CA State Senator rear ends another driver while talking on cell.

[wetech]

While the hypocrisy here is self evident, I was more suprised by the fact that she was driving a brand new state-issued $30,000 SUV. This is after turning in her state-issued $45,000 Cadillac. No wonder Cali's going broke.

Link

A Vallejo woman reportedly suffered minor injuries Friday when her car was rear-ended by an SUV driven by a state senator talking on a cell phone while driving through Solano County.

State Sen. Carole Migden, D-San Francisco, was driving her new state-issued 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV at 10:40 a.m. on eastbound Highway 12 at Beck Avenue when she rear-ended Ellen Butawan, 31, of Vallejo, California Highway Patrol Officer Marvin Williford said.

Butawan's 2005 Honda sedan was slowing behind a 2003 GMC Savana van that had stopped at a red light, Williford said. The impact forced Butawan's car into the rear of the van, driven by Bob Jordan, 57, of Turlock.

Butawan complained of pain after the three-vehicle smashup and went to NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield after the crash as a precautionary measure, Williford said.

Migden, 58, accepted blame Friday for the accident.

The collision remains under investigation, but it appears Migden took the wrong exit, inadvertently going on the eastbound I-80 connector onto eastbound Highway 12, Williford said. She was looking for a way to get back onto the freeway when she crashed into Butawan's vehicle, he said.

Migden's sobriety was verified by officers using a hand-held breath-testing unit, even though there was nothing to indicate she had been drinking, Williford said.
"It was just a precaution," he said.

Her SUV, which she recently swapped for her taxpayer-funded 2005 Cadillac STS, sustained a dented front grill that kept the hood from closing properly. It was towed to the Fairfield CHP office, where officers used a coat hanger and duct-tape to secure it, before Migden drove it away to a meeting in Marin County.

Migden last year voted for a new law that takes effect in July 2008 that will impose a minimum fine of $20 for anyone caught using a cell phone while driving without a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands.

 

[EagleKeeper]

What justification is there for her to be driving a SUV?

A simple Chevy/Buick from the motor pool should suffice.

And why does she require a state issued vehicle in the first place?

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Ohh the ironing....

 

[Sinsear]

At least it was a hybrid...

 

[wazzledoozle]

Government workers should have to buy their own vehicles... what BS.

 

[Jaskalas]

Originally posted by: wazzledoozle
Government workers should have to buy their own vehicles... what BS.

It's California, as far as their concerned there IS no entity that isn't/shouldn't be under the government.

 

[WiseOldDude]

Elected officials can drive their own damn car, or take the bus.

 

[BoberFett]

Let's hear it for hypocrisy!

I'll also point out that it's a Democrat. Now where are Craig234 and the other zealots to defend her, claiming that the only reason this happened was because of evil Republicans?

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Let's hear it for hypocrisy!

I'll also point out that it's a Democrat. Now where are Craig234 and the other zealots to defend her, claiming that the only reason this happened was because of evil Republicans?

What? You're like a 3 year-old, you ideological poopyhead!

 

[Aisengard]

There's no reason to talk on your cell phone while driving. Many studies have shown that driving while talking on your cell phone, hands-free or otherwise doesn't make a difference, is similar to driving while intoxicated. There needs to be a full-on ban of driving while talking on a cell phone.

I think the problem is that when on your phone, you need to concentrate on some little sound coming out of a tinny speaker. Notice that when talking to a person right next to you, you're not as distracted, even though you can be carrying on a full conversation. Cell phones need a way to be routed through your car's speaker system, thereby negating the need to concentrate on a tiny sound. Also notice that driving with headphones on is scary and disorienting. Same deal.

 

[marincounty]

Originally posted by: wetech
While the hypocrisy here is self evident, I was more suprised by the fact that she was driving a brand new state-issued $30,000 SUV. This is after turning in her state-issued $45,000 Cadillac. No wonder Cali's going broke.

Link

A Vallejo woman reportedly suffered minor injuries Friday when her car was rear-ended by an SUV driven by a state senator talking on a cell phone while driving through Solano County.

State Sen. Carole Migden, D-San Francisco, was driving her new state-issued 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV at 10:40 a.m. on eastbound Highway 12 at Beck Avenue when she rear-ended Ellen Butawan, 31, of Vallejo, California Highway Patrol Officer Marvin Williford said.

