[GCFL-discuss] "Ten Commandments'' for drivers.

[Discussion of the Good, Clean Funnies List]

Did you see this?  It was on the radio news here in NY.

<http://www.wcbs880.com/pages/594321.php?contentType=4&contentId=620967>
Posted: Tuesday, 19 June 2007 8:46AM

Vatican Issues Road Rage Advice

VATICAN CITY (AP) -- There's a new ``Ten Commandments'' -- this one
issued by the Vatican, for drivers.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL "GUIDELINES FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF THE ROAD"
FROM THE VATICAN.
<http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/20451.php?index=20451&l
ang=en> 
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LIST OF 'TEN COMMANDMENTS' FOR DRIVERS.
An unusual document from the Vatican's office for migrants and itinerant
people also warned that cars can be ``an occasion of sin'' -
particularly when they are used for dangerous passing or for
prostitution.

It warned about the effects of road rage, saying driving can bring out
``primitive'' behavior in motorists, including ``impoliteness, rude
gestures, cursing, blasphemy, loss of sense of responsibility or
deliberate infringement of the highway code.''

It urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, drive with a moral
sense, and to pray when behind the wheel.

Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office, told a news conference
that the Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of
motorists because driving had become such a big part of contemporary
life.

He noted that the Bible was full of people on the move, including Mary
and Joseph, the parents of Jesus - and that his office is tasked with
dealing with all ``itinerant'' people - including refugees, prostitutes,
truck drivers and the homeless.

``We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2
million people die each year on the roads,'' Martino said. ``That's a
sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge for society and the
church.''

The document, ``Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road,'' extols
the benefits of driving - family outings, getting the sick to the
hospital, allowing people to see other cultures.

But it laments a host of ills associated with automobiles: drivers use
their cars to show off; driving ``provides an easy opportunity to
dominate others'' by speeding; drivers can kill themselves and others if
they don't get their cars regular tuneups, if they drink, use drugs or
fall asleep at the wheel.

It also pointed the finger at traffic problems particular to Rome:
``Danger also derives from city cars, which are driven by youngsters and
adults who do not have (full) driving licenses, and the reckless use of
motorbikes and motorcycles.''

It called for drivers to obey speed limits and to exercise a host of
Christian virtues: charity to fellow drivers, prudence on the roads,
hope of arriving safely and justice in the event of crashes.

And it suggested prayer might come in handy - making the sign of the
cross before starting off and saying the rosary along the way. The
rosary was particularly well suited to recitation by all in the car
since its ``rhythm and gentle repetition does not distract the driver's
attention.''

The document is intended for bishops conferences around the world, and
as such offered recommendations for their pastoral workers, including
setting up chapels along motorways and having ``periodic celebration of
liturgies'' at major road hubs, truck stops and restaurants.

The ``Drivers' Ten Commandments,'' as listed by the document, are:
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not
of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen
events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of
accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and
an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they
are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate
time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
(c) MMVII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Audio Content
and Graphic Content (c) MMVII WCBS-AM 880


Zvi Freund



----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This message and any included attachments are from Siemens Medical Solutions
and are intended only for the addressee(s).
The information contained herein may include trade secrets or privileged or
otherwise confidential information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing,
copying, distributing, or using such information is strictly prohibited and may
be unlawful. If you received this message in error, or have reason to believe
you are not authorized to receive it, please promptly delete this message and
notify the sender by e-mail with a copy to Central.SecurityOffice at siemens.com

Thank you
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://gcfl.net/pipermail/gcfl-discuss/attachments/20070620/5d9dceef/attachment.htm