a bore.

If I tell a joke, you’ve probably heard it before.

Some of you might be forgiven for thinking, “Phil’s just written a goodbye note to his career as a stand-up”.”

While the more musically-minded among you will have recognised the lyrics of “Thank You For The Music” and be thinking “Phil’s not only leaving comedy . . . he’s joining an ABBA tribute band!”

You’re all wide of the mark.

I’ve quoted Benny and Bjorn’s words because, while I’ve never thought of myself as anything special, I’ve noticed there are many people around today who believe they’re so special that the laws and rules that we’re supposed to abide by don’t actually apply to them.

I’m referring to . . .

Drivers who blithely ignore speed restrictions on motorways.

Motorists and cyclists who think a red traffic light means they alone can proceed while everyone must come to a halt.

And passengers sitting in the Quiet Carriage of Inter City trains – where mobile ‘phones and personal stereos are ‘verboten’ – who ‘must’ leave their mobiles on because they’re so important.

Isn’t it amazing that industry and the business world managed to survive before the invention of mobile phones?

When their ‘phone inevitably rings – and I guarantee their annoyingly ‘quirky’ ring tone will always be eardrum shatteringly loud – they leap out of their seats and head to the vestibule between carriages shouting into the ‘phone, “Hang on a minute John/Garry/Marcus . . . I’m in the Quiet Carriage!” while the rest of us seethe, “Well it was quiet until now, you thoughtless twonk!”

There’s more . . .

This is taken from a Government website –

It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones or similar devices.

The statement couldn’t be clearer.

Yet we see people ignore it every day.

These motoring morons regard themselves as above the Law – the modern-day equivalent of Wild West gunslingers.

But, whereas many outlaws died at High Noon, idiotic iPhone imbeciles could be destined to die at High Speed while making ‘vitally important’ phone calls (“See the match last night?”) or sending ‘urgent’ texts (“C.U. down the pub later”).

I’m fascinated by the thought processes of these individuals – if indeed they’re capable of processing thoughts.

While aware they’re breaking the law, they go ahead anyway because they believe the usual rules don’t apply to them.

Is this arrogance or ignorance?

It’s no good asking me.

I’m nothing special . . .