Butawan's 2005 Honda sedan was slowing behind a 2003 GMC Savana van that had stopped at a red light, Williford said. The impact forced Butawan's car into the rear of the van, driven by Bob Jordan, 57, of Turlock.

Butawan complained of pain after the three-vehicle smashup and went to NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield after the crash as a precautionary measure, Williford said.

Migden, 58, accepted blame Friday for the accident.

The collision remains under investigation, but it appears Migden took the wrong exit, inadvertently going on the eastbound I-80 connector onto eastbound Highway 12, Williford said. She was looking for a way to get back onto the freeway when she crashed into Butawan's vehicle, he said.

Migden's sobriety was verified by officers using a hand-held breath-testing unit, even though there was nothing to indicate she had been drinking, Williford said.
"It was just a precaution," he said.

Her SUV, which she recently swapped for her taxpayer-funded 2005 Cadillac STS, sustained a dented front grill that kept the hood from closing properly. It was towed to the Fairfield CHP office, where officers used a coat hanger and duct-tape to secure it, before Migden drove it away to a meeting in Marin County.

Migden last year voted for a new law that takes effect in July 2008 that will impose a minimum fine of $20 for anyone caught using a cell phone while driving without a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands.

What hypocrisy? The law hasn't taken effect yet. And she is a state senator, and they are allowed a car allowance . Get over it .
Your hero Ahnold is riding in SUVs with CHP escorts, and flys around in private jets,
so what. Get over your jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular.
There seems to be a strain of right-wing politics that deems it NOT OK for a democrat to be wealthy.
If you want to ride in a govt provided vehicle, get your self elected to the state senate, and enjoy.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: marincounty
What hypocrisy? The law hasn't taken effect yet. And she is a state senator, and they are allowed a car allowance . Get over it .
Your hero Ahnold is riding in SUVs with CHP escorts, and flys around in private jets,
so what. Get over your jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular.
There seems to be a strain of right-wing politics that deems it NOT OK for a democrat to be wealthy.
If you want to ride in a govt provided vehicle, get your self elected to the state senate, and enjoy.

Ah, yes... 2 wrongs make a right, "your hero" McOwen-isms, partisan nonsense, wingnuts flying, and elitism. Right on schedule. This forum never fails to deliver.

Why is it that, with partisans, what's good for goose is never good for the gander and vice versa?

 

[marincounty]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: marincounty
What hypocrisy? The law hasn't taken effect yet. And she is a state senator, and they are allowed a car allowance . Get over it .
Your hero Ahnold is riding in SUVs with CHP escorts, and flys around in private jets,
so what. Get over your jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular.
There seems to be a strain of right-wing politics that deems it NOT OK for a democrat to be wealthy.
If you want to ride in a govt provided vehicle, get your self elected to the state senate, and enjoy.

Ah, yes... 2 wrongs make a right, "your hero" McOwen-isms, partisan nonsense, wingnuts flying, and elitism. Right on schedule. This forum never fails to deliver.

Why is it that, with partisans, what's good for goose is never good for the gander and vice versa?

Why is that wingnuts always scream "partisan nonsense"?
I don't care that a state senator has a state vehicle or that the governor uses police escorts and flys on expensive private jets. These are the executives for the state of California, and we don't need them taking taxis or flying commercial.
Do you think equivalent people in the private sector don't get some privileges?
RHIP. Rank Has Its Privileges.

 

[JD50]

Originally posted by: marincounty

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: marincounty
What hypocrisy? The law hasn't taken effect yet. And she is a state senator, and they are allowed a car allowance . Get over it .
Your hero Ahnold is riding in SUVs with CHP escorts, and flys around in private jets,
so what. Get over your jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular.
There seems to be a strain of right-wing politics that deems it NOT OK for a democrat to be wealthy.
If you want to ride in a govt provided vehicle, get your self elected to the state senate, and enjoy.

Ah, yes... 2 wrongs make a right, "your hero" McOwen-isms, partisan nonsense, wingnuts flying, and elitism. Right on schedule. This forum never fails to deliver.

Why is it that, with partisans, what's good for goose is never good for the gander and vice versa?

Why is that wingnuts always scream "partisan nonsense"?
I don't care that a state senator has a state vehicle or that the governor uses police escorts and flys on expensive private jets. These are the executives for the state of California, and we don't need them taking taxis or flying commercial.
Do you think equivalent people in the private sector don't get some privileges?
RHIP. Rank Has Its Privileges.

