Two years ago I did something really stupid. Got caught driving without insurance TWICE within a week. Pennsylvania is overtly strict about that law. The 1st time they suspended my drivers license and Jeep tags, the 2nd time they permanently revoked both! And, like a good little ex-con that I am, I said fuck off and kept driving anyway using a series of stolen tags over the next two years. There was no jail time attached, just a $4,800 fine that I became recalcitrant toward because I had driven for 50 years without even so much as sparking ticket, dutifully paying my insurance the entire time like good little Boy Scout.
Eventually it all caught up with me. At first I enjoyed life on the open road. Drive to anywhere I felt like, crash there for a few days laid out in the back of my Jeep, then move on. I met some really amazing people. It was sort of romantic in the style of the American drifter. But... as COVID began its fateful plundering across America that romantic ideal became a bit stifling. I had no official ID. Motels and bars began requiring them. State agencies where Iād check in from time to time required valid ID for services. I couldnāt see my doctors or my psychiatrist. I couldnāt even vote in this last election! š
The worst was trying to get pre-op tests and exams done anywhere for my upcoming open heart surgery. And that was the final gut punch that told me I must get things right with the court. So.. I sat down and wrote a letter to the Judge explaining where Iād been over the last two years (heād actually issued 4 bench warrants, eep!) and telling him Iām sorry (see: crocodile tears š) and asking him how we can work this out.
Well... today I received a thick packet of paperwork stamped with official court looking graphics. Inside was a PAYMENT PLAN š and when I sign everything and send it back with the 1st payment heāll expunge all the warrants and I can finally get my ID back š
I felt just like Steve Martin in āThe Jerkā when he feels he is somebody after seeing his name in the phone book. The attached gif is from that scene in the movie.
Iāve been homeless long enough. With a valid ID I can begin to look for suitable housing, open a bank account, and finally rebuild my life. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to SG for helping to keep me sane all this time. And who knows...? Maybe Iāll come riding into your town and we can sit down over a coffee or a brewski (masks included! š·) and talk about the hand basket this Country seems to be going to hell in. Cheers!