Stopped by police

[Streetcar]

..."If it had been a random citizen asking you the same thing, would you still be insulted?" Streetcar asks. No, I wouldn’t.
The difference is that a cop in a uniform is an “official” person and in our society he, as a principal rule, is not supposed to talk to citizens unless he has observed something illegal or he is investigating a committed crime...

Wow. That is a truly sad state of affairs. Can you imagine not being able to tell someone "Good morning," "Nice day," or "How much do I owe you for the coffee?"

[GG]

Wow. That is a truly sad state of affairs. Can you imagine not being able to tell someone "Good morning," "Nice day," or "How much do I owe you for the coffee?"

OK. “Talk to” might not be the correct description. I should have written “ask questions” or something like that.
That said; to my experience Americans in general are by far more open minded and better at small talking than are we. Don’t misunderstand me. I like the way you do it.
But these, shall we say cultural differences, do that we don’t expect to be stopped in the street by a cop – unless he has a good reason to.
If he was standing in a bar having a cup of coffee it would be quite another matter. Then he is no longer “official” despite his uniform. Then he could make all the comments and ask all the questions he liked to.

A sad state of affairs? We don't think so.
Have a nice weekend!

Greg

[Dan R Porter]

Yesturday I was wearing my kilt and I ran into the gas station to purchase a couple things and the lady laughed and asked me what i was wearing. I replied "A t-shirt, but I am sure your asking about the kilt." she says "Kilt? what does that mean?" guess not everyone knows what a kilt is. I can only imagine her thoughts as I left. Last time I go to that gas station.

[mbhandy]

"Kilt? what does that mean?" guess not everyone knows what a kilt is. I can only imagine her thoughts as I left. Last time I go to that gas station.

Oh come on now, Give the Clerk a cheap thrill and go back. Sooner or latter she will ask you what you wear under your kilt and you get to give her all the standard replies and make her day.

MrBill