I know that you feel some need to defend Democrats at all cost, but are you honestly saying that you don't see the hypocrisy in someone using a cell phone while driving that voted for a law that makes it illegal for everyone else to do the same? Or the hypocrisy of a Democrat, the party that is religiously trying to make everyone believe in man made global warming and that its our fault because we drive SUVs, driving an SUV?

I don't care what they do either, the part that pisses me off is that they tell me that I can't do it, but for some reason they can. Just another example of a "do as I say not as I do" politician.

 

[wetech]

Hmm.... where to start.

Originally posted by: marincounty
What hypocrisy? The law hasn't taken effect yet.

You honestly don't see the hypocrisy when someone causes an accident while talking on a cell phone after voting for a law to punish people for doing the same due to public safety concerns? Your excuse is that the law hasn't come into effect yet? Seriously... that's the best you can come up with?

And she is a state senator, and they are allowed a car allowance . Get over it .

I'm fine with them having a car allowance, provided that the car is used for official purposes only. Although I would be more in favor of just reimbursing them for business travel like most companies do. What I do have a problem with is the level of the car provided. There's no reason she needs a $30,000 - $45,000 car to do her traveling. Give her a KIA.

Your hero Ahnold is riding in SUVs with CHP escorts, and flys around in private jets,
so what. Get over your jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular.
There seems to be a strain of right-wing politics that deems it NOT OK for a democrat to be wealthy.
If you want to ride in a govt provided vehicle, get your self elected to the state senate, and enjoy.

Why is Arnold my hero? I purposely left out the fact that she's got a (D) after her name. I would be just as pissed with a Republican. You're the one who brought up the party, so take your "right-wing politics" BS and stick it.

Regarding my "jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular": Let's say I'm doing just fine, I get a company car [but I'm not asking Joe Taxpayer to flip the bill], I have no reason to be jealous. And again, I couldn't give a flying f@#K if she's a democrat or not.

Originally posted by: marincounty

Originally posted by: Vic
Ah, yes... 2 wrongs make a right, "your hero" McOwen-isms, partisan nonsense, wingnuts flying, and elitism. Right on schedule. This forum never fails to deliver.

Why is it that, with partisans, what's good for goose is never good for the gander and vice versa?

Why is that wingnuts always scream "partisan nonsense"?

You're the idiot who started with the "right-wing politics" and "jealousy of Democrats."

I don't care that a state senator has a state vehicle or that the governor uses police escorts and flys on expensive private jets. These are the executives for the state of California, and we don't need them taking taxis or flying commercial.
Do you think equivalent people in the private sector don't get some privileges?
RHIP. Rank Has Its Privileges.

Not when it's on my dime. Like I said before, either reimburse for milage, or get a cheap car that get's from point A to point B, they don't need a Caddy.

 

[marincounty]

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: marincounty

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: marincounty
What hypocrisy? The law hasn't taken effect yet. And she is a state senator, and they are allowed a car allowance . Get over it .
Your hero Ahnold is riding in SUVs with CHP escorts, and flys around in private jets,
so what. Get over your jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular.
There seems to be a strain of right-wing politics that deems it NOT OK for a democrat to be wealthy.
If you want to ride in a govt provided vehicle, get your self elected to the state senate, and enjoy.

Ah, yes... 2 wrongs make a right, "your hero" McOwen-isms, partisan nonsense, wingnuts flying, and elitism. Right on schedule. This forum never fails to deliver.

Why is it that, with partisans, what's good for goose is never good for the gander and vice versa?

Why is that wingnuts always scream "partisan nonsense"?
I don't care that a state senator has a state vehicle or that the governor uses police escorts and flys on expensive private jets. These are the executives for the state of California, and we don't need them taking taxis or flying commercial.
Do you think equivalent people in the private sector don't get some privileges?
RHIP. Rank Has Its Privileges.

I know that you feel some need to defend Democrats at all cost, but are you honestly saying that you don't see the hypocrisy in someone using a cell phone while driving that voted for a law that makes it illegal for everyone else to do the same? Or the hypocrisy of a Democrat, the party that is religiously trying to make everyone believe in man made global warming and that its our fault because we drive SUVs, driving an SUV?

I don't care what they do either, the part that pisses me off is that they tell me that I can't do it, but for some reason they can. Just another example of a "do as I say not as I do" politician.

No, I don't even like Carol Migden, this isn't a partisan thing.
Yes, this may be a funny tidbit for some on the right- Quit watching Fox News.
I get it, its fine for right-wingers to drive SUVs and make lots of money, but its bad for liberals to drive SUVs and make a lot of money.
By the way, the Republican Governor drives Hummers and is pushing the Global warming low-carbon fuels thing? Huh?

 

[wetech]

Originally posted by: marincounty
No, I don't even like Carol Migden, this isn't a partisan thing.
Yes, this may be a funny tidbit for some on the right- Quit watching Fox News.
I get it, its fine for right-wingers to drive SUVs and make lots of money, but its bad for liberals to drive SUVs and make a lot of money.
By the way, the Republican Governor drives Hummers and is pushing the Global warming low-carbon fuels thing? Huh?

Ignoring my post above about how this isn't a R/D, Left/Right thing? Again, you were the first one to bring up political affiliation. And what does this have to do with anyone making a lot of money? I'm talking about the CA taxpayers spending $75,000 for cars for this idiot who can't even follow the very laws she voted for.

FYI, Arnold converted his Hummer to a hybrid.

 

[shira]

A Vallejo woman reportedly suffered minor injuries Friday when her car was rear-ended by an SUV driven by a state senator talking on a cell phone while driving through Solano County.
.
.
.

Migden last year voted for a new law that takes effect in July 2008 that will impose a minimum fine of $20 for anyone caught using a cell phone while driving without a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands.

As has already been pointed out, the law isn't in effect yet, so where's the hypocrisy?

Also, has it been established that Migden was NOT using a headset? "Talking on a cell phone while driving" doesn't tell us anything.

 

[ayabe]

This just further reinforces my supposition that women shouldn't be allowed to drive. :shocked:


I share the opinion that she shouldn't be issued a car on the taxpayers dime. But if they must give them a car for free it should be a Prius of even one of the non-hybrid small compact cars that have come out in the last couple years. This is just for basic transportation of herself basically so no need for a large car. Especially a Cadillac, that's a luxury car, gimme a break.

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: wetech

Originally posted by: marincounty
No, I don't even like Carol Migden, this isn't a partisan thing.
Yes, this may be a funny tidbit for some on the right- Quit watching Fox News.
I get it, its fine for right-wingers to drive SUVs and make lots of money, but its bad for liberals to drive SUVs and make a lot of money.
By the way, the Republican Governor drives Hummers and is pushing the Global warming low-carbon fuels thing? Huh?

Ignoring my post above about how this isn't a R/D, Left/Right thing? Again, you were the first one to bring up political affiliation. And what does this have to do with anyone making a lot of money? I'm talking about the CA taxpayers spending $75,000 for cars for this idiot who can't even follow the very laws she voted for.

FYI, Arnold converted his Hummer to a hybrid.

Actually, I was the first to bring up the fact that she's a Democrat, because I hate hypocrites.

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: shira

A Vallejo woman reportedly suffered minor injuries Friday when her car was rear-ended by an SUV driven by a state senator talking on a cell phone while driving through Solano County.
.
.
.

Migden last year voted for a new law that takes effect in July 2008 that will impose a minimum fine of $20 for anyone caught using a cell phone while driving without a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands.

As has already been pointed out, the law isn't in effect yet, so where's the hypocrisy?

Also, has it been established that Migden was NOT using a headset? "Talking on a cell phone while driving" doesn't tell us anything.

Some of you sure are stupid. She voted for the law to ban cellphones while driving. That means she must believe that the practice of talking on a cellphone while driving is wrong. She still does it herself. She's a hypocrite. It's not that difficult. Either she doesn't believe it's dangerous and voting for the law was disingenuous, or she does think it's dangerous and doesn't care because she's a politician and above the law. Either way, she's a disgusting example of politician's thinking they are our masters, not our servants.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: shira

A Vallejo woman reportedly suffered minor injuries Friday when her car was rear-ended by an SUV driven by a state senator talking on a cell phone while driving through Solano County.
.
.
.

Migden last year voted for a new law that takes effect in July 2008 that will impose a minimum fine of $20 for anyone caught using a cell phone while driving without a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands.

As has already been pointed out, the law isn't in effect yet, so where's the hypocrisy?

Also, has it been established that Migden was NOT using a headset? "Talking on a cell phone while driving" doesn't tell us anything.

Some of you sure are stupid. She voted for the law to ban cellphones while driving. That means she must believe that the practice of talking on a cellphone while driving is wrong. She still does it herself. She's a hypocrite. It's not that difficult. Either she doesn't believe it's dangerous and voting for the law was disingenuous, or she does think it's dangerous and doesn't care because she's a politician and above the law. Either way, she's a disgusting example of politician's thinking they are our masters, not our servants.

It blows my mind the lengths the left will defend hypocrits like this pig. The law hasnt been enacted yet? That is your excuse? Seriously, one of the most pathetic I have heard yet.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: shira

A Vallejo woman reportedly suffered minor injuries Friday when her car was rear-ended by an SUV driven by a state senator talking on a cell phone while driving through Solano County.
.
.
.

Migden last year voted for a new law that takes effect in July 2008 that will impose a minimum fine of $20 for anyone caught using a cell phone while driving without a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands.

As has already been pointed out, the law isn't in effect yet, so where's the hypocrisy?

Also, has it been established that Migden was NOT using a headset? "Talking on a cell phone while driving" doesn't tell us anything.

Had there been any defense for her actions; her press release would have been out immediately to defuse the issue.

 

[JD50]

Originally posted by: marincounty

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: marincounty

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: marincounty
What hypocrisy? The law hasn't taken effect yet. And she is a state senator, and they are allowed a car allowance . Get over it .
Your hero Ahnold is riding in SUVs with CHP escorts, and flys around in private jets,
so what. Get over your jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular.
There seems to be a strain of right-wing politics that deems it NOT OK for a democrat to be wealthy.
If you want to ride in a govt provided vehicle, get your self elected to the state senate, and enjoy.

Ah, yes... 2 wrongs make a right, "your hero" McOwen-isms, partisan nonsense, wingnuts flying, and elitism. Right on schedule. This forum never fails to deliver.

Why is it that, with partisans, what's good for goose is never good for the gander and vice versa?

Why is that wingnuts always scream "partisan nonsense"?
I don't care that a state senator has a state vehicle or that the governor uses police escorts and flys on expensive private jets. These are the executives for the state of California, and we don't need them taking taxis or flying commercial.
Do you think equivalent people in the private sector don't get some privileges?
RHIP. Rank Has Its Privileges.

I know that you feel some need to defend Democrats at all cost, but are you honestly saying that you don't see the hypocrisy in someone using a cell phone while driving that voted for a law that makes it illegal for everyone else to do the same? Or the hypocrisy of a Democrat, the party that is religiously trying to make everyone believe in man made global warming and that its our fault because we drive SUVs, driving an SUV?

I don't care what they do either, the part that pisses me off is that they tell me that I can't do it, but for some reason they can. Just another example of a "do as I say not as I do" politician.

No, I don't even like Carol Migden, this isn't a partisan thing.
Yes, this may be a funny tidbit for some on the right- Quit watching Fox News.
I get it, its fine for right-wingers to drive SUVs and make lots of money, but its bad for liberals to drive SUVs and make a lot of money.
By the way, the Republican Governor drives Hummers and is pushing the Global warming low-carbon fuels thing? Huh?

Feel free to actually read my post and respond to it.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: marincounty
What hypocrisy? The law hasn't taken effect yet. And she is a state senator, and they are allowed a car allowance . Get over it .
Your hero Ahnold is riding in SUVs with CHP escorts, and flys around in private jets,
so what. Get over your jealousy of rich people and Democrats in particular.
There seems to be a strain of right-wing politics that deems it NOT OK for a democrat to be wealthy.
If you want to ride in a govt provided vehicle, get your self elected to the state senate, and enjoy.

Ah, yes... 2 wrongs make a right, "your hero" McOwen-isms, partisan nonsense, wingnuts flying, and elitism. Right on schedule. This forum never fails to deliver.

Why is it that, with partisans, what's good for goose is never good for the gander and vice versa?

McOwen-ism chiming in.

While better if she drove her own car I'm sure Taxpayers would be paying more because of write-offs etc.

At least it is a hybrid which means the Politician is using less gas than most of the resident Republican pundits on here doing the complaining as they drive their gas guzzling SUV's.

Oh the ironing is right.

The Republicans never fail to deliver either.

o Kalifornia :thumbsup: