In Memory of...

When you look at the monuments different civilizations raise, it gives you a picture about what kind of people they were. The pyramids, l'Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower are just a few that come to mind. In the US, we have the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Washington Monument, and of course, SUV's.

"SUV's as monuments?" you say, "that's just crazy talk!" Yes, it is. Each time I see one I think the same thing.

You have seen these moving motored monuments, too, I'm sure. I'm speaking of car window stickers people attach to their rear windows that say things like "In loving memory of Stuey, 1806-2008," often with an outline of a kitty, or hand prints, or a hibiscus flower to accent it. It is interesting to me that the deceased is being honored by dedicating the family car to them. I'm not sure that would make me feel warm and fuzzy in my death. If you're going to have a monument in my honor, much better to hang a celebratory Kermit ornament from the Christmas tree each year than to put my name and death date on your car.

Also, stop with these:


Why are you telling everyone in the world who is in your family, and what their hobbies are, on your car? There are creepy people out there who would use that information for their own ends. Especially when you post their names on the car. Picture a strange man wandering past your driveway, and seeing young Timmy playing. He knows from the car that mom's name is Sue, and big sister is Tina. Creepy people use this kind of information. That's all I'm saying. I know that some of you are thinking of getting these stickers and possibly some of you already have them. That's fine. I'll just make fun of